Malta is a Southern European island country consisting of an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. The University of Malta, the Malta College of Arts Science and Technology (MCAST)and the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) are the publicly-funded educational institutions providing higher education courses. Chapter 327 of the Laws of Malta – The Education Act – establishes the legal framework for the governance and structure of the University of Malta as well as MCAST. By means of the 2006 (Act XIII) amendments to the Education Act, the National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) was established to advise Government through a structured dialogue with all institutions so as to work towards sustainable development of the further and higher education sectors to meet the needs of society. Its main functions are:
- ascertaining the needs and the aspirations of further and higher education institutions;
- informing the public of issues connected with sustainable development of further and higher education sectors in Malta in order to meet the needs of society; and
- providing advice to Government on any matter which is connected with the further and higher education sectors.
Since its inception, the NCFHE has carried out studies on higher education in relation to the Bologna Process and the Copenhagen Process that have been the subject of wide-ranging consultation resulting in major developments.
Bachelor
University of Malta
Branches of study
The following are the links to the branches of Study at the University of Malta at Level 6 on Malta’s National Qualification Framework for Lifelong learning – first cycle degrees
Faculty for the Built Environment
Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy
Faculty of Information and Communication Technology
Faculty Of Media & Knowledge Sciences
The BA Hons Course Structure credits system is as follows:
Main 1 32 credits (including 24 credits for Dissertation and/or Synoptic study-units)
Subsidiary 36 credits (26 for Year I; + 10 electives from Subsidiary for Year II)
Free Options 12 credits (8 for Year I; + 4 for Year II)
_______________________
TOTAL 180 credits
The BA Course Structure credit system is as follows:
Main I 80credits (including 12 credits for Synoptic study-units)
Main II 80 credits (including 12 credits for Synoptic study-units)
Free Options 20 credits (8 in each of Years I and II; + 4 for Year III)
_______________________
TOTAL 180 credits
First cycle bachelor’s degrees vary in duration between three to four years depending on the specialization and the area of study.
Admission requirements
For undergraduate degree courses, the entry requirements are:
- The Matriculation Certificate that includes six subjects – two subjects taken at Advanced Level and four subjects taken at Intermediate Level, including Systems of Knowledge.
- Passes in the Secondary Education Certificate examination at Grade 5 or better in Maltese, English Language and Mathematics.
Some undergraduate courses also prescribe Special Course Requirements which are considered critical for successful completion of the course applied for. These requirements also specify the level and minimum grades that must be obtained. These Special Course Requirements are published by the University of Malta two years in advance of coming into force.
In addition the University considers also applicants who are mature students (at least 23 years of age by the beginning of the course) and who do not necessarily possess the entry qualifications. Such applicants are required to demonstrate formal and informal learning achieved since completing secondary school education. Each applicant is assessed by the faculty and the University Admission Board to determine whether the prospective student has the necessary academic background to successfully complete the course of their choice.
In the case of foreign students, qualifications that are recognized and give access to tertiary education in their country of origin are favorably considered as long as these qualifications are of comparable breadth and standard to the University of Malta’s General Entry Requirements.
Where appropriate, applicants could be advised to follow a one-year Foundation Studies Course which prepares them for the first cycle course of their choice. Maltese language is not a requisite for overseas students.
Students can also avail themselves of the University’s Students’ Advisory Service which provides extensive information and leaflets regarding admission requirements and other matters of interest.
Curriculum
The University of Malta, through its Faculties, Institutes and Centres has full academic autonomy and freedom to develop the nature, content and structure of the courses and programmes of studies. The University has implemented the Bologna process with few or no changes needed to be carried out in some areas such as the three cycle system and a workload-based credit system as it had been operating this system for a number of years. Courses and programmes of study are developed and proposed by the Faculties, Institutes and Centres and approved by the Senate after having been processed by the Programme Validation Unit.
Each study unit is assigned a code in accordance with the regulations, and students then are required to select a number of study units according to the level weighting of each unit, as shown in the following Table:
| Level 0 | Pre-tertiary or foundation or proficiency study-units. |
| Level 1 | Study-units normally offered in Year 1 of an undergraduate Course where it is assumed that the students have a general level of education at least meriting the award of the Matriculation Certificate. In Courses where admission is dependant on students being in possession of special course requirements, such as a pass in a subject taken at Advanced Level, lecturers can assume that students possess the pre-required knowledge. |
| Levels 2 & 3 | Study-units offered in Years 2 and 3 of an undergraduate Course. Level 3 credits are also offered in Year 4 of an undergraduate non-professional course. Lecturers can assume that students have the required skills associated with studying at tertiary level. |
| Level 4 | Study-units offered in Years 4 and 5 of a professional Course. Such study-units, normally imparting specific professional competencies although given at a level higher than Level 3, are still considered as being at undergraduate level. |
All study-units within courses are assigned credits according to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) which is the only credit system in operation at the University since 2003/4. The number of study hours students have to undertake is indicated by the number of ECTS credits assigned to the individual study-unit. The amount and level of credits making up each undergraduate qualification awarded by the University of Malta is found below:
| University Undergraduate Award | Requirements |
| University Certificate | 30 credits of which not less than 26 credits not below Level 1. |
| University Diploma | between 60 and 90 credits, as specified in the bye-laws for the Course, of which not more than 10 Level 0 and not less than 56 Level 1. |
| University Higher Diploma | between 60 and 120 credits, as specified in the bye-laws for the Course, of which not more than 10 Level 0 and not less than 56 Level 2. |
| Bachelor | 180 credits of which not more than 4 Level 0, not less than 56 and not more than 68 Level 1, and not less than 108 more or less divided equally between Levels 2 and 3. |
| Bachelor (Honours in one Area of Study) (three year full-time Course or three year full-time professional Course) | 180 credits of which not more than 4 Level 0, not less than 56 and not more than 68 Level 1, and not less than 108 more or less divided equally between Levels 2 and 3 of which not less than 56 Level 3 credits assigned to the area taken at honours. |
| Bachelor (Honours in two Areas of Study) (4 year full-time Course) | 240 credits of which not more than 4 Level 0, not less than 56 and not more than 68 Level 1, and not less than 168 more or less divided equally between Levels 2 and 3 of which not less than 56 Level 3 credits in each of the two areas taken at honours. |
| Bachelor (Honours) (4 year full-time professional Course) | 240 credits of which not more than 4 Level 0, not less than 56 and not more than 68 Level 1, and not less than 168 Levels 2, 3 and 4 of which not less than 100 at Levels 3 and 4. |
| Bachelor (Honours) and any other undergraduate award following a 5 year professional Course | 300 credits of which not more than 4 Level 0, not less than 56 Level 1, 56 Level 2 and a further 168 at Levels 3 and 4. |
Maltese and English are the two official languages of the University with teaching generally being delivered in English except where Maltese and foreign language studies are concerned. In these cases, the language being studied is utilized.
