Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Drug Development

Course Description

The Depatment of Pharmacy in the School of Life Science and allied professionals, in its quest to continually contribute to the well being of Malawians in general, has embarked on a number of research activities aimed at developing new medicines for existing diseases. One of those existing diseases is Tuberculosis (TB). Currently some of the TB strains found in Malawi are resistant to the common medicines that were developed to treat this disease (MDRTB). As such there is need to develop the next generation of medicines. We have reason to believe that some of the structures in our data library offer another angle to developing such new drugs. 

The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) have given us a grant  for this work and we are now looking for innovative and creating individuals to work on this project. Individuals will be enrolledinto Kamuzu University of Health Sciences as a Masters student and must meet the requirements for a masters student. 

Using  the understanding of chemical synthesis and physcochemical properties of drugs,  students will modify such structures to create new structures which  shall be tested for potency against MDRTB. Those with interest and or experience in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry may find this particularly interesting.  Students will have 18 months to create new structures, test them and optimise them. This is a fantacstic opportunity. Female students are particularly encouraged to apply.

An MPhil degree is a Masters by research. Thus it is expected that students are mature, organised and able to conduct research with minimal supervision. 

Entry Requirements

A Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualifications approved by the University) in a relevant science subject (e.g. Chemistry, Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, organic chemistry) from any recognised university.

How to Apply

Calls for applications for masters’ students are advertised all-year round on the university’s website, www.kuhes.ac.mw. Applications are made online through the following link : https://admissions.kuhes.ac.mw.

Applications are advertised twice a year. 

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 Fees

Per annum

Malawians: $3,300

Non-Malawians (SADC): $6,000

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

Scholarships/Funding

Some partial research funding for MPhil is available, contact Head of Pharmacy Department on hodpharmacy@kuhes.ac.mw or fkhuluza@kuhes.ac.mw  for more information. 

For more information about funding and scholarships for Masters students, contact the Scholarships office on scholarships@kuhes.ac.mw