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Diploma in Drone Technologies
The Diploma in Drone Technologies is a pioneering four-year program offered at NorthSha’ar Technical College, designed to train the next generation of drone engineers, pilots, and technicians. The program blends aerospace fundamentals, electronics, programming, and aviation safety to equip students with in-demand skills in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems.
Drones are revolutionizing industries in Malawi and across the globe, from agriculture and construction to logistics, environmental monitoring, and disaster response. This program is tailored to the growing need for skilled professionals who can design, operate, maintain, and innovate drone technologies for both civil and commercial applications.
Year 1: Fundamentals of Engineering & Aviation
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Semester 1:
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Engineering Mathematics I
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Introduction to Aircraft Systems
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Basic Electronics
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Computer Literacy & Programming (Python Basics)
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Communication Skills
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Semester 2:
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Engineering Mathematics II
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Fundamentals of Flight & Aerodynamics
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Digital Electronics
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Introduction to Drones
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Technical Drawing & CAD
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Year 2: Core Drone Systems
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Semester 3:
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Microcontrollers & Sensor Integration
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Drone Assembly & Configuration
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Flight Simulation & Drone Software
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Electric Motors & Propulsion Systems
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Workshop Practice I
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Semester 4:
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Remote Sensing & Imaging
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Ground Control Systems
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Flight Control Systems & Stabilization
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Drone Programming (ArduPilot, PX4, etc.)
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Aviation Regulations & Safety
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Year 3: Specializations and Industry Applications
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Semester 5:
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Agricultural Drone Applications
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Mapping, Surveying & GIS
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Artificial Intelligence in UAVs
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Communication Systems & Telemetry
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Research Methods & Technical Reporting
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Semester 6:
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Drone Maintenance & Troubleshooting
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Autonomous Navigation & Obstacle Avoidance
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Drone Data Analysis & Visualization
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Project Management & Entrepreneurship
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UAV Security & Ethical Considerations
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Year 4: Industry Exposure & Final Project
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Semester 7:
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Industrial Attachment / Internship
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Innovations in Drone Technology
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Professional Practice and Ethics
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Semester 8:
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Capstone Project (Design, Build & Fly)
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Airspace Management & Advanced UAV Laws
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Career Development & Portfolio Presentation
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Annual Intake: January & July
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Average Class Size: 20–25 students
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Graduate Employability: ~80% (projected)
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Licensing Pathway: Program includes preparation for UAV pilot certification in line with Malawi Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) standards
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Drone Startups Supported: 5+ alumni-led drone businesses launched since program inception
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Scholarships Available: For girls in STEM and underprivileged youth
Students will access a range of resources and equipment, including:
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Drone Lab:
Featuring various multirotor and fixed-wing drones, simulators, and testing stations
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Computer Labs:
With drone design software (e.g. QGroundControl, Mission Planner, AutoCAD, MATLAB)
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Simulation Room:
For safe indoor pilot training and mission planning
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Electronics & Mechatronics Labs:
For sensor calibration and system testing
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Outdoor Flying Field:
Approved airspace for test flights and flight practice
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E-Learning Portal:
Access to digital learning resources, tutorials, and virtual labs
Applicants must have:
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MSCE or Equivalent with credits in:
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Mathematics (Compulsory)
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Physical Science or Physics (Compulsory)
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English (Recommended)
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Computer Studies or Technical Subjects (Advantageous)
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NorthSha`ar Technical Copllege is a subsidiary of Lilongwe NorthSha`ar College of Education Limited. The college was Founded after identifying a gap in institutions of higher learning in the country.