PMSCRESPDR9-2024-5-O - L-Università ta' Malta

Course Title

Master of Science (Rural and Environmental Sciences)

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

5 Semesters

90 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-time Day (by Research)

Information for International applicants

Applicants must be in possession of:

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

A first cycle degree obtained with Second Class (Honours) or better, in a discipline related to Earth Systems, or in any other area of study which the Board considers as relevant, and obtained within the ten years previous to registration for the Course.

The Board may, at its discretion, recommend the admission of applicants in possession of a first cycle degree obtained with Third Class (Honours), in an area of study which the Board considers as relevant, and obtained within the ten years previous to registration for the Course. Such applicants shall become eligible to join the Master's course on successful completion of the Preparatory Programme with an average mark of at least 55%.

Applicants whose first degree was obtained more than ten years previous to registration for the Course may also be admitted, provided that they produce sufficient proof of their competence to follow the Course