Teaching methods
Courses at the University of Malta are mainly of an academic nature and structured on the modular (study-unit) system. Courses which lead to professions such as education, engineering, medical and health sciences incorporate teaching, work placement, fieldwork and similar experiences as required.
The method of instruction varies according to course requirements. Generally a variety of methods are adopted according to the topic being considered and to facilitate learning. Methodology varies and could include formal and non-formal lectures, seminars, group projects, tutorials, practical work in laboratories or workshops, fieldwork, depending on the type of programme of studies. The use of communication technologies has become the norm. Lecturers are free to identify the best teaching methods and instruments required for the effective delivery of their credit.
Computerised library services are essential sources of reference for students’ studies. In many areas, the library offers online access to journals, electronic indexing services and bibliographical databases. Organised tours, lectures and bibliographical guides for students and information services help students with their research for dissertations. Reader services are also available with an inter-library loan and overseas photocopying services for material unattainable locally.
Progression of students
Students following the different courses are expected to cover a number of study units over one full-time academic year.
For Degree courses, students are awarded a total of 60 ECTS credits on successfully completing one full-time academic year. Once these 60 ECTS credits have been obtained students can register as regular students for the following year of their course.
Students who fail to obtain all the credits can sit for a supplementary session under certain conditions. Those students who after the supplementary session need not more than 10 ECTS credits in order to successfully complete the course programme for the year, whenever possible and after academic counselling by the Dean and /or the Head of Department, are given one of the three following options:
- Refer the failed study-units to the following year to be done over and above the study-units indicated for that year, or
- Repeat the unit in an additional year of studies if the student is in the final year of the course, or
- Repeat the year, if eligible in terms of the regulations.
Those students who opt to refer failed units to the following year (option A) are advanced to the next year of studies and are considered as conditionally progressed students. Students who again fail the assessment of a referred study unit in a normal session of examinations are allowed a final reassessment in the September supplementary session if they are eligible according to the regulations. Students are not allowed to continue the course if, after supplementary assessment sessions, they fail once again to obtain the required credits for any of the referred units. A study unit may be referred to the following year only once.
Students who, by the end of a particular academic year of study, lack more than 16 of the credits required for their current year including credits for referred study-units are not allowed to sit for the supplementary session. These students are required to repeat the year if eligible in terms of the regulations. If they are not eligible to repeat a year, students are required to withdraw from the course. Students are allowed to repeat a year only once.
In the final year of a course students, who after the supplementary session of examinations, still need to successfully complete only one study-unit (normally a dissertation, a long essay or a project) to which more than 10 ECTS credits are assigned in order to successfully complete the course, may be allowed an extra year of study in which to complete the missing unit.
For students following certificate and diploma courses, the outlined principles and processes are valid, except that the number of credits will be established according to the outline in the course description.
Employability
Links between the world of education and that of employment are ongoing and continuously being enhanced. Initiatives are taken in a number of faculties, institutes and centres, to familiarize students with the world of work. These initiatives include actual placements, such as those of student teachers in the Faculty of Education, and industry linked projects in the Faculties of Engineering and ICT. Some courses incorporate work experiences as an integral part of the academic course. Courses in the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery have direct work related periods. Students following nursing and other health sciences courses include work experiences in hospitals and/or clinics. A number of faculties organise study visits for students both locally and abroad.
During the summer vacation, students may opt to perform work, sometimes directly related to their studies, in various entities. A number of students may also be contracted to work for establishments in which they practise after they finish their degree course. A number of professions require graduates to have a specified period of work experiences before being granted a warrant.
Student assessment
A student’s performance and progress is assessed in a number of ways. These could range from an assignment which could include either a relatively short or long written paper, an oral presentation, to a record of an experiment, an examination or any combination of these methods. The lecturer responsible for the study-unit determines the method of teaching and assessment. These methods of teaching and assessment for each study-unit is indicated in the study-unit description and published in the catalogue of study-units, following approval by Senate. All students on the same study-unit are assessed by the same method/s of assessment.
Assessments may include written supervised examinations, oral examinations, home assignments, short or long essays, dissertations or theses, clinical or practical examinations, portfolios, projects, field-work, case-studies, logbooks as continuous assessment or a placement. There can also be a combination of two or more methods or any other method approved by the Senate.
Synoptic study-units and all compulsory study-units conducted at the end of the last semester of any course leading to a diploma or an undergraduate degree normally include an examination component which contributes not less than 60% towards the final mark of the unit.
Any student who fails in any study-unit, except in a study-unit that is declared to be non-compensatable in a Programme of Studies, with a mark of not less than 35% and whose year mark average is at least 50%, can be awarded the grade of Compensatory Pass (CP)1 . Thus the credit is awarded for the unit by compensation and the credit is not required to be reassessed. Students who fail in any study-unit and who are not eligible for a compensatory pass are allowed a supplementary assessment under certain conditions.
(1 All study-units are deemed to be compensatable, i.e. may be passed by compensation for good performance in other study-units, except for those compulsory study-units that are declared to be non-compensatable in a Programme of Study and provided all conditions in terms of these regulations are satisfied.)
Certification
Certification classification is different for each award. Students following a Certificate course are awarded a general unclassified certificate. Students following Diplomas and Higher Diplomas are awarded any of the following classifications:
- Pass with Distinction
- Pass with Merit
- Pass
General (not Honours) degrees are of three years’ duration during which a student must accumulate a total of 180 ECTS credits of which not more that 4 at Level 0, not less than 56 at Level 1, 56 at Level 2 and 56 at Level 3. Such degrees may be awarded in any of the following categories:
- Category I (Summa Cum Laude)
- Category IIA (Magna Cum Laude)
- Category IIB (Cum Laude)
- Category III (Bene Probatus)
Honours degrees may be either of three years, four years or five years of full-time study.
- The 3-year Honours degree is awarded in one area of study and requires the accumulation of 180 ECTS credits of which not more than 4 at Level 0, not less than 56 at Level 1, 56 at Level 2 and 112 at Level 3 and 4. The Levels 3 and 4 units are divided equally between the two areas taken at Honours.
- In the case of a 4-year full-time Honours professional degree, the professional units will be at Level 4.
- The 5-year Honours degree requires the accumulation of 300 ECTS credits of which not more than 4 at Level 0, not less that 56 at Level 1, 56 at Level 2 and a further 168 at Levels 3 and 4.
The honours degree may be awarded in any of the following classes:
- First Class Honours (Summa Cum Laude)
- Second Class Honours (Upper Division) (Magna Cum Laude)
- Second Class Honours (Lower Division) (Cum Laude)
- Third Class Honours (Bene Probatus)
The classification of awards is determined by the Award Classification Board in accordance with criteria that are indicated in the general regulations and in the course bye-laws.
Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)
The University College within the Malta College of Ats, Science and Technology caters for higher education programmes and vocational degrees while also working in close collaboration with industry in order to provide professionals that are both academically prepared and practically trained to satisfy the needs of the local industry.
The Institutes and Centres provide all the technical and professional expertise towards the delivery of all programmes at MCAST while having the main aim of driving forward all the areas of study under their respective responsibility with an outlook towards the future. This corporate structure enables each College to create focused strategies that address the specific needs of students at each level while maintaining a healthy dialogue with all interested stakeholders in order to provide the best programmes for the needs of the local economy and society.
The following are the Bachelors courses offered at MCAST’s University College.
| Institute of Applied Science | Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemical TechnologyBachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental EngineeringBachelor of Science (Honours) in Health Science (Physiological Measurements)Northumbria University Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing StudiesBachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental HealthBachelor of Science (Honours) in Animal Management and Veterinary NursingBachelor of Science (Honours) in HorticultureBachelor of Science (Honours) in Fish Management |
| Institute of Business Management and Commerce | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business EnterpriseBachelor of Science (Honours) in Financial Services Management |
| Institute of Community Service | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Health and Social Care (Management)Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sport, Exercise and Health |
| Institute of the Creative Arts | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative Media ProductionBachelor of Arts (Honours) in Fine ArtBachelor of Arts (Honours) in Game Art and Visual DesignBachelor of Arts (Honours) in Graphic DesignBachelor of Arts (Honours) in Interactive MediaBachelor of Arts (Honours) in PhotographyBachelor of Arts (Honours) in Product DesignBachelor of Arts (Honours) in Spatial DesignBachelor of Arts (Honours) in Journalism |
| Institute of Engineering and Transport | Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Building Services Engineering Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Construction EngineeringBachelor of Science (Honours) in Construction Engineering (Civil Engineering)Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biomedical EngineeringBachelor of Science (Honours) in Electronic CommunicationsBachelor of Science (Honours) in Power Generation and RenewablesBachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electronics and Control EngineeringBachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electronics EngineeringBachelor of Science (Honours) in Marine EngineeringBachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing)Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering (Plant) |
| Institute of Information and Communication Technology | Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Systems and NetworksBachelor of Science (Honours) in Software DevelopmentBachelor of Science (Honours) in Multimedia Software DevelopmentBachelor of Science (Honours) in Business Analytics |
Admissions
The Admission Regulations are specified in the Prospectus. As a general rule, admission is based on qualifications obtained through the SEC and MATSEC. Entry requirements are established by the MCAST central administration and quality assurance department in collaboration with the MCAST Institutes’ directors. While students may be able to progress from the lower level programmes to the higher level ones, applicants holding the relevant qualifications may be eligible to apply from outside the College if they prove they can benefit by joining a course of study at the appropriate level.
Students who satisfy the following conditions may apply for consideration to join MCAST programmes as mature students:
– Be in possession of the School Leaving Certificate
– Have, by the end of the same calendar year:
a) attained the age of 23 years for entry to programmes at MQF Level 5/6
b) attained the age of 21 years for entry to programmes at MQF Level 4
c) attained the age of 19 years for entry to programmes at MQF Level 3.
– Demonstrate that they stand to benefit and show that they are able to follow the programme through an interview held for the purpose.
Shortlisted persons will be called for an interview to assess their suitability for the chosen programme. The Selection Board may require candidates to undertake additional studies as part of their acceptance. The Board may recommend an alternative programme where it considers it appropriate.
Students are advised to approach the respective Institute / Career Guidance Services well in advance to the qualifying age above.
Curriculum
MCAST has full autonomy in developing curricula of study and training based on the concept of lifelong learning. Curriculum development is carried out in consultation with various economic sectors whilst taking into account the changing economic landscape. This ensures that knowledge, skills and competencies within the Curriculum are relevant and appropriate. Courses include core and compulsory units as well as specialist ones which are opted for by the institute in charge. With regard to content and methodology vocational courses to date have been offered in conjunction with foreign institutions.
Teaching methods
As outlined in previous chapters, at MCAST teaching methods include both theoretical and practical sessions in laboratories and workshops with some courses including on-the-job training. Extensive use of ICT is made by staff and students alike. This is further enhanced through the state-of-the-art Library and Learning Resource Centre which supports students in their research activities to complete their assignments.
Progression of students
Many of the higher level courses offered by MCAST extend over a period of two or three years. Throughout each year students are expected to complete a number of units or modules and perform adequately in the assessments forming part of the programme. Students have an opportunity to re-attempt the necessary work when they do not manage to satisfy the entire unit’s learning outcomes. This is necessary if they intend to progress to the following year. Re-sits are subject to established regulations as specified in the course respective handbooks. When the academic performance of a candidate is considered insufficient, the student may qualify to complete the failed units in a subsequent year.
Employability
MCAST has a student support and advisory service which provides extensive services to students both with regard to full-time and part-time courses run at the various Institutes, as well as personal support which students can get both before and during their stay at MCAST.
The Guidance and Counselling service within MCAST also offers support and assistance to students in:
- Vocational Guidance and Counselling – which aims at assisting students along their career path as well as identifying alternative paths.
- Personal Counselling – which is more growth oriented aimed at helping, supporting and encouraging students in their daily challenges.
- Group Activities – to facilitate students to work as a team.
Student assessment
As MCAST offers programmes emanating from foreign awarding bodies apart from the local qualifications, methods of assessment are often governed by the specification being followed. Lecturing staff are expected to use various assessment instruments, including time-constrained tests, teamwork, presentations, essays, practical demonstrations, etc. Through this learner-centred approach students get an opportunity to manifest their strong points which could otherwise remain hidden. At the same time, lecturers are able to better identify the students’ weaker features and offer them the necessary help and advice.
Applicants for Level 1 and Level 2 programmes will be required to sit for the Initial Assessment Tests in Maltese, English and Mathematics. Students found to require significant support will be guided to join the Level 1 Introductory Certificate course. Applicants with SEC/O-Levels at grades 6 or 7 in at least two subjects from Maltese, English Language and Mathematics or SSC&P (Secondary School Certificate & Profile) at Level 1 or 2 will be exempted from the Initial Assessment Tests and will start directly at Level 2.
Certification
All the courses offered by MCAST have been pegged to the National Qualification Framework (NQF) as issued by the Malta Qualifications Council (MQC). Full-time courses range from basic introductory level courses at Level 1 going up to Higher National Diploma level at Level 5 and Degree courses at Level 6. As from 2017 MCAST also offers Masters Courses at Level 7.
Certification are offered jointly by EDEXEL, Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) and MCAST or other foreign awarding bodies. For other programmes certification is issued separately by MCAST.
