Master of Arts in Criminology

Course Title

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

5 Semesters

90 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-time Evening (by Research)

Information for International applicants

Applicants must be in possession of:

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

a Bachelor degree obtained with at least Second Class (Honours) from this University in an area of study deemed relevant by the Board or
a Bachelor degree obtained with at least Category II from this University in an area of study deemed relevant by the Board or
a Bachelor degree from another university recognized by Senate comparable to the qualifications indicated in paragraphs (a) and (b).

The admission of applicants shall be made conditional on the result of an interview.

Applicants not in possession of an Honours degree admitted under (b) and (c) (if applicable) shall be required to complete a preparatory programme.

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You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the accommodation website.

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.

The aim of this programme is to allow you to apply criminological thought to a specific interest area of your choice. The programme is being designed predominantly research based to allow you and your selected supervisor to indulge in an in-depth study in a specific area of interest contributing to a richer understanding of criminology.

The programme is focused on encouraging your intellectual development. The programme is predominantly research based to allow you to delve into a specific area and become a specialist in the particular subject area. You will acquire an in-depth, perhaps unique, understanding of the subject areas facilitating idea and thought organisation and application of new knowledge and skills to the real world. It is our vision that you will become a champion in the subject area and will be able to disseminate findings and outcomes derived from the research.

Students are required to obtain a total of 90 ECTS credits over a period of 5 Semesters of part-time study. Students will be required to register for the study-units as directed by the board.


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

CRI5001*	Dissertation	80 ECTS
* Work on the dissertation is expected to start in semester 1 of academic year 2024-25 and continues up to the end of semester 2 of academic year 2025-26.

Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

CRI5002	Research Methods	10 ECTS

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Criminology - M.A. (Crim.) - under the auspices of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing.

It is expected that the research programme will not only enrich you in terms of personal and professional knowledge, skills and intelligence, but will also allow you to transfer this new-found knowledge to fellow researchers, professional colleagues and to society in general.

On completion of the programme, you will be able to:

differentiate between the various research models available and be able to select the most appropriate model that relates to the subject area,
demonstrate a deep understanding and knowledge of the subject under examination following a thorough review of existing literature and research,
plan, manage and conduct appropriate research in the field,
analyse and interpret findings giving meaning to identified trends, phenomena and findings,
document, communicate, demonstrate and share findings with other researchers through well planned, presented and explained relevant documentation,
collate, document and present a dissertation respecting academic standards.

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 10,800
Yr 1: Eur 5,400 - Yr 2: Eur 5,400

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It is expected that a core element of students who opt to undertake this programme will already be employed or seeking to be employed in an area that is relevant to the subject. The flexibility of this programme allows you to select a study area that is more appropriate to your employment and personal development. You will also benefit from working directly with an appointed supervisor and will enhance intellectual skills through close and regular contact with academic staff; development of structured arguments; and discussion with peers and supervisors.

https://www.um.edu.mt/courses/overview/pmacriper6-2024-5-o/