Master of Business Administration in Health Systems Management

Programme Overview

Malawi, just like most of the sub-Saharan countries, continues to experience poor health indicators. In addition, there is increasing public dissatisfaction with the quality of care being provided at all levels in public and private health facilities. Such dysfunctional health systems have been attributed to lack of good management and administration. According to the needs assessment conducted by the School of Global and Public Health, senior health managers in both public and private sectors have inadequate management and leadership preparation yet are expected to manage human and material resources in a complex system. The lack of confidence, inadequate management and leadership skills among such managers could have implications on the provision of quality care services.

The assessment also revealed that most departments like pharmacy, laboratory and radiology, lack personnel with management skills for effective coordination of their services for meaningful contribution to the health service.

The MBA-HSM programme will address the current need in advanced health systems management and research in Malawi.

Programme Structure

As specified in the University of Malawi qualifications framework 180 credits must be obtained to complete the programme. The curriculum consists of three components; the core modules (100 credits), elective modules (20 credits) and the dissertation (60 credits). Modules will be delivered using a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars and practical sessions. Independent study is designed to comprise 60% of the total study time for each module. For most modules 20% of the total study time is expected to be undertaken before the module (pre-reading) and 40% after the module.

The programme will run on block-release modular basis and will adopt a multidisciplinary approach that integrates health and social science perspectives to analyse, design implement and evaluate health programmes and policies within a global context. Teaching methods will include seminars, case studies, debates, problem-based learning and lectures. The learners will also spend 6-8 weeks within one of the possible placement sites. During this time, it is expected that the learners will identify a global health problem, review the evidence, synthesize and provide recommendations to the host institution.

The MBA-HSM programme will build on the structure and strength of the MPH programme and the undergraduate Health Management programme that are already being delivered by the School of Public Health and Family Medicine.

1. Upon successfully passing all core modules (100 credits), all elective modules (20 credits) and dissertation (60 credits), the candidate will be awarded Master of Business Administration in Health Systems

or

2. Upon successfully passing all core modules (100 credits) and all elective modules (20 credits) the candidate will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma of Business Administration in Health Systems

or

3. Upon successfully passing core modules amounting 40 credits and all elective modules (20 credits) the candidate will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate of Business Administration in Health Systems.

Entry Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in relevant Sciences (or equivalent qualifications approved by the University) e.g. health systems management, business administration, medicine, nursing, biology, physics, mathematics, statistics, environmental health.

              or

 A Postgraduate Diploma of Business Administration in Health Systems or its equivalent qualifications (approved by the University) attained not less than a year preceding the application and a BSc in relevant science programme.

or

 A Postgraduate Certificate of Business Administration in Health Systems or its equivalent qualifications (approved by the University) attained not less than a year preceding the application and a BSc in relevant science programme.

Dissertation

Learners are expected to complete a dissertation, equivalent to 60 credits. This work takes place concurrently with the core and elective modules. Learners will select a project or topic in consultation with their academic supervisor. The expectations of the dissertation are that it shows that learners can identify and investigate health systems management and policy problems which impact health in a comprehensive manner, and or that they can begin to formulate appropriate intervention. A dissertation can take one of three main formats:

1. Research project
2. Intervention project
3. Policy analysis

Entry Requirements

Candidates applying for the program must have:

1. A bachelor’s degree in science or equivalent qualifications e.g., medicine, nursing, biology, physics, mathematics, statistics, social sciences, psychology, environmental health) from any recognised university.
2. A Postgraduate Diploma in Health System management (or its equivalent qualification approved by the University) attained not less than a year preceding the application.

Tuition

Malawians: MWK 2,550,00

SADC Residents: US$6,000

Contact Information

MBA-HSM Director: Associate Professor Eric Umar (Acting)

Email: mbadirector@kuhes.ac.mw

MBA-HSM Coordinator: Ms Nthanda Nkungula

Email: mbacoordinator@kuhes.ac.mw

How to Apply

Calls for applications for masters’ students are advertised all-year round on the university’s website https://www.kuhes.ac.mw. Applications are made through an online portal that can be accessed through the following link https://admissions.kuhes.ac.mw/. For more information, visit the Central registry. Potential candidates may be invited for oral interviews.

Applications for this postgraduate programme should include:

1. A completed postgraduate application form. 
2. Sealed academic transcripts 
3. Authenticated copies of academic certificates (by a lawyer, magistrate, or registrar of the awarding institution) 
4. Authenticated copies of professional registration certificates where applicable 
5. Letter of release from employers (if employed)
6. Reference letters (one academic and one professional)

A non-refundable application fee of MK10000.00 for Malawians and $30.00 for non-Malawians. Payment should be made to: 

KUHeS POSTGRADUATE POOL NATIONAL BANK OF MALAWI CHICHIRI BRANCH ACCOUNT NUMBER: 698881 CURRENT ACCOUNT 

Application forms that do not meet the requirements stated above will not be processed. Completed application should be sent: 

The Registrar, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences College of Medicine Private Bag 360  Chichiri Blantyre 3, Malawi Attention: Assistant Registrar (Academic) Tel: + 265 (0) 1 874 107, Fax +265 (0) 1 874 700 E-mail: admissions@kuhes.ac.mw Copy: postgraduateadmin@kuhes.ac.mw. 

Tuition and Fees

Per annum

Malawians: $3,300

Non-Malawians (SADC): $6,000

Non-Malawians (non-SADC): $8,000

Scholarships/Funding

Highly competitive funding and scholarship opportunities are available on merit basis. For more information about funding and scholarships for Masters students, contact the Scholarships office on scholarships@kuhes.ac.mw