Courses can be broadly categorised into two types: either those developed and certified by MCAST itself or others that originated from foreign institutions who are also responsible for their certification. In all cases the final certification issued on completion of the course is generally graded according to the achievement of the student. This certification can range from a ‘Pass’, ‘Merit’ or ‘Distinction’ which is shown and reflected on the certificate.
Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS)
In 2017 ITS launched three-degree programmes namely in Gastronomy, International Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts which will give the students the possibility to advance to the levels of excellence required by the tourism industry. The ITS
is in constant contact with the tourism industry through the scientific committee, to ensure that our programmes of study
satisfy the standards required to achieve excellence. The following are the 3 degree programmes being offered by ITS:
- Bachelor in Culinary Arts (Hons) B.CA (Hons) in collaboration with the Institute of Paul Bocuse – MQF Level 6. Total Credits 240 ECTS. The programme duration is 32 months (including internships)
- Bachelor in International Hospitality Management (Hons) B. IHM (Hons) in collaboration with the University of Applied Science of Haag Helia (Finland) – MQF Level 6. Total Credits of 240 ECTS. The programme duration is of 32 months .
- Bachelor in Gastronomy (Hons) B. Gastr (Hons) in collaboration with The University of Malta – MQF Level 6. Total Credits 242 ECTS. The programme duration is of 32 months .
Admissions
Entry Criteria for Bachelor in Culinary Arts (hons):
- Matriculation (MQF Level 4) with a minimum of 1 A level and 3 Intermediates OR 2 A levels and2 Intermediates (with a minimumof 44 points as per Matrix provided on page 52) AND passes at grade 5 or better in SEC examinations in English Mathematics and Maltese and 4 years of documented experience in the Culinary industry;
OR
- An ITS Diploma in FoodPreparation and Production MQF Level 4(or equivalent);
OR
- An ITS Higher National Diploma in Food Preparation and Production or Higher National Diploma inFood Preparation & Culinary Arts for Cruise Liners MQF Level 5 (or equivalent)
– Students who are in possession of the Higher National Diploma in Food Preparation and Production (MQF Level 5) and Higher National Diploma in Food Preparation & Culinary Arts for Cruise Liners are eligible to enter in the 4th semester of the degree programme.
OR
- Apply as a matureStudent, may be subject to an interview and/or relevent tests
Entry Criteria for Bachelor in International Hospitality Management (hons):
- Matriculation (MQF Level 4) with a minimum of 1 A level and 3 Intermediates OR 2 A levels and 2 Intermediates AND passes at grade 5 or better in SEC examinations in English, Mathematics and Maltese;
OR
- An ITS Diploma in Events and Leisure, Rooms Division, and Food Preparation and Production and Food and Beverage Service MQFLevel 4 (or equivalent);
OR
- An ITS Higher National Diploma in Hospitality Management, Rooms Division Events and Leisure, and Food preparation and Culinary Arts for Cruise liners, Hotel Management Operations for Cruise liners, Guest service Operations for Cruise liners, Food Preparation and Production and Food and Beverage Service MQF Level 5 (or equivalent)
– Students who are in posession of the aforementioned Higher National Diploma (MQF Level 5) can enter the degree programme in the 4th Semester (2nd Year);
OR
- Apply as a mature Student, may be subject to an interview and/or relevant tests.
Entry Criteria for Bachelor in Culinary Arts (hons):
- Matriculation (MQF Level 4) with a minimum of 1 A level and 3 Intermediates OR 2 A levels and 2 Intermediates AND passes at grade 5 or better in SEC examinations in English, Mathematics and Maltese;
OR
- An ITS Diploma in Events and Leisure, Rooms Division, and Food Preparation and Production and Food and Beverage Service MQFLevel 4 (or equivalent);
OR
- An ITS Higher National Diploma in Hospitality Management, Rooms Division Events and Leisure, and Guiding, Food Preparation and Production andFood and Beverage Service MQF Level 5 (or equivalent) – Students who are in possession of the aforementioned Higher National Diploma have to enter from the first semester (1st year) of the degree programme;
OR
- Apply as a mature Student, may be subject to an interview and/or relevant tests.
Before applying, one may also apply for RPL, which is the process in which individuals may gain exeption to, or a credit within a nationally recognised qualification course/s based on learning outcomes or competencies gained through formal, non-formal and informal learning. RPL is a form of assessment which is the process of recognising a person’s skills, knowledge and competences which a candidate has acquired through previous training, education, work and/or general life experience. Work and/or general life experience. The benfeits of RPL may be the reduced time a student needs to spend attending classes, undertaking assessments or relearning what they already know.
Curriculum
Through its innovative high quality lifelong learning academic programmes, the Institute of Tourism Studies trains people for tomorrow’s tourism industry. We direct our resources towards the development of inclusive programmes which facilitate technical, generic and behavioural skills and competencies, integrate theory and practice, and promote modern leadership approaches.
The values behind our vision are to:
• provide a student oriented style of curriculum which promotes creativity, innovation, participation, self-reflection, and personal independence;
• develop specialised technical, leadership and entrepreneurial skills in line with tomorrow’s industry trends and requirements;
• promote an international outlook whilst embracing differences between local and foreign cultures;
• promote professional development through lifelong learning opportunities for all levels within society;
• perform and solicit practices which are ethically correct and environmentally friendly; and
• individually guide, mentor and holistically develop our students.
Teaching methods
Within each module several instructional strategies are used to cater the different learning styles.
The direct instruction strategy: lectures, didactic questionings, and explicit teaching are used to provide information.
These are complemented with indirect instruction, where reflective discussion, concept formation and problem solving are used.
Total class discussions is used (interactive instruction) and emphasis is done on the process of learning and not on the product. Personalized reflection about an experience and the formulation of plans to apply learning to other contexts is encouraged as they are critical factors in effective experiential learning.
During the degree programmes, students follow a Local and Indsutrial Trade Practice (LITP) during the 3rd semester and go on an International Internship Trade Practice (IITP) during the 6th semester for 4 months.
Employability
The degrees mentioned in this section provide the student the optimum qualification needed for the top careers in the Tourism Industry. The courses lead our students to acquire the necessary skills in management of industries related to their area. ITS degrees offer a secure career at the moment in time, both in Malta as well as in several countries across Europe and beyond.
Gastronomy Degree – The Bachelor in Gastronomy (Hons) targets students who are interested in developing a career in gastronomy with special interest in the social, economic and political aspects of food. Gastronomy candidates work as consultants for food and beverage companies, culinary instructors, food marketers, as well as for non-profit organizations working to reform the food system. Moreover, candidates with background in the culinary arts, such as sommeliers and chefs, will benefit from pursuing this programme of study. The degree will also be beneficial for journalists and writers who have a special interest in gastronomy.
