PMSCBHEMFTR9-2024-5-O - L-Università ta' Malta

Course Title

Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (Haematology)

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

the degree of Doctor of Medicine and Surgery or
the degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery or
the degree of Master of Dental Surgery or
any other degree in an area of study which the Faculty Board deems to be relevant, with at least Second Class (Honours), including the degrees of Bachelor of Science of the Faculty of Science or the Faculty of Health Sciences, the degree of Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours), the degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Science, and the degree of Bachelor of Psychology (Honours).

The Faculty Board may provide for the admission of applicants who are in possession of a degree, but do not satisfy the entry requirements as laid down in (a) to (d), provided that they have other qualifications and relevant experience, and successfully complete a preparatory programme.

You are viewing the entry requirements for International applicants. Switch to Local qualifications.

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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 M.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences is offered as five distinct Streams:

Mainly Research - Full-Time:

Haematology - 3 Semesters
Molecular Biology and Genetics - 3 Semesters
Neuroscience - 3 Semesters

Mainly Research - Part-Time:

Haematology - 6 Semesters (DAY)
Molecular Biology and Genetics - 6 Semesters (DAY)
Cell Therapy and Tissue Banking - 6 Semesters (DAY)

Mainly Taught - Part-Time:

Microbiology - 6 Semesters (DAY)

The course is intended to provide an advanced level of education, training and research if you are a graduate in Medicine, Medical Laboratory Science and any other area of study deemed relevant by the Board of Studies, and enables you to acquire advanced knowledge and research skills that could be employed in the academic, clinical and industrial settings.

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to register for either Elective Block 1 study-units or Elective Block 2 study-units. Students who choose Elective Block 2 are also required to register for 4 ECTS credits from the list of elective study-units on offer during the duration of the course. 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)

PAT5953	Research Methodology	5 ECTS

Elective Block 1

PAT5601	Transfusion Science	6 ECTS
PAT5827	Molecular Techniques	6 ECTS

Elective Block 2

PHB5030	Molecular Biology and Genetics	8 ECTS

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

PAT5823	Medical Genetics Course (Webcast) 1	2 ECTS
PAT5824	Medical Genetics Course (Webcast) 2	2 ECTS


Semester 1

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

PAT5806*	Research Seminars	5 ECTS
PAT5825*	Dissertation	60 ECTS

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

SOR0210	Data Treatment and Probability	2 ECTS
SOR1211	Probability	2 ECTS
* Study-unit PAT5806 and PAT5825 are expected to start in Semester 1 of academic year 2023-24 and continue up to the end of Semester 1 of academic year 2024-25.

Semester 2

Elective Block 1

PAT5603	Principles of Blood Banking	8 ECTS

Elective Block 2

MDS5001	Experimental Haematology	8 ECTS

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

SOR0210	Data Treatment and Probability	2 ECTS
SOR0220	Elementary Statistical Theory	2 ECTS
SOR1221	Sampling and Estimation	2 ECTS

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021 and by the Bye-Laws for the Degree of Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, under the auspices of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.

The various streams allow you to specialize in one of the areas of studies. All streams offer an advanced course in Molecular Biology and Genetics and include as core subjects Research Methodology and Research Seminars. The seminars ensure that you are aware of the research in the biomedical area within the University of Malta and other collaborating institutes.

The following is a sample of the knowledge and skills that you will bring to the biomedical sciences (Haematology) field if you are a successful graduate of the programme:

Awareness of the need of international collaboration to conduct research in the medical field and the methods employed to apply and obtain funding.
An understanding of the practice of transfusion medicine in paediatric patients and in patients requiring bone marrow transplantation.
Awareness of the need of proper research and diagnostic work plan to achieve results and be at the forefront of the field of interest.
A critical understanding of human genetics and genomics, including the fundamental physiology of DNA and many elements of differential gene control, the mechanisms of genetic disease in terms of molecular patho-physiology and the molecular diagnostic approach.
Effective communication skills as an important part of scientific endeavour.
Possess a good understanding of Blood screening and serology techniques, including essentials of Blood group, Leucocyte and Platelet serology.

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 13,400
Yr 1: Eur 13,400 - Yr 2: 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.

The programme allows you to pursue further studies at doctorate level. The majority of our graduates have continued their studies locally and internationally. Graduates have also taken career opportunities at the Child Development Unit (psychologist), University of Malta (as research in funded projects) and Malta Council for Science and Technology (scientific policy).

The Malta College of Pathologists encourages and supports the pursuit of a postgraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences. As a successful graduate, you will benefit from a ONE-year (1) exemption from the required Postgraduate Training Programme for such specialty.