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

Course Title

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Earth Systems

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

3 Years

180 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time

Information for International applicants

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

Intermediate Level pass at grade C or better in at least one of the following subjects: Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics (Mechanics), Geography and Sociology.

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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.

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Concern over environmental change has never been greater than at present. It has long been known that the future of the human species is inextricably bound up with the health of the planet on which we live. It is therefore crucial that we gain a clear understanding of planet earth, its systems and their dynamics, if we are to determine the ways in which we should be living and utilizing resources responsibly. However, in recent times it has become increasingly clear that earth systems are characterized by complexity and uncertainty, and that a compartmentalized and piecemeal approach to studying the Earth will not suffice. Whilst we may talk of earth systems as made up of key components - the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere ֠we must also realize that Earth is one integrated and dynamic system, constantly in flux. Add humans to the equation, and the study of earth systems becomes even more challenging - no other living species has ever had the same pervasive and far-reaching influence that man has had on the planet, and we are only now coming to understand the impacts that some of our actions have had on the Earth. Given such a context, it has become more and more evident that no single discipline can, in isolation, provide an adequate understanding of earth systems. An interdisciplinary approach, however, which brings together relevant aspects of various disciplines, can make a significant contribution in this regard.

Earth Systems Science is precisely such an emerging field of study, and the B.Sc. (Hons) in Earth Systems will transcend disciplinary boundaries in order to adopt an integrated and holistic approach to the study of our planet. It will consider the various physical components of the earth system and interactions between these, whilst framing issues of environmental change within a broader context of environmental, social, economic and cultural sustainability. The emphasis is on developing an interdisciplinary and practice-oriented outlook. This programme also differs from traditional Earth Sciences degrees, and those generally offered in related disciplines such as geography, in that Earth Systems Science is a science-based but policy-oriented field. It is thus far more flexible in its outlook, and draws on relevant subject areas as necessary.

Communication and Academic Skills Programme

The communication and academic skills programme complements students’ main course of study. It introduces them to writing and presenting as situated within academic contexts sensitive to specific disciplines and develops their competences for future careers.


Semester 1

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

EMP1013	Introduction to Academic Skills	4 ECTS	(NC)
EMP1014	Environmental Data Processing	4 ECTS
EMP1016	Biology and Chemistry for Earth Systems Science	4 ECTS	(NC)
EMP1017	Maths for Earth Systems Science	4 ECTS	(NC)
EMP1018	Introduction to Data Science: Python and SQL	4 ECTS
EMP1019	Human-nature Systems	5 ECTS
EMP1020	The Mediterranean Basin	5 ECTS


Semester 2

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

EMP1010	Earth's Living Systems	6 ECTS	(NC)
EMP1021	Fundamentals of Earth Physics	4 ECTS
EMP1022	Introduction to Geological Systems	5 ECTS
EMP1023	Earth Surface Processes and Landforms	6 ECTS
EMP1024	Essential Soil Science	5 ECTS
EMP1025	Geo-spatial Mapping	4 ECTS	(NC)

Requirement for regular progression to Year 2: 60 ECTS credits


Semester 1

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

EMP2001	Earth's Atmospheric System	5 ECTS
EMP2002	Ocean Systems	5 ECTS
EMP2010	Environmental Monitoring: Earth Observation Systems	5 ECTS
EMP2017	Concepts of Sustainability	5 ECTS
EMP2018	Environmental Governance	4 ECTS
ISE2105	Energy Resources and Systems	5 ECTS


Semester 2

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

EMP2020	Statistics for Earth Systems Science	5 ECTS
EMP2021	Ecosystem Management for Biodiversity Conservation	6 ECTS
EMP2023	Project Management	8 ECTS
EMP2024	Research Methods: Theory and Applications	6 ECTS	(NC)
EMP3029	Geopolitics of Natural Resources	6 ECTS

Requirement for regular progression to Year 3: 60 ECTS credits

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to register for a minimum of 8 ECTS credits from the study-units indicated with an asterisk and for optional study-units from other Faculties/Institutes/Centres to a total of 60 ECTS credits for the year.


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)

EMP3025	Project	15 ECTS	(NC)


Semester 1

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

EMP3016	Environmental Pollution	6 ECTS
EMP3017	Corporate Environmental Management	4 ECTS
EMP3018	Environmental Impact Assessment	4 ECTS

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints) Students are to register for two of the following: Either

EMP3021*	Water Management and Hydrology	6 ECTS

Or

EMP3022*	Water Management	4 ECTS

AND Either

EMP3027*	Waste Management and Treatment	6 ECTS

Or

EMP3028*	Waste Management	4 ECTS


Semester 2

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

EMP2022	Field Techniques in Earth Systems	6 ECTS
EMP3023	Environmental Change	5 ECTS
EMP3024	Climate Change	5 ECTS

Requirement for successful completion of Year 3 (final year): 60 ECTS credits.

