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 of Arts

Faculty for the Built Environment

Faculty of Dental Surgery

Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy

Faculty of Education

Faculty of Engineering

Faculty of Health Sciences

Faculty of Information and Communication Technology

Faculty of Laws

Faculty Of Media & Knowledge Sciences

Faculty Of Medicine & Surgery

Faculty Of Science

Faculty Of Social Wellbeing

Faculty of Theology

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.

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 pletform and will be using it for all courses as from January.