PMAONHPON2-2024-5-O - L-Università ta' Malta

Course Title

Master of Arts in Open and Networked Higher Education

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

6 Semesters

90 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-time Online

Information for International applicants

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

The Course shall be open to applicants in possession of a Bachelor degree in an area of study deemed relevant by the Board, classified with at least Second Class Honours or Category II, awarded by this University or any other higher education institution recognised by Senate.

The Admissions Board, on the recommendation of the Board, may also admit into the Course, applicants not in possession of a first cycle degree, if it is satisfied that such are in possession of other academic or professional qualifications and relevant experience that together are deemed to be comparable to the level of a first degree. Such applicants shall be required to demonstrate the learning achieved through prior experience and qualifications through the evaluation procedures established by the University Policy for the Recognition and Accreditation of Prior Learning (RPL).

The admission of applicants may be made conditional on the result of an interview conducted by an interviewing board composed of at least three members, appointed by the Board for the purpose.

The maximum number of students that can be admitted into the course is 12 students.

If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available places or the Board deems necessary, applicants shall be selected using the following criteria, the weighting of which shall be published at the time of the call for applications:

degree type and class
relevant work experience in the proposed study area
professional aptitude and disposition and
performance during an interview conducted by the Interviewing Board.

For the purpose of selection, applicants whose qualifications as stipulated above were obtained by 31 August preceding the commencement of the Course shall be considered first.

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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 aims to develop your knowledge of higher education as an area of study and research with special interest in digital education. This international, study programme is designed to provide you with an open and networked learning experience as you develop and strengthen your knowledge of contemporary higher education, prioritising academic commitments of learning, teaching and research in educationally open and networked ways.

This course will strengthen your knowledge and skills of learning and teaching as part of an international learning network of field experts and peers. You will engage in “collaborative, cooperative and collective inquiry, knowledge-creation and knowledgeable action, underpinned by trusting relationships, motivated by a sense of shared challenge and enabled by convivial technologies” (Networked Learning Editorial Collective, 2020).

This part-time programme (offered in English) convenes fully online, permitting you to study at your own flexibility. You have three exit-award possibilities – post-graduate certification, post-graduate diploma, and Masters in Open and Networked Higher Education.


Semester 1

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

ACA5045	Open and Networked Higher Education	5 ECTS
ACA5046	Media and Communication Practices in Open and Networked Higher Education	5 ECTS
ACA5047	Higher Education, Community and Social Difference	5 ECTS


Semester 2

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

ACA5048	Pedagogical Issues and Perspectives in Higher Education	5 ECTS
ACA5049	Designing for Learning	5 ECTS
ACA5056	Research Methods I for Open and Networked Higher Education	5 ECTS


Semester 1

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

ACA5050	Assessment in Open and Networked Higher Education	5 ECTS
ACA5051	Teaching and Learning Facilitation	5 ECTS
ACA5057	Research Methods II for Open and Networked Higher Education	5 ECTS


Semester 2

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

ACA5061	Peer learning in Open and Networked Higher Education	5 ECTS
ACA5062	Reflective Practices in Higher Education	5 ECTS
ACA5063	Governance and Management of Open and Networked Higher Education	5 ECTS


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)

ACA5055	Dissertation	30 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 Master of Arts in Open and Networked Higher Education - M.A. - under the auspices of the Faculty of Education.

By the end of the course, you will:

Have gained comprehensive knowledge of the HE area within the broader educational and societal context; including purposes, forms and diversity of provision, and critically engage with the purposes and positioning of HE as an integral component of contemporary society
Have developed knowledge and deepened understanding of core themes relating to HE learning, teaching and assessment: adult learning theories and critical pedagogies; open education, networked learning and learning networks in academic practices; digital technology mediation and scholarship
Critically engage in discussions and debates on contemporary HE theory and practice, especially openness and digital technology mediation in learning, teaching and assessment.
Have developed skills to critically analyse, appraise and evaluate learning and teaching practices in contemporary HE settings and in other formal, non-formal and professional development learning and teaching settings
Have developed skills designing for learning, teaching, and researching contemporary HE practices including formal, non-formal and professional development learning and teaching settings
Knowledgeably review, explore and evaluate issues and perspectives of contemporary HE practices including formal, non-formal and professional development learning and teaching settings.

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 10,800
Yr 1: Eur 5,400 - Yr 2: Eur 5,400 - Yr 3: NIL

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.

As a graduate from this course, you will be able to pursue a career in highly professional roles such as an; academic lecturer, academic programme director, higher education administrator, higher education quality assurance officer, learning technologist, librarian, student support officer, research support officer, and so on.