The history of the Mathematical Sciences Department (encompassing Mathematics and Statistics sections) is as old as its faculty and the University of Malawi itself. Since its inception, the Mathematical Sciences Department offers courses that have acted as stepping-stones towards enrollment or qualifications in other disciplines.

Over the years, the underlying working strategy and activities have focused on offering relevant basic undergraduate mathematical and statistical skills for human resource development. Further, the department introduced postgraduate studies to strengthen capacity in advanced mathematical skills and research development in Malawi

Statistics graduates can become statisticians, researchers, monitoring and evaluation officers, quality control officers just to mention a few. Actuarial scientists apply mathematical methods to assess risk in financial institutions and other organizations. Mathematics is a discipline that cuts across many fields.

The Mathematical Sciences Department currently offers a Diploma in Statistics, Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Mathematics, Statistics or Actuarial Science. It also serves the School of Education, and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences with undergraduate mathematics courses. In addition, it runs two Master’s programmes in Biostatistics and Mathematical Sciences as well as PhD in Statistics/Biostatistics and PhD in Mathematics/ Applied Mathematics.