Initial Education for Academic Staff in Higher Education
University of Malta
Entry into the University of Malta (UM) depends on the level of qualifications possessed by the applicants. The resident academic stream is composed of four grades: Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor and Professor. Entry into the grade of Lecturer or above within this stream is open to persons only in possession of a PhD or an equivalent research-based doctorate within the strict guidelines established by the Academic Promotions Committee of the university. All appointments are made after review by selection and on an indefinite period, subject to the statutory probation period, up to retirement age.
Academic posts are offered depending on the circumstances; posts are offered based on the call issued. Some are on indefinite basis (subject to the probation period) whilst others are being offered for a definite period (maximum of 4 years). Assistant Lecturers are employed for an initial period of four years, during which period of training they shall be obliged to register and pursue a Ph.D. in an agreed field of direct interest to their Department, Institute, Centre or School. If at the end of the four years, the assistant lecturer provides satisfactory progress in the Ph. D, the employment is extended by a further definite contract of four years. The Assistant Lecturer is expected to complete and further more obtain the Ph.D. On attainment of the Ph.D, an Assistant Lecturer's employment will automatically become indefinite and the Assistant Lecturer will become eligible for promotion to Lecturer.
The University may also appoint promising candidates as Assistant Lecturers provided that within a period of eight years they obtain the necessary qualifications to enter the resident academic stream. Failure to do so will result in termination of their employment.
Junior College
There are four grades of lecturers at the Junior College (JC)
An Assistant Lecturer is requested to have a postgraduate qualification and at least five years teaching experience or professional experience in a position of responsibility related to the subject matter engaged to teach.
A Lecturer is requested to have a postgraduate qualification and at least 10 years teaching experience or professional experience in a position of responsibility related to the subject matter engaged to teach.
A Senior Lecturer I is requested to have a postgraduate qualification and at least fifteen years teaching experience or professional experience in a position of responsibility related to the subject matter engaged to teach.
A Senior Lecturer II requires a person who have a postgraduate qualification and at least twenty years teaching experience or professional experience in a position of responsibility related to the subject matter engaged to teach.
Demonstrated quality in teaching and commitment to the Junior College and the education sector are essential criteria for promotion. When applying for promotion, candidates should provide evidence of their ability and dedication to teach by written reports submitted by the Area Coordinator. Candidates should demonstrate that in their teaching they have adopted modern educational technologies and pedagogical techniques and developed their courseware.
Lecturing staff are promoted by the Council of the University of Malta (UM) after receiving recommendations from the Promotions Board.
Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)
Entry into the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) is dependent on the qualifications as well as on the number of years of lecturing and/or industrial experience of the applicants. The first stage of entry into MCAST is as an assistant lecturer with the minimum qualifications for appointment to this grade being a relevant first degree or relevant vocational qualifications (MQC Level 5) and a minimum of three years full-time relevant experience.
The minimum qualifications for direct appointment to a lecturer is a relevant first degree together with a professional teacher training qualification with at least six years full-time relevant experience or a relevant Master’s degree with at least six years full-time relevant experience.
The minimum qualifications for direct entry as Senior Lecturer I is a Master’s degree with a professional teacher training qualification ten years full-time relevant experience or a First degree and a Master’s degree with a professional teacher training qualification seven years full-time relevant experience or First degree and a Doctorate degree with a professional teacher training qualification.
The minimum qualifications for direct entry as Senior Lecturer II are a relevant First degree and Doctorate degree with a professional teacher training qualification and at least six years full-time relevant experience or a relevant Master’s degree and Doctorate degree with a professional teacher training qualification and at least nine years full-time relevant experience or a relevant First degree and Master’s degree and a Doctorate degree with a professional teacher training qualification and at least one year full-time relevant experience.
Institute for Tourism Studies
Entry into the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) is via a public call for applications and the qualifying academic qualifications are determined by agreement between the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) and the Management of ITS.
- Recruitment of Senior Lecturer II
A relevant recognised Doctoral Degree at MQF level 8 or equivalent and at least 7 years full-time relevant industrial or professional experience in a managerial post or related teaching experience.
New applicants qualifying for recruitment to this grade will be accepted on condition that they obtain a relevant and recognised teacher training qualification pegged at MQF level 6 within 5 years from employment engagement date. Management reserves the right to terminate employment if the teacher training qualification is not obtained.
- Recruitment as Senior Lecturer I
A relevant recognised Master’s Degree at MQF Level 7 and at least seven years full-time relevant industrial or professional experience in a managerial post or related teaching experience; or a relevant recognised Doctorate at MQF level 8 and at least 5 years full-time relevant industrial or professional experience in a managerial post or related teaching experience
New applicants qualifying for recruitment to this grade will be accepted on condition that they obtain a relevant and recognised teacher training qualification pegged at MQF level 6 within 5 years from employment engagement date. Management reserves the right to terminate employment if the teacher training qualification is not obtained.
- Recruitment in the post of Lecturer
A relevant recognised first degree qualification at MQF level 6 and at least seven years full-time equivalent industrial or professional experience or related teaching experience; or a relevant recognised qualification at Master’s Degree MQF level 7, without lecturing experience.
- New applicants qualifying for recruitment to this grade will be accepted on condition that they obtain a relevant and recognised teacher training qualification pegged at MQF level 6 within 5 years from employment engagement date. Management reserves the right to terminate employment if the teacher training qualification is not obtained.
- Recruitment in the post of Assistant Lecturer
Qualification at MQF level 5 and a minimum of 4 years fulltime relevant end appropriate industrial experience in a supervisory post or related teaching experience; or a relevant recognised qualification at MQF level 6 without experience;
New applicants qualifying for recruitment to this grade will be accepted on condition that they obtain a relevant and recognised teacher training qualification pegged at MQF level 6 within 5 years from employment engagement date. New applicants will also be required to obtain a minimum MQF level 6 qualification in their teaching subject area, within 6 years from the date of engagement. Management reserves the right to terminate employment if the teacher training qualification is not obtained.
Institute for Education
Lecturers at the Institute for Education are selected by a Selection Board and are required to satisfy the requirements indicated in the specific expression of interest. The eligibility criteria for the selection of the Lecturers are:
- A Master’s degree or a recognised, appropriate, comparable qualification at MQF Level 7 or higher in the subject/area applied for
- Evidence of at least two (2) years teaching experience
- Evidence of competence in the English and Maltese Languages