Requirement for award of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Earth Systems: 180 ECTS credits.

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Earth Systems - B.Sc. (Hons) - under the auspices of the Institute of Earth Systems.

By the end of the course, you will have:

A sound scientific knowledge of the components and processes of Earth systems
An understanding of the implications for mankind of changes in Earth systems
A knowledge of the characteristics and history of environmental change
A grounding in the varied human dimensions of environmental concerns
An understanding of the science-policy interface
A background history of the emergence and evolution of sustainability concerns

This 3-year programme will be taught through a variety of methods, including lectures, laboratorybased practical sessions, field-based practical sessions, seminars and supervised independent research. The raison dҿe of the course is to provide students with both lecturer-led instruction and experiential learning, with a focus on linking theory and practice. Whilst the importance of a good knowledge of subject theory will thus be emphasized, this will be taught with a view to ensuring that you make the link to applicability in practice. You will also be exposed to a range of different lecturers and will have the opportunity to benefit from the experience of invited guest speakers throughout the course. The intention behind this approach is to train you to learn from different perspectives to the subject matter. The subject matter itself will also include material from a range of disciplines, together with specific interdisciplinary concerns.

This approach will enhance your intellectual development, as, in addition to being taught specific course content, students will also be trained in becoming flexible and versatile and in learning to deal with areas outside their direct 'comfort zone'. You will also acquire skills in absorbing and processing knowledge of different kinds and presented in different ways.

The course will provide you with:

A sound scientific knowledge of the components and processes of Earth systems
An understanding of the implications for mankind of changes in Earth systems
A knowledge of the characteristics and history of environmental change
A grounding in the varied human dimensions of environmental concerns
An understanding of the science-policy interface
A background history of the emergence and evolution of sustainability concerns
An explanation of the local, regional and global context for environmental issues
Comprehension of the policy and legal context within which management of Earth systems occurs
A foundation in the design and implementation of empirical research
An introduction to relevant tools and techniques for critical analysis
A sound knowledge of the local and regional context (Malta and the Mediterranean), together with an understanding of other international perspectives
Opportunities for pursuing areas of particular individual interest through a research project
Engagement with leading professionals in the field.

You will also be trained to focus on identifying and evaluating interactions through the development of linkages between different course components. Thus, whilst looking specifically at different aspects of earth systems, you will also be guided in looking at these holistically through a view of the Ѣigger pictureҮ

A wide range of skills will be developed throughout the course, including computing and modelling, mathematical skills, navigation, mapping (for a variety of end-purposes), analytical field and laboratory techniques, research design and implementation, quantitative and qualitative data interpretation and analysis, and critical problem solving. Several of these skills will be transferable to on-the-job scenarios and to other life situations. Furthermore, students will be trained to be able to liaise and communicate with a wide audience, and to work successfully in interdisciplinary teams, skills which will likewise enhance their employment opportunities.

Non EU Applicants:

Fee per academic year: Eur 10,800

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As a graduate of the B.Sc. (Hons) in Earth Systems programme, you will be uniquely furnished with a sound scientific grounding in various aspects of earth systems, together with an understanding of the social, economic, policy and legislative frameworks that are so crucial to environmental management and planning. You will thus be ideally placed to join professional ranks in addressing the management and planning of activities at the human-nature interface, and will bring skills to the job from both the natural and social sciences.

Potential employers include Malta's Environment Resources Authority (ERA) and Planning Authority (PA), the Malta Resources Authority (MRA), the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP), the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights (MAFA), Ambjent Malta, Wasteserve Malta Ltd, private-sector industry and environmental appraisal consultancies, the University of Malta and other educational institutions, as well as European and international governmental and non-governmental agencies. Examples of the latter include the European Environment Agency, World Conservation Union (IUCN), Conservation International, the World Wildlife Fund, the World Bank, as well as various UN agencies including FAO, UNESCO, UNEP, UNDP and UNIDO.

You will also have the option of pursuing full-time or part-time studies at Master level, either with the University of Malta or at universities abroad. Courses available locally include the IES's own M.Sc. in Natural Environment and Resources Management, as well as the M.Sc. by research in Rural and Environmental Sciences.