Culinary Arts Degree– The BA in Culinary Arts (Hons.) Degree Programme aspires to successfully prepare students to enter and work in today’s diverse culinary industry. The Programme involves a comprehensive study of the basic and advanced skills required for a career within the culinary world. In addition to honing their culinary skills, the Programme provides students with exposure to a wide array of Culinary-Arts-related topics that could range from contemporary food related debates to business and management principles. The prospective culinary arts student is primarily a hands-on culinarian. Consequently, the Programme has been planned in a manner to attract candidates who are either aspiring to develop a career in Culinary Arts or are already involved in the culinary world and who are aspiring to enhance their potential of professional growth in an ever-demanding culinary industry.
International Hospitality Management Degree- The Bachelor (Hons) degree in International Hospitality Management aspires to prepare students who are interested in developing a career in hospitality management and who would like to further their academic knowledge. Hospitality graduates find work in the areas of hospitality, conference and events management. They also work within the tourism and leisure sector, the entertainment sector and in facilities management and food service management.
Student assessment
Assessment for degree courses is module based and each module has one or more of the following forms of assessments: class assignments, examinations, practical examinations; Projects; presentations; on field assessment; home assignments. The successful completion of a course requires the student to pass in all the core modules together with selected elective modules, accumulating the total of ECTS indicated per programme.
Certification
ITS issues certification in standard format, i.e. each graduate is given a hard copy of the degree certificate together with a full transcript. Moreover ITS is the first Maltese institution to start handing certificates as block-certs, i.e. electronic format. ITS has just launched this platform and will be using it for all courses as from January.
Second Cycle Programmes
University of Malta
The University of Malta offers an extensive number of Second Cycle programmes leading to:
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Postgraduate Diploma
- Master’s Degree
These second cycle Courses can be followed on a part-time or a full-time basis. The admission criteria, programmes of study, assessment and progress, dissertations and classification criteria amongst others are all governed by the General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2008. These regulations, forming part of the Education Act, are enhanced through further bye-laws established by the University Senate for specific courses.
Branches of study
An extensive variety of postgraduate certificate, diploma and Master’s Courses are offered by the University of Malta during 2018. These include joint programmes offered with universities in the EU and the United States.
The following is the link to the courses which are being offered in 2018:
The second cycle courses are offered in a variety of teaching methods from taught study-units, individual research and e-learning options.
Admission requirements
To be considered for admission, applicants need to be in possession of a first cycle degree from the University of Malta or any other recognised university which has been approved by Senate. Students who intend following a Master’s course require a first cycle Honours degree which is classified at least at Second Class in an area relevant to the studies to be pursued. Bye-laws for specific courses may provide applicants with a Third Class Honours degree with an opportunity to follow the course, if relevant experience in the field can be demonstrated. Another option available is the Conversion Masters courses which, whilst necessitating the broad academic preparation of a suitable first cycle degree, do not build upon a specific body of knowledge obtained in any particular first cycle degree course. Admission to postgraduate diploma as well as to postgraduate certificate courses which do not necessarily lead to a Master’s degree may be through a first cycle degree with any classification.
Curriculum
In taught courses, the Curriculum and Programme of Study for each course are proposed by one or more than one Department jointly and are approved by Senate on the recommendation of the Board of the entity offering the course. The programmes of studies need to be published not less than 8 months prior to course commencement indicating the compulsory and elective study-units and the order in which the units are to be followed. Study-units are assigned a credit value in terms of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System.
For Master’s Degrees obtained through Research, students are required to register for at least two study-units, one of which a study-unit consisting of supervised research work leading to the writing of a dissertation.
Teaching methods
As with first cycle courses, lecturers are responsible for the methodology utilised throughout the lectures and approved through the study-unit outline. In Master’s degrees mainly by research, students may be allowed to participate in joint research projects where data is generated jointly by a group of researchers. However the student is still required to write a separate dissertation. Dissertations presented for Master’s degrees necessitate the work to be of an advanced or original nature in the area of study.
Progression of students
Students registered on taught programmes are allowed to enrol for the subsequent academic year if they have obtained all the credits for that year. Those following a programme mainly through research are permitted to enrol subject to a satisfactory progress report from their Principal Supervisor.
Students assessment
Taught study-units at Master’s level are examined by a Board of Examiners composed of not less than 3 persons, including the chairperson who must not be teaching the unit and the lecturer/s teaching the unit. Examiners give a percentage mark and a letter grade which is recorded in the students’ academic record. The percentage mark is used for student progression purposes and award classification. The following are the Descriptors, % mark range and grades that may be awarded:
| Descriptor | Mark Range | Grade |
| Work of excellent quality. Superior performance showing a comprehensive understanding and application of the subject matter. Evidence of considerable additional reading/research/work. | 80% – 100% | A |
| Work of very good quality. Performance is typified by a very good working knowledge of subject matter. Evidence of a considerable amount of reading/ research/work. | 70% – 79% | B |
| Work of good quality. Above average performance, with a good working knowledge of subject matter. Evidence of sufficient reading/research/work. | 55% – 69% | C |
| Work of fair but below average quality. Considerable but incomplete understanding of the subject matter. Evidence of a fair amount of reading/research/work. | 50% – 54% | D |
| Work of marginal quality. Minimal understanding of the subject matter, with no evidence of additional reading/research/work, which must be compensated by higher marks in other units in order to be eligible for the Postgraduate Award. | 45% – 49% | E |
For postgraduate awards which are only on a Pass or Fail system, the following applies:
| Postgraduate Award | Mark Range | Grade |
| Pass – when assessment is based on a pass/fail basis | Not Applicable | p |
| Unsatisfactory, failing work in any study-unit | 0% – 44% | F |
| Unjustified absence for an assessment, or failure to hand in assigned work in time, or ineligibility to take assessment due to unapproved absence from lectures. Shall be considered as F with 0 marks in the calculation of the average mark | 0% | F |
When there is need for re-assessment due to a failed taught study-unit, the maximum mark/grade which can be awarded is 45% / Grade E. Students who fail to obtain the required number of credits would be withdrawn from the postgraduate course.
The Boards of Examiners for Dissertations are made up of at least four members and normally include an external examiner. Students presenting their dissertation are required to defend their dissertation orally. The Principal Supervisor is invited to attend as an observer during the oral examination, but must withdraw prior to the final deliberations.
After examining the dissertation, the Board of Examiners may approve it unconditionally or subject to correction of minor errors. Once these amendments are carried out, the student is admitted to an oral examination. If the Board of Examiners is not satisfied with the quality of the dissertation it can refer it back to the student for major revision and resubmission within six months or else not grant permission to resubmit and state that the degree was not awarded. Students who fail in the oral examination may be given permission to re-submit the dissertation after making the necessary changes and re-examined orally within a period of six months. Such permission shall only be granted once.
Certification
The Award Classification Board for postgraduate awards is composed of three members which includes the Dean/Director or her/his delegate as chairperson, the course co-ordinator, and another member appointed by the Board. The Award Classification Board convenes for the Postgraduate Diplomas and Master’s degrees. Postgraduate certificates are unclassified.
