In an effort aimed at meeting the needs of the creative sector and developing the industry, School of Arts, Communication and Design at the University of Malawi (Unima) in Zomba has introduced six new undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degrees.
Executive Dean of the School of Arts, Communication and Design, Mufunanji Magalasi said yesterday that the starting of the six arts degrees is a turning point for Malawian arts industry.
“There have never been specialised degree programmes in Malawi. This will be a game changer,” Magalasi said adding: “we are running from September 2024”.
He said applications can be made through National Council of Higher Education (NCHE) and that the call was now open.
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The six new Bachelor of Arts degree programmes are drama, fashion design, film production, fine art, creative arts, and music.
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Several players in the creative sector have since welcomed the development saying it has come at the right time as the country takes it course to push the creative sector waves.
“This is very exciting news,” Bruno Matumbi said on Facebook page.
Theatre practitioner Felix Millowa also welcomed the move but was quick to say that there was need for additions such as introducing other arts degrees such as dance choreography, digital animation, and creative chain management.
Veteran award-winning filmmaker Shemu Joyah, who is part of the board, also applauded the School of Arts, Communication and Design for the new undergraduate programmes.
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“The most important thing is that the degrees should be relevant to the development of Malawi,” the brains behind films such as Seasons of A Life and The Last Fishing Boat, said.
But renowned poet Nyamalikiti Nthiwatiwa, who is also a graduate from Unima, said he was torn between thinking that these have been broken down.
“The plus for this is that one may pursue for instance drama from first year until they finish but then I feel there should be room for exploration and then major in third or fourth year.
“There are overlaps for sure but let me not rush into other details until we see the outcome, but execution is what is worrisome,” he said.
As we went to press yesterday, the board was meeting in Mulanje ahead of the rolling out of the programmes.
