Tertiary Education

The University of Malta

Higher education in Malta is offered at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels at the University of Malta that is totally funded by Government and is autonomous and self-governing. Courses of studies last between one and six years.

Students normally join university courses at the age of 17/18 years although some mature applicants are admitted mostly to part-time and evening courses.

Admission and requirements

The admission requirements to Tertiary level education are the University Matriculation Certificate and the Secondary Education Certificate examinations. Corresponding levels of other overseas examinations may be accepted as equivalent.

Courses of studies may specify special requirements for admission to that course. The University Admissions Board may also accept graduates of another university or candidates with other qualifications. Applications from local students are normally received in July and August of each year. Overseas students can apply through the International Office of the University up to the end of August each year.

Fees/Financial Support for Students

Local students do not pay fees and are given maintenance grants by Government during their course of studies. All Maltese students following a full-time degree at the University of Malta who are under the age of thirty years receive a stipend. A limited number of scholarships are available in terms of bilateral agreements with some countries. Overseas students are charged fees.

Academic Year

The academic year is divided into two semesters - 1st October to 31st January and 1st February to 31st May. The summer recess is between the middle of July and the end of September of each year.

Testing is held during the last week of January and May whilst final examinations are held in June of each year. Lectures, seminars and workshops are normally held between October and May.

Courses

The University of Malta offers a number of course in various faculties leading to a Bachelor's degree at the end of three to four years, depending on the course followed. First-degree course in Dental Surgery, Engineering and Architecture and Medicine and Surgery take five years whilst the course leading to doctor of law lasts six years.

Most undergraduate courses at the University are based on modular or credit system. A credit is obtained by completing a study unit comprising a total of 50 hours of study. Lectures are supplemented by tutorials and where appropriate clinical teaching, practical demonstrations and laboratory work. Post-graduate degrees at Master's levels are also offered and require between one and four years of full-time or part-time study through course work and/or research work. Post-graduate doctoral degrees are awarded and are based on research.

Books and other educational material have to be obtained by the students. However the university library houses nearly half a million volumes.

Institute of Health Care (IHC)

The Institute of Health Care within the University of Malta was set up specifically to develop courses in Health Care on an academic level. For many years, the University has provided education for future doctors, dentists and pharmacists. However, today it is recognised that health care involves the efforts of a multidisciplinary team of caring professionals who meet, discuss and plan together the health care needs of individuals and specific client groups.

The Institute of Health Care provides the knowledge and skills for the professional carer, so that s/he may contribute to effective decision making and policy setting. The Institute is also involved in continuing updating exercises, thereby keeping professionals abreast with recent developments in health care.

The Institute of Health Care offers undergraduate courses at Diploma and Bachelor levels.

Malta Centre for Restoration (MCR)

The Malta Centre for Restoration has been set up with the aim to advise Government on policies related to conservation and restoration, including the identification of priority areas and special needs.

The Centre's premises contain Malta's main diagnostic science and restoration laboratories complemented by a fully-resourced documentation division incorporating photography, photogrammetry and laser scanning facilities for the documentation of artefacts, archaeological sites and historic buildings.

Through its Institute for Conservation and Restoration Studies, MCR trains its students on internationally recognised professional standards in various conservation and restoration techniques. Apart from degree programmes carried out together with the University of Malta, MCR also provides post-secondary vocational courses in conservation and preservation of Maltese and cultural property.

These objectives are consistent with the vision of developing and promoting MCR as a centre of excellence with a distinct Euro-Mediterranean dimension and as a hub in the field of teaching and research activity in conservation and restoration at the heart of the Mediterranean region.