The classifications for postgraduate diplomas and Master’s degrees are:
- Pass with Distinction (Summa Cum Laude)
- Pass with Merit (Magna Cum Laude)
- Pass (Bene Probatus).
The classification of postgraduate awards is based on the final weighted average mark which is obtained through the individual marks in each study-unit as well as the credit value of the study-unit. The dissertation is included in this weighting factor.
| Final Weighted Average Mark | Classification |
| 80 – 100% | Pass with Distinction |
| 70 – 79% | Pass with Merit |
| 50 – 69% | Pass |
Students whose final average weighted mark is between 0 and 49% are considered to have failed the course and are not entitled to the award of any qualification.
The Award Classification Board at its own discretion may award a higher classification than that indicated to students whose average mark is up to three marks less than the minimum. The Board however has to minute the decision with a justification. Similarly the Award Classification Board may award a lower classification. The same procedure as above is applicable. In this case, the students concerned may appeal to Senate against the decision within 15 days of the publication of the classification.
Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)
Branches of study
- MBA for the Small Business
- Haaga Helia Master of Business Informatics
Admission requirements and methodology
Entry Requirements for the above Masters courses: Bachelors degree or equivalent professional qualifications. A minimum two years of relevant work experience is desirable.
MBA for Small Business:
Year 1 Post-Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Level 7 – PgCert)
Compulsory Modules
1. Applied Research and Development
2. Business Analytics
3. Strategy and Small Business Growth
4. Developmental Economics
5. New Venture – Start-up Challenges
[Accumulated Total of 30 ECTS]
Year 2
Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (Level 7 – PgDip)
Compulsory Modules
6. Accounting for Managers
7. Entrepreneurship Management
8. Small Business Marketing
Elective Advanced Professional Studies
– Selection of two modules
9. Basics of Project Management
10. Financial Analysis
11. Managing Organisational Behaviour for the SBU
[Accumulated Total of 60 ECTS]
Year 3
Masters (Level 7 – Master of Business Administration)
Research Project/Dissertation at 30 ECTS
[Accumulated Total of 90 ECTS]
Haaga Helia Master of Business Informatics:
Year 1
Post-Graduate Certificate in Business Informatics (Level 7 – PgCert)
Compulsory Modules
1. Applied Research and Development
2. Business Intelligence
3. Aligning ICT and Business
4. Strategy and Small Business Growth
5. Business Models & E-Business
[Accumulated Total of 30 ECTS]
Year 2
Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Informatics (Level 7 – PgDip)
Compulsory Modules
6. Business Analytics
7. Leading Change
8. Data Warehousing
Elective Advanced Professional Studies – Selection from Group A or Group B
Group A
9. Programme Management Best
Practices
10. ICT Management in Practice – Case Study
Group B
11. Sourcing and Vendor Management
12. Cloud Computing
[Accumulated Total of 60 ECTS]
Year 3
Masters (Level 7 – MSc in Business
Informatics)
Research Project/Dissertation at 30 ECTS
[Accumulated Total of 90 ECTS]
Third Cycle (PhD) Programmes
University of Malta
Admission requirements
Students who have obtained a Master degree from the University of Malta or any other recognised university in an area of study that is related to the research to be conducted are eligible to apply. Course Bye-laws may provide the possibility to applicants who are in possession of a First Class Honours or Second Class Honours (Upper Division) and also have a strong background in the area of study related to the proposed area of research to apply. In this instance, the Faculty Doctoral Committee is required to submit a clearly motivated recommendation for acceptance to Board of the Faculty for eventual consideration by the Doctoral Academic Committee and Senate.
Applicants for the Ph.D. degree are required to provide:
- the provisional title for the thesis
- a detailed research proposal, normally of approximately 1000 words
- a statement on whether the studies will be undertaken on a full-time or a part-time basis, and, in the latter case, the number of hours that shall be dedicated to this research work
- a statement by a member of staff of the University who has agreed to act as Principal Supervisor
- a recommendation from the head of department or the division co-ordinator that the research topic is acceptable
- where appropriate, a request to present the thesis in a language other than English
- where appropriate, a request to undertake the research outside the University.
Applicants are interviewed by the Faculty Doctoral Committee with the participation of the applicants’ designated Principal Supervisor in order to assess the applicants’ ability and potential to reach doctoral level. The result of the interview shall be made available to the Doctoral Academic Committee and Senate together with the Board’s recommendation.
Enrolment
Applications may be submitted at any time of the year. However, students are registered with effect from one of the following dates: 1 October, 1 December, 1 February, 1 April and 1 June. Accepted applicants shall be expected to enrol by the date indicated to them.
Transfer from M.Phil. to Ph.D.
Senate may allow a transfer of registration from the M.Phil. Degree to the Ph.D. Degree with the same research proposal if the following conditions have been satisfied:
- after 12 months of full-time study or 24 months of part-time study have elapsed, an ad hoc board appointed by the Board for the purpose, composed of a chairman, the Principal Supervisor and another member, shall assess the student’s work
- the student has successfully completed a programme of study, if applicable; and
- a satisfactory progress report from the student’s Faculty Doctoral Committee has been received; and
- the quality of the research work presented by the student has the potential to reach the standard appropriate to that required of a doctoral degree.
There may be instances where the ad hoc board may establish that:
- (i) the student has not successfully completed the programme of study; or
- (ii) determine that the student’s work has not reached a sufficient standard to warrant recommendation of the transfer and advises re-submission within a specified period; or
- (iii) advise that the student be given up to 12 months in order to complete his/her studies for the award of an M.Phil. Degree;
In all cases, the ad hoc board shall inform the Doctoral Academic Committee, through the Faculty Board. If the transfer is allowed by the Senate, then work done for the M.Phil. degree will be applicable towards the requirements for the Ph.D. Degree.
Status of Doctoral students
Full-time doctoral students may be required to support the Faculty’s teaching activities and/or provide laboratory demonstration service for up to a maximum of 100 hours a year, provided that these duties do not conflict with their research work. Doctoral students involved in teaching shall be assigned a mentor to whom they may turn for advice so that effective teaching is ensured.
Supervision arrangements
When a Ph.D. application has been accepted, the Senate on the recommendation of the Board and the Doctoral Academic Committee appoints a Principal Supervisor from among the members of the academic staff. Such a member of staff usually has appropriate qualifications with extensive knowledge and research experience in the broad subject area of the student. A co-supervisor may be appointed to provide a link if research is of an interdisciplinary nature and/or if research is being undertaken in collaboration with another organisation. However the Principal Supervisor retains ultimate reasonability of leadership in the supervision.
The University Ph.D. regulations specify that a principal supervisor should not be related to a student by consanguinity or by affinity to the third degree inclusive or have a dual relationship with the student.
