Department of
Governance, Peace and Security Studies
A Legacy of Excellence in Security and Governance
From its roots as the Centre for Security Studies in 2007, the Department of Governance, Peace, and Security Studies (GPSS) has grown into a leader in political science, public administration, peace, and security education. Initially offering executive short courses, the department has trained over 500 professionals, including security personnel, legislators, journalists, and civil society actors in civil-military relations, security sector governance, and parliamentary oversight.
Following Mzuzu University’s faculty restructuring in 2017, GPSS evolved into a multidisciplinary hub, merging political science, governance, public administration, and security studies. This unique structure fosters high-quality research and dynamic academic programmes, preparing students to address global and regional security and governance challenges.
Train for impact. Lead with integrity. Secure a better future with GPSS.
Explore our programmes
GPSS launched its Bachelor of Arts in Security Studies in 2009, which has since become a premier professional training programme for security officers and managers. In 2020, the department expanded its portfolio with three additional undergraduate degrees. All programmes are accredited by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), ensuring academic and professional excellence.
Latest News and Updates
Stay informed with the latest developments, research breakthroughs, and events from our department. From industry collaborations to academic milestones, explore how we are making an impact.
Meet Our Team
At the heart of our success is a dynamic and diverse team of dedicated professionals committed to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. Our faculty and staff bring a wealth of expertise and industry experience, fostering an environment where knowledge meets practice. Whether guiding students, pioneering groundbreaking research, or shaping industry partnerships, our team works collaboratively to drive academic excellence and real-world impact.
Research, Outreach and Publications
Our department and research teams actively publish in peer-reviewed journals, contributing valuable insights to the fields of Peace Governance and Security Studies. These publications reflect our commitment to academic excellence and our drive to address pressing global challenges.
Fielder, R.N., Manda, M., Mphande, C, Mhango, G., Itimu-Phiri, A. (2024) ‘Gender equality and inequality for students and staff on Mzuzu University campus’, in R Fielder and C Mphande, Gender Based Violence in Malawi: Critiquing Beliefs and Practices that Impede Gender Equality, Mzuzu: Mzuni Press. pp 17-37.
Mhango, G.A and Kithatu-Kiwekete, A. (2023) ‘Peace enforcement in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: Reflections on the Force Intervention Brigade’, Strategic Review for Southern Africa, Vol. 45, No. 1, pp 28-48.
Mhango, G.A (2013) ‘Contesting the political space of decentralization and development planning in rural Malawi: Insights from project selection in Mulanje and Mwanza districts’, in G.K Scott and M Wallis (eds) Citizen Engagement, Decentralization and Public Service Delivery in Africa, Nairobi: Association of African Public Administration and Management (AAPAM).
Mhango, G.A (2012) ‘Is quiet diplomacy in consonance with peacemaking in SADC? Lessons from Zimbabwe’, Southern African Peace and Security Studies, 1(1): 14-25
Ongoing research projects
Global South Perspectives on Foreign Policies of Great Powers (US, Russia, China)
Mediation of Inter-state Territorial Disputes in Africa
Evolution of Peacekeeping Norms and Practices
Njoloma, E. and Kamanga, G., 2024 (FORTHCOMING)
Assessing the Preparedness of Malawi’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry For Terrorist Attacks. In Isaac, R.K., Maingi, S.W. and Gowresunkar, V.GB (eds), Tourism Safety, Security and Resilience: Integrated Community-Based Approaches, London and New York: Routledge.
Njoloma, E., 2020
Straddling between Convergence and Divergence: A Constructivist View of
Malawi’s Foreign Policy in Post-Independence Africa. In Bischoff, P.H. (ed), African Foreign Policies: Selecting Signifiers to Explain Agency, London: Routledge.
Kanyangale, M., and Njoloma, E., 2020
Relational-based Resilience of a Public University: A case Study on Losing a
Library by Mzuzu University in Malawi, South African Journal of Libraries and
Information Science 86(1): 14-25.
Njoloma, E. and Kamanga, G., 2019
The Effects of Crime on Tourist’s Travel Decision to Malawi, African Journal of
Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure 8(3): 1-11.
Kamanga, G. and Njoloma, E. 2019
The Socio-economic Impact of Tourism on Local Community in Nkhata Bay
district, Malawi. In Gursory, D and Nunkoo, R (eds.) The Routledge Handbook
of Tourism Impacts: Theoretical and Applied Perspectives, London: Routledge.
Njoloma, E. 2015
The Role of History in Malawi’s Foreign Policy towards Zimbabwe. The Journal
of the Catholic University of Malawi 1(1): 102-112.
Thindwa, T. (2023) “Foreign Involvement in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism” (PCVE) in A. van Nieuwkerk, Shule, L., &S., Buchanan-Clarke(eds), African Perspectives on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Southern Africa Security Review 2022, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (Mozambique). Available from: https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/mosambik/20438.pdf
Thindwa, T. (2014) ‘China-Malawi relations: An analysis of trade patterns and development implications’, African-East Asian Affairs, Issue 4, pp 45-77
Thindwa, T.,Chawinga, W., & Dube, G.(2018),Information-seeking Behaviour of Security Studies students: A case study, South African Journal of Information Management, Vol 21, No 1 (2019)
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