Second Cycle Programmes

6.Higher education

6.3Second Cycle Programmes

Last update: 25 March 2026

University of Malta

Branches of Study

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.

An extensive variety of postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma and Master’s Courses are offered by the University of Malta. These include joint programmes offered with universities in Europe and the United States.

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 to a Master’s course, applicants need to be in possession of a first-cycle degree with at least Second Class Honours or Category II from the University of Malta or from any other recognised university approved by Senate. Additional requirements, which may include a preparatory program, must also be met as outlined in the Course Bye-Laws. Bye-laws for specific courses may provide applicants with a Third Class Honours or Category III degree with an opportunity to follow the course, if they are in possession of other qualifications or relevant experience in the field can be demonstrated. Master programmes are build on the generic and /or specific competences that students would have achieved after following a first-cycle qualification.

Curriculum

In mainly 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.

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 postgraduate qualification awarded by the University of Malta is found below:

Postgraduate Certificate 30 credits, of which not less than 25 credits at Level 5

Postgraduate Diploma 60 credits, of which not less than 50 credits at Level 5

Master’s Degree 90 or 120 credits, of which not less than 80 credits at Level 5, and including

Dissertation to which not less than 30 credits are assigned.

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.

Student Progression

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 by research are allowed to enrol for the following year subject to a satisfactory progress report from their Principal Supervisor.

Employability

The University of Malta maintains strong and evolving connections between education and employment. Its master’s programs are crafted to meet both local and international job market needs, emphasising the development of relevant professional skills alongside academic knowledge. These programmes are continuously updated in order to ensure graduates are well-prepared for careers in their respective fields

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 and critical understanding and application of the subject matter. Evidence of extensive additional reading/research/work.	80% - 100%	A
Work of very good quality. Performance showing a very good working knowledge of subject matter. Evidence of a considerable amount of additional reading/ research/work.	70% - 79%	B
Work of average quality. Average performance, showing a good working knowledge of subject matter. Evidence of sufficient reading/research/work.	55% - 69%	C
Work of fair but below average quality. Performance showing considerable but incomplete understanding of the subject matter. Evidence of a fair amount of reading/research/work.	50% - 54%	D
Work of marginal quality. Performance showing 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
Unsatisfactory, failing work in any study-unit other than a Dissertation.	0% - 44%	F

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. A failed study-unit may be re-assessed once only. Students who fail to obtain the required number of credits would be withdrawn from the postgraduate course.

The Boards of Examiners for Dissertations are composed of at least three members, provided that when an oral examination is held three members need to be present 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.

For Master courses with dissertations assigned 60 ECTS credits or more, the Board of Examiners will hold an oral examination after marking the dissertation, unless it is deemed of poor quality, in which case a failing mark will be issued. A second oral exam may be conducted at the Board's discretion following major corrections or a re-examination. If a dissertation receives a failing mark without an initial oral exam, the Board will conduct the oral exam during the re-assessment. For dissertations assigned less than 60 ECTS credits, an oral examination is required if specified in the assessment method. A second oral examination may be allowed after major revisions or a failed re-submission. If no oral examination is indicated, one may still be conducted for borderline dissertations, failed re-submissions, or if the examiners disagree.

Certification

The Award Classification Board for postgraduate awards is composed of at least three members which includes the Dean/Director or delegate as chair, the course co-ordinator, and at least another member appointed by the Board. The Award Classification Board convenes for the Postgraduate Diplomas and Master’s degrees. Postgraduate certificates are awarded unclassified.

The classifications for postgraduate diplomas and Master’s degrees are awarded as follows:
•   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 – 64%                                                     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 Postgraduate qualification.

The Award Classification Board at its own discretion may award a higher classification than that indicated to students whose Final Weighted Average Mark is up to five marks less than the minimum of the classification. The Board however is required 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

Research Methods
Artificial Intelligence for Industry 4.0
Advanced Clinical Practice
Professional Health Practice
Environmental Engineering
Integrated Water Resource Management
Business Administration for the Small Business (MBA)
Retail
Lean Enterprise
Social Care Practice
Exercise and Sports Science
Product Design
Mechanical Engineering and Sustainable Technology
Aerospace Engineering
Mechatronics
High Performance Buildings
Information Technology and Systems
Vocational Education Applied Research 4.0

Admission requirements and methodology

Entry Requirements for each of the master’s courses are available in the Prospectus available online at: https://mcast.edu.mt/wp-content/uploads/2201_MCAST-Prospectus_170x240mm_Web-file.pdf

Institute for Tourism Studies

Branches of study

Master in Business Administration in International Hospitality Management Master of Arts in Heritage Interpretation

Admissions

Entry criteria for the Master in Business Administration in International Hospitality Management:

A relevant Bachelor’s degree at MQF/EQF Level 6 with a minimum of 180 ECTS, awarded at second class or better.

A Bachelor’s degree at MQF/EQF Level 6 and a portfolio evidencing relevant work experience of at least three (3) years.

A full qualification at MQF/EQF Level 5 with a minimum of 60 ECTS in Tourism, Hospitality, Business, or Management, along with six (6) years of proven work experience at a supervisory/managerial level. Applicants may also be requested to submit a portfolio showcasing their writing and analytical skills to ensure they can actively engage in the programme.

Ten years of proven work experience at a supervisory/managerial level. Applicants may also be requested to submit a portfolio showcasing their writing and analytical skills to ensure they can actively engage in the programme.

Applicants must also provide evidence of English proficiency at Level C1.

Entry criteria for the Master of Arts in Heritage Interpretation:

A relevant Bachelor’s degree at MQF/EQF Level 6 with a minimum of 180 ECTS, awarded at second class or better.

A Bachelor’s degree at MQF/EQF Level 6 and a portfolio evidencing relevant work experience of at least three (3) years.

A full qualification at MQF/EQF Level 5 with a minimum of 120 ECTS and a portfolio showcasing the applicant’s writing and analytical skills to ensure active engagement in the programme. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of work experience at a professional and/or executive level is required.

Applicants must also provide evidence of English proficiency at Level C1.

Institute for Education