The role of the principal supervisors, co-supervisors and advisers is one which requires responsibility in providing guidance to students under his/her care in the following areas:
- offering ideas and providing guidance and encouragement on the planning and progress of research, submission of the thesis and publication of the results;
- providing or arranging for instruction in research methodology, including use of information technology; and
- guiding students in acquiring and improving appropriate generic skills, including written and oral communication, numeracy, decision-taking, and organisational and management skills.
- ensuring that the students are aware of the manner in which research results are reported and that they understand the implications of plagiarism and other unbecoming academic practices.
Regular meetings need to be held so that progress is reviewed. These meetings shall occur at least six times a year for full-time students. Other means of communication may be employed if necessary.
Principal Supervisors, co-supervisors and advisers are not responsible for proof-reading theses. Neither is it their responsibility to ensure that theses do not contain plagiarised parts. However if plagiarism is detected in a draft or in the final version of a thesis prior to the formal submission for examination, the Principal Supervisor, depending on the gravity of the offence, will use discretion as to what corrective measures if deemed appropriate are taken.
Once the thesis has been submitted for examination, the supervisory role ceases. This role will be re-assumed if the thesis is referred back for significant correction pending final acceptance.
Thesis examination
Doctoral degree examination is through a written thesis written in a prescribed format and which should not exceed 100,000 words excluding bibliography, appendices and abstract. The work presented shall conform to the established scholarly standards of the appropriate discipline.
Three months prior to the intended date of submission, students shall signify their intention to the Faculty Doctoral Committee to present their thesis stating its exact title. The Faculty Doctoral Committee shall advise the Board to recommend to Senate the appointment of a Board of Examiners. Along with the thesis being presented for examination, students are required to submit a signed declaration that the thesis is their own personal work and that the greater portion of their work has been done after their registration for the Ph.D. Degree. The Principal Supervisors shall confirm on the appropriate form that they are aware that the student is submitting the thesis for examination by the Board of Examiners.
A Board of Examiners is appointed by the Senate and on the Board’s recommendation shall include a Chairperson, an external examiner, and at least another member, provided that the oral examination of the thesis shall be conducted by at least three examiners including the external examiner. All members appointed shall be academics experienced in research in the general area of the student’s thesis and where practicable shall have experience as specialists in the topic. When the student is an assistant lecturer at the University a second external examiner (normally non-visiting) must be appointed. Principal Supervisors, co-supervisors and advisers shall be precluded from being examiners. However the Principal Supervisor shall be invited to attend as an observer but must withdraw prior to the final deliberations of the Board of Examiners.
The examination of the Ph.D. thesis takes place in two stages. Stage one is the submission of the thesis by the student and the preliminary assessment by the Board of Examiners. Stage two is the oral defence of the thesis.
When assessing a thesis the Board of Examiners require:
- evidence that it represents a significant contribution to knowledge in a particular field of study;
- evidence of originality;
- evidence of the ability of the student to relate the subject matter of the thesis to the existing body of knowledge;
- evidence of the ability of the student to apply research methods appropriate to the subject; and
- a satisfactory level of literary presentation.
An independent preliminary report is written by each examiner and sent to the Chairperson of the Board of Examiners. Each examiner shall consider whether the thesis satisfied the requirements for the award of the Ph.D. degree and where possible make an appropriate provisional recommendation subject to the outcome of the oral examination. The Board of Examiners then decides whether to admit the student to an oral examination after either approving the Ph.D. thesis unconditionally or subjecting the thesis to the correction of minor errors. If the Board of Examiners is not satisfied with the quality of the thesis, it will not admit the student to the oral examination and
- refer the thesis back to the student for major revision and resubmission within a minimum of six months and a maximum of twelve months in revised form to the satisfaction of the Board of Examiners; or
- not permit the student to resubmit in a revised form but admit the student to an oral examination for the award of the M.Phil. Degree instead; or
- refer the thesis back to the student for major revision and resubmission within six months in a revised form to the satisfaction of the Board of Examiners for the award of the M.Phil. Degree instead; or
- not grant permission to resubmit and state that no degree be awarded, provided that permission as in sub-paragraphs (b) or (c) of this paragraph is granted once only.
The oral examination, which covers the subject of the thesis and other relevant matters, is held at the University of Malta. Students defending their thesis are informed three weeks prior to the scheduled date. Following the oral examination, the Board of Examiners submits a final collective report (together with the examiners’ individual report) to Senate.
The collective report will recommend that:
- the Ph.D. Degree be awarded if the thesis satisfies the criteria set out in paragraphs (1) and (2) of regulation 5 of the Ph.D. regulations; or
- the Ph.D. Degree be awarded subject to minor amendments being carried out to the satisfaction of the Chairman of the Board of Examiners within three months of the official notification to the student by the Board of Examiners; or
- the Ph.D. degree be not awarded and that the student be either awarded the M.Phil. Degree or be declared to have definitively failed.
If the examiners are not in agreement, the procedures established within the University assessment regulations are followed.
Mobility in Higher Education
Student and Academic Staff Mobility
Scholarships section
The Government of Malta has established a number of scholarship schemes in order to provide adequate opportunities for student mobility. These scholarship schemes are intended for both undergraduate and postgraduate students and are administered by the Programme Implementation Directorate. These scholarship schemes offer an excellent opportunity in further specialisation for students following undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes thereby enhancing the employability of high level graduates in the priority sectors of knowledge-based economy in Malta.
The scholarship schemes include:
- Malta Government Scholarship Scheme (MGSS) – Postgraduate
- EU co-Funded Scholarship Schemes
- Malta Arts Scholarships
- Malta Sports Scholarships
- The Commonwealth Scholarships
The Malta Government Scholarship Scheme (MGSS)
This scheme, which is wholly funded by the Government of Malta, offers scholarships at a postgraduate level (MGSS-PG).
The scheme is aimed to address four key objectives namely:
- To increase research and development activity in Malta in identified areas of national priority;
- To encourage and promote more student participation at a postgraduate level of academic research both locally and internationally;
- To enhance and support research at the University of Malta;
- To increase the capacity and level of research, innovation and development activity in Malta thus ensuring a highly skilled workforce.
Since the launch of MGSS-PG in 2006 a total of 463 scholarships have been awarded, of which 235 led to the awarding of Doctoral Degrees.
EU co-funded scholarship schemes
These scholarship schemes seek to assist students reading for postgraduate courses that lead to a Masters Degree or Doctorate. These schemes also strive to prepare students for employment in the priority areas of the knowledge-based Maltese economy since a level of educational attainment is proving an ever increasingly important element in the country’s economic and social agenda.
Under the Strategic Educational Pathways Scholarship – STEPS launched in 2009, 870 scholarships have been awarded out of which 67 scholarship grants were at Doctoral Level. Yet, under the MASTER it! Scholarship Scheme which was launched in 2013, 497 beneficiaries have been awarded scholarships to pursue their studies at Masters level.
