The Referencing Report is Malta’s national document that references the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (QF/EHEA); and the Transnational Qualifications Framework of the Small states of the Commonwealth (TQF). It describes the MQF and the different levels of qualifications in Malta. This referencing process allows the recognition of national qualifications at a European level and the recognition of foreign qualifications from the European Union and beyond.
The first Referencing Report was launched by the previously known Malta Qualifications Council in November 2009, creating a solid ground work for the subsequent editions. The newly revised edition was launched by the National Commission for Further and Higher Education marking the 4th publication. The main aim was to have an updated report which reflects recent developments within the Maltese education system. In addition, the Commission aimed to have a more user-friendly document which can be easily used nationally by education training providers, learners and employers, as well as by international professionals and entities.
The Referencing Report also provides accreditation parameters enabling national education training institutions to develop courses leading to qualifications with level descriptors as stipulated by the MQF. It enables national qualifications to gain recognition both in Malta and abroad. It also makes it possible for learners obtaining qualifications from foreign institutions, in countries which have referenced their own National Qualifications framework to the EQF, to have their qualifications recognised against the MQF.
The 4th edition of this report highlights an updated Maltese education structure, outlining the main pathways across compulsory, further and higher education in Malta, both within and across, the academic and VET spheres.
The Malta Qualifications Framework has been updated with the insertion of two new levels: Introductory Level A an Introductory Level B. These cover the learning gained, but not yet rated at Level 1 and recognise any learning that has taken place to serve as stepping stones towards Level 1.
Another update is the change of contact hours from 6.25 hours to 5 hours per credit. This aims to promote alternative ways of learning. It also introduces a number of parameters aimed to guide the accreditation of work-based learning, including apprenticeships.
To provide a clearer picture of the relationship between Levels and credits, this report further explains the amount of credits required according to the MQF Level and qualification. This shall further improve clarity and comparability of qualifications. On the same terms, in line with the Bologna Process Requirements, this report introduces the Short Cycle Qualification with 120 credits at Level 5 on the MQF. Anther innovation is the reduction of the amount of credits for the accreditation of courses by NCFHE from a minimum of 4 credits to 1 credit.
The 4th edition of the Referencing Report was co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union and is available online on the new NCFHE website. For further information and guidance on how to refer to this report, send an email on ncfhe@gov.mt.