Call for 2017 PostGraduate Studies in the Mathematical Sciences Department
The Mathematical Sciences Department at Chancellor College is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for the 2017 Intake in the following PostGraduate Programmes:
a) Master of Science in Biostatistics
b) Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences
c) Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics
d) Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics
e) Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics
f) Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Mathematics
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOSTATISTICS
This is a 2-year programme, offered through block-releases, involving coursework and thesis work.
Core modules: 1) Data Management, Practical Statistics and Academic writing, 2) Probability & Distribution Theory, 3) Generalized Linear Models, 4) Statistical Inference, 5) Time-to-event data analysis, 6) Longitudinal data analysis, 7) Clinical Trials, and 8) Principles of Epidemiology.
Electives: Multivariate data analysis, Bayesian data analysis, Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, Stochastic processes, Spatial statistics, Statistical quality control, Programme Monitoring & Evaluation, Advanced Survey Design Methods, Measure and Probability Theory, Queuing Theory
Eligibility: Candidate must have strong Bachelor’s degree, majored in Statistics, with strong background in Mathematics from recognized university. Selected candidates with deficiency in some Mathematics/Statistics will be asked to attend bridging course prior to enrollment.
Scholarships: Limited full scholarships will be available under the DELTAS Sub-Saharan Africa Consortium for Advanced Biostatistics Training (SSACAB) project, to selected applicants having Statistics degree with at least credit, and aged below 35 years.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES
This is a 2-year full-time programme with two components; course work and thesis work.
Year One Modules: 1) Linear and Nonlinear Optimization, 2) Financial Mathematics, 3) Numerical Partial Differential Equations, 4) Fluid Mechanics, 5) Algebraic Graph Theory, 6) Advanced Graph Theory, 7) Stochastic Processes, 8) Cryptography and 9) Measure and Probability Theory. Candidates are required to complete a research project and submit thesis at the end of Year Two.
Eligibility criteria: Applicants MUST have a Bachelor’s degree majoring in Mathematics with at least credit or a strong pass with at least 2 years of relevant work experience.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (Ph.D.) PROGRAMMES (BY RESEARCH)
These are 3-5 year full-time PhD programmes by research, including supervisor guided reading. During the entire period of study, candidates should be prepared to devote at least 90 hours of teaching MSc or tutoring undergraduate students in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Chancellor College, which is equivalent to offering 3 modules.
Academic Requirements
Applicants to be considered under PhD in Biostatistics/Statistics should have strong Master’s degree in Statistics/Biostatistics from recognized university as well as strong Bachelors degree in Statistics/Mathematics. Whereas those to be considered for PhD in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics should have strong Masters degree in Mathematics/Applied Maths and a Bachelors degree in Mathematics.
TUITION FEES
Successful applicants for Masters programmes will be required to pay USD6,000 in Malawi Kwacha equivalent for the entire two- year period and USD300 per module for those attending bridging course. Tuition fee for PhD programmes is USD5,500.00 per academic year payable in Malawi Kwacha equivalent.
APPLICATION PACKAGE
For Masters programmes, application should include; 1) filled PG1 form (upon request from Department Secretary at sec.maths@cc.ac.mw), 2) Copy of Degree certificate, 3) Academic transcript, 4) curriculum vitae, 5) evidence of ability to pay fees, and 6) proof of payment of non-refundable application fee of K11,000 for local applicants and US$30 for international applicants, payable through Bank deposit to Chanco-Faculty of Science (Acc No. 1094308 held at National Bank, Zomba, Swift Code: NBMAMWMW).
For Ph.D. programmes, complete application package should include: 1) Letter of motivation explaining why you want to pursue the chosen PhD programme, 2) Copies of academic transcripts, 3) Copies of degree certificates, 4) Concept note, not exceeding 5 pages, 5) Two confidential referee reports, 6) Sample of written academic work of which the applicant is the primary author e.g. Masters’ thesis report, journal article, 7) Curriculum vitae, 8) Proof of payment of non-refundable application fee of K11,000 for local and US$100 for international applicants, payable through bank deposit or transfer to the above account.
It is highly recommended for PhD applicants to pre-identify academic supervisors who are specialists in the proposed research areas. The university requires that the main PhD supervisor should be at the level of at least Associate Professor. The main supervisor need not be from University of Malawi, as the university encourages collaborative supervision. Applicants with pre-identified supervisors will have added advantage.
PhD Scholarship Opportunity
Successful candidates for PhD in Biostatistics will be eligible to compete for the available regional DELTAS project Fellowship that covers: 1) Tuition fees and basic medical and accident insurance, 2) A monthly stipend to cover accommodation and living expenses, 3) Reasonable support for the PhD research project and supervision, 4) Bench fees to research institution hosting the PhD student, and 5) Travel costs to and from academic training institution and the host research institution.
All applications should be addressed to:
The Registrar, Chancellor College, P.O. Box 280, Zomba, Malawi, email: registrar@cc.ac.mw; Copy to sec.maths@cc.ac.mw.
Deadline for receiving applications in all the programmes is 31st March 2017.
More details can be accessed on the website http://biostat.maths.cc.ac.mw/ or contact respective coordinators: Mr. Tsirizani Kaombe (MSc in Biostatistics) on 0888 443 536; Dr. Charles Fodya (MSc & PhD in Mathematics) on 0999466594, Dr. Jupiter Simbeye (PhD in Bio-Statistics) on 0888 708 500.
Chancellor College is the largest among the constituent colleges of the University of Malawi. Ever since its establishment, the college has produced graduates who have gone on to become leaders in various sectors of Malawian society.
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