The key objectives of these schemes are to:
- Assist people to pursue further levels of academic research;
- Improve the quality and relevance of the education system;
- Reduce skills mismatches particularly within the priority economic sectors;
- Support further research in science and technology; and
- Increase the capacity and level of research, innovation and development activity in Malta.
The Malta Arts Scholarships (MAS)
The Malta Arts Scholarships scheme (MAS) is administered by the Programme Implementation Directorate in collaboration with the Arts Council Malta. MAS aims at providing adequate opportunities to support individuals who are exceptionally talented in the promotion of professional performance specialisation in the arts. The duration of the programme of studies has to be of a minimum of nine months and a maximum of four years. Students may follow programmes at foreign institutions as long as the institution and the programme is recognised by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) within the National Commission for Further and Higher Education or approved by the Arts Council Malta. The scheme supports specialised programmes of studies in the following disciplines: theatre, music, dance, design, creative writing, film, the visual arts or any combination thereof. In the four years since its inception in 2010 the scheme has provided grants to 56 beneficiaries.
The Malta Sports Scholarships (MSS)
The Malta Sports Scholarships Scheme was launched in March 2012 and has as its overarching aim for the advancement of sports at a professional level in order to aid the development of high performance athletes/professionals. This specialization in sport is intended to encourage the uptake of sport and physical activity across the country resulting in an overall improvement in the health and well-being of the population as a whole. In the three years since its inception in 2012 the scheme has provided grants to 38 beneficiaries.
Commonwealth Scholarships scheme
The Commonwealth Scholarships scheme is also administered by the Programme Implementation Directorate. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom invites Malta to nominate a number of candidates for Commonwealth Scholarships. The selected candidates are offered an opportunity to pursue a full-time or a doctoral postgraduate course lasting from one to three years or a 12-month non-degree study placement in the UK on a split-site basis. Scholarships may be tenable in the UK or in selected universities in Commonwealth countries.
Erasmus+ and other overseas experience for higher and vocational students
Erasmus+, the EU’s flagship education and training programme, emphasises student and staff mobility and European co-operation involving higher education institutions and other key players in the knowledge-based economy. It supports the creation of a European Higher Education Area (EHEA) through increased mobility. This allows for more innovation, growth and jobs in the EU. In addition to students, Erasmus+ also caters for teachers, trainers, and other stakeholders involved in higher education. These include relevant associations, research centres, counselling organisations and similar bodies. It is also open to enterprises, social partners and stakeholders, as well as public and private bodies providing education and training at local, regional and national level.
The Erasmus (Extended) University Charter (EUC) provides the general framework for the European Cooperation activities that higher education institution (HEI) may carry out within the Erasmus programme. The University of Malta was awarded the Extended University Charter in 2007. Thus the University of Malta is entitled to apply for Erasmus funding for student mobility for studies and for placements, as well as for transnational mobility activities for both Academic and Administrative staff members. With this charter, the University of Malta can also act as a co-ordinator of a consortium applying for Erasmus Intensive programmes, multilateral projects, networks or accompanying measures.
Malta has been participating in the Erasmus programme since the year 2000 when the University of Malta was the only HEI to be awarded an Erasmus University Charter (EUC). The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) and the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) were awarded the EUC in 2005 and 2006 respectively. Up till 2013 a total of 1864 students and 693 tutors have participated in the Erasmus and Erasmus+ programmes since 2000. Higher Education Maltese students and academic and administrative staff have since then benefitted from the award of EUR1.98m in funds. The following table provides an indicative overview of the selection results related to Erasmus Mobility for Maltese HEIs applications for 2014:
| Institution | Student Mobility | Lecturer and Administrative Staff Mobility |
| University of Malta | 300 | 70 |
| MCAST | 85 | 17 |
| Institute of TourismStudies | 18 | 10 |
The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)
MCAST too has run a number of mobility projects under the Lifelong Learning Projects initiative with the aim of providing a mobility experience to students following courses at MQF Levels 4, 5 and 6. The number of beneficiaries in academic years 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 were as follows:
| Students | Lecturing Staff | Administrative Staff | |
| 2012/2013 | 79 | 30 | 13 |
| 2013/2014 | 57 | 15 | 12 |
Two of the main mobility projects in which MCAST students and staff are participating in are:
- Sustainability in the New Europe – Ambassadors for Sustainability:
This project aims to enhance and embed Sustainability and Sustainable Development into the thoughts and activities of European students within the Construction, Engineering, Finance, Business and Marketing environments of Industry with a focus on Renewable Energies.
Students focus on ‘Sustainability ‘measures in their own countries, with a view and focus on researching Renewable Energies. The learners not only study the good practices within their trade disciplines but also enrich and change their own life style to embrace ‘Sustainability’ into their own outlook and activities. This would provide an individual and collective foundation for lifelong learning.
- School Alive:
The partners taking part in this action had the option of building either a complete recreational area or parts of it. To realize the project idea the activities were aligned to the curricular theoretical and practical lessons of each participating institution. The project consisted of drawings, practical work and site visits. The language of communication was English.
This intensive cooperation, collaboration, exchanging of methods, techniques and experience served as a clear pathway to enable participants to do training, work experience and live in other EU countries.
Another special added value for teachers involved in this project was the comparison of the teaching methods and materials throughout sessions, meetings and presentations. This improved the quality of education in the respective countries.
MCAST has also partnered with a number of foreign universities, such as HAAGA-HELIA University of Applied Science Finland, the European University of Cyprus in Communication Arts, the University Medical Centre Groningen and the University of Canberra amongst others.
MCAST also actively participates in the Euroskills competition. This competition organised by the European Skills Promotion Organization (ESPO) aims to promote skills excellence, vocational education and training and craftsmanship among European youngsters.
Another successful European project which MCAST participated in was the European CNC Network – Train for Europe. This Comenius School Partnership, created in 2006 won first prize at the Charlemagne Youth Prize 2010 award event, a prize aimed at encouraging the development of European consciousness among young people as well as their participation in European integration projects.
Institution of Tourism Studies (ITS)
Students and lecturers at ITS have the opportunity to participate in mobility placements, these being either EU-funded or through industrial practice placements. Over the past few years ITS has collaborated in tourism education with a number of European higher education institutions including the University of Perugia, the University of Palermo, the Grenoble School of Management, the University of Manchester, the Lancashire University, the Dublin Institute of Technology and the Waterford Institute of Technology.
MCAST and ITS collaborated as partners in a project called Linking Industrial Needs and Vocational Education and Training (VET) to Optimise Human Capital (ESF 2.85). This EU co-financed project was organized in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry. The overall objective was to increase the number of persons trained with the specific aim of addressing emerging trends and developments in the labour market.
