Malawi Trip
News
Bath Spa University staff pack bags for Malawi on trip to partner university
Saturday, 4 November, 2023Earlier this year, representatives from Bath Spa University packed their suitcases and to set off on a trip overseas to the University of Malawi.
With hopes of strengthening the pre-existing partnership between Bath Spa University and the University of Malawi, the trip was one of many reciprocal visits to discover ways in which the two universities could collaborate and exchange ideas.
On 12 June 2023, the University of Malawi’s School of Arts, Communication, and Design opened their doors to Bath Spa staff for a four-day workshop, during which lectures from both The University of Malawi and Bath Spa were presented to students and staff members were able to engage in thought-provoking conversations.
Professor Rachel Evans, Senior Lecturer and Subject Coordinator in Historical and Critical Studies said:
"We took part in stimulating curriculum conversations with Fashion Design staff as they prepare for the launch of their dedicated Fashion Design course, and we’re looking forward to continued connections and exchanges between courses in the future."
Malawi has been recognised for its emerging film and TV industry and Dr Suman Ghosh, Subject Leader for Film and TV at Bath Spa University, has called the University of Malawi ‘crucial’ for boosting it.
In his lecture, Suman spoke on the courses offered by Bath Spa and detailed the ways in which film and drama students can make a name for themselves in the industry, revealing some of his tips and tricks for film production.
Students took to the stage to demonstrate what they’d learnt throughout their time at the University, putting on a variation of musical and theatrical performances.
The showcase was followed by a feature film screening by University of Malawi alum, Shemu Joyah, titled The Road to Sunrise. Speaking on the success of the trip, Dr Suman Ghosh said:
"There were several highlights. This includes conversations with University of Malawi staff and students over workshops, teaching and studio based 'making' sessions, watching them rehearse and perform, and getting a sense of their ambition and energy to become major contributors to Malawi's rapidly expanding media, film, creative and performing arts landscape.”
Dr. Mufunanji Magalasi, Executive Dean of the School of Arts, Communication and Design at Malawi University thanked Bath Spa for visiting, stating that Malawi students had ‘acquired valuable skills from the presentations, providing them with opportunities for further international interactions.’
Making plans for students from the School of Arts, Communication and Design to visit Bath Spa, Mufunanji described how beneficial the trip would be, providing students the opportunity to ‘gain further learning and hands on experience.’
Culminating in a tour of the campus and a visit to Mibawa Television Studios in Blantyre, Bath Spa staff were invited to a dinner at Sunbird Ku Chawe to celebrate the success of their trip and the continuation of a growing partnership between the two universities. Acknowledging the strength of their relationship, Dr Suman Ghosh said:
“I’m proud to be associated with Bath Spa University’s expanding relationship with the University of Malawi."