PMAEISFTR5-2024-5-O - L-Università ta' Malta

Course Title

Master of Arts in European Integration Studies

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

3 Semesters

90 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time (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) or Category II in European Studies.

The Board may allow applicants possessing a degree other than that specified above to join the Course, provided that the degree classification is not less than Second Class (Honours) or Category II, and subject to the submission of a letter of motivation and an interview to establish whether such applicants have sufficient proficiency and background to enable them to follow the Course with profit. In such instances, the Board may recommend that applicants follow a preparatory programme.

All applicants shall be required to submit with their application a detailed synopsis of their research topic. Applicants shall be interviewed by an interviewing board appointed for the purpose of evaluating the research proposal, which must satisfy the Institute's criteria.

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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.

This programme of study is also offered on a part-time basis. Please consult the Registrar's website for more information pertaining to courses offered by the University.

The degree is made up of 90 ECTS credits, of which 10 ECTS credits are assigned to taught study-units and 80 ECTS credits to the dissertation. If you have direct experience of working in EU affairs or are a motivated graduate, the programme will prepare you to undertake research in EU-related areas which, through applied research, will lead to substantive work that contributes to our knowledge of EU affairs and to the good of society. The MA by Research breaks from the Institute's traditional approach of seeking to create informed generalists. Instead, you will be part of a cohort of students with a substantial background in EU affairs in the process of becoming a highly specialised graduate with applied knowledge in your chosen area of research. During the course, you will follow two courses, one on political science and economics and one on research methodology.

Joining the European Union in 2004 was one of the most significant moments in modern Maltese history, allowing Malta to assume its place in the most successful, regional integration process ever undertaken. Reflecting the monumental steps taken in establishing a union amongst former enemies, European Studies has become a staple of university programmes around the world. Reflecting this trend, the Institute for European Studies has been providing degree programmes in European politics, economics and law since 1992 with a special focus on Malta, the Mediterranean and European integration. The need to inform and educate a new generation of students about the complexities of membership meant that the Institute, through its bachelor, masters and doctoral degrees, has contributed to a stream of highly informed graduates who have become the backbone of Malta's EU membership, working in core government structures, in the EU institutions and with NGOs involved in EU affairs.

The MA in European Integration is a key development in the range of degree programmes offered by the Institute. After more than a decade of membership, the need was felt to offer a degree programme which would allow individuals with direct experience of working in EU affairs or highly specialised, motivated graduates to undertake targeted research in areas relating to the EU and integration and which, through applied research, would lead to substantive work which contributes to our knowledge of EU affairs as well as contributing to the good of society. It need not be added that the range of research topics will also depend on the availability of Institute staff in providing the necessary supervision. In this way, the MA by Research breaks from the Institute's traditional approach of seeking to create informed generalists and aims to take candidates with a substantial background in EU affairs and produce highly specialised graduates with applied knowledge in their chosen area of research.

The degree programme combines both a taught element and research. During the course, students will follow two courses, one on political science and one on research methodology. This will amount to 10 ECTS and the student must pass these compulsory credits. At the same time, you will be working on his/her dissertation (80ECTS) which will be submitted at the end of the third semester.


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)

EST5598*	Dissertation	80 ECTS
* Work on the dissertation is expected to start in Semester 1 of academic year 2024-25 and continue up to the end of Semester 1 of academic year 2025-26.

Semester 1

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

EST5597	Research Methodology	5 ECTS
EST5603	Political and Economic Approaches to European Union Integration	5 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 European Integration Studies - M.A. - under the auspices of the Institute for European Studies.

The course will provide you with:

An advanced and sophisticated knowledge of their chosen area of research;
An understanding of the research complexities related to their chosen area as well as the data available and the approaches utilised to tackle research in that area;
Advanced knowledge which should enable them to provide critical analysis in that area and therefore contribute to policy development at a national level;
The research tools provided by the MA will facilitate the student's ability to undertake doctoral research;
A foundation in the design and implementation of qualitative and quantitative research; and
A foundation in the tools and techniques of critical analysis.

Non EU Applicants:

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

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As a successful graduate, you will be able to further your studies into alternative post-graduate degrees or seek instant employment, where you will be dealing with EU matters where the skills gained will be further developed in their acquired position. You may also follow the MA because it helps you to progress in your career, given that the EU has become such an important factor in most jobs or to help them switch their career.

The degree is essential for further study leading to the Ph.D.

The Masters' degree is also very useful if you are seeking to work in the EU institutions or in international organizations or who aspire to high positions in the business sector.