Master of Arts in Islands and Small States Studies (Gozo)

Course Title

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

5 Semesters

90 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-time Evening

Information for International applicants

Applicants must be in possession of:

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

The Course shall be open to applicants in possession of a Bachelor's degree with at least Second Class (Honours) or Category II in an area of study deemed relevant by the Board.

In exceptional cases the Admissions Board, on the recommendation of the Board, may admit into the Course applicants not in possession of a Bachelor's degree, provided that it is satisfied that such applicants are in possession of other academic or professional qualifications and experience that together are deemed to be comparable to the level of a first degree. The admission of applicants under this paragraph shall be made after an interview during which their ability to successfully complete the Course with profit shall be assessed.

Eligible applicants may register as visiting students for individual study-units and obtain credit for them. Should they be accepted to join the Course within seven years from following the first study-unit, the Board may allow the transfer of these credits to the student's academic record for the Course.

In line with the provisions of paragraphs (2) and (3) of regulation 9 of the Admissions Regulations, applicants who do not satisfy the requirements indicated above may be allowed to follow individual study-units but shall not be allowed to sit for the assessment of the study-units, provided the lecturer concerned poses no objection thereto and is satisfied that the individual has the necessary academic background to follow the study-unit with profit.

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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 Master of Arts in Islands and Small States Studies is offered at both the University of Malta and the University of Malta ֠Gozo Campus.

The aim of the programme is to impart knowledge on Islands and Small State issues and to provide the opportunity to conduct research on the same issues by submitting assignments and writing a dissertation.


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)

ISS5200	Introduction to the Study of Islands and Small States 1: Economic and Environmental Issues	5 ECTS
ISS5210	Introduction to the Study of Islands and Small States 2: Social and Political Issues	5 ECTS
ISS5220	Research Methodology	10 ECTS


Semester 2

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

ISS5102*	Dissertation	30 ECTS
ISS5110	Environmental Law, Policy and Diplomacy with Reference to Small States	5 ECTS
ISS5115	Ecology and Biogeography of Islands	5 ECTS
* Work on the dissertation is expected to start in Semester 2 of academic year 2024-25 and continue up to the end of Summer Semester of academic year 2025-26.


Semester 1

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

ISS5120	Climate Change and Small Islands	5 ECTS
ISS5125	Health Systems and Policy in Small States	5 ECTS
ISS5130	Economic Development and Small Island States	5 ECTS


Semester 2

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

ISS5135	The Small States of the EU	5 ECTS
ISS5140	Disasters and Disaster Risk Preparedness in Small Island States	5 ECTS
ISS5145	Ocean Governance and Small Island States	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 Master of Arts in Islands and Small States under the auspices of the Institute for Islands and Small States.

On completion of this course you should be able to understand the special problems and opportunities faced by Small States and Small Island Jurisdictions with regard to environmental, economic, social and political concerns, at the national, regional and international levels. Students would also be encouraged to conduct research and are expected to write a dissertation on islands and small states issues. You will be able to:

Undertake an in-depth analysis of economic and environmental realities in territories characterised by small population size and insularity, enabling you to identify situations where one-size-fits-all policy measures may not be appropriate.
Apply techniques for ‘measuring’ the effect of climate change including temperature, precipitation and sea-level rise and assess the ‘best predictions’ of current climate models.
Formulate policies and develop negotiating skills.
Develop skills in assessing risks and in proposing policy approaches to build disaster resilience.
Evaluate policies that are conducive to sustainable economic development of small island states.
Apply techniques involving qualitative and quantitative approaches for analysing matters relating to biogeography, including populations and population growth, intra- and inter-specific interactions, ecological niches, communities and ecosystems, evolutionary process on island and threats to island ecosystems.

Non EU Applicants:

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

You are viewing the fees for non EU nationals. Switch to EU nationals if you are a national of any country from within the EU/EEA.

By the end of the course, you will be able to find career opportunities in international organisations, government departments, teaching at secondary and tertiary levels, and environmental NGOs.

https://www.um.edu.mt/courses/overview/pmaissgpet9-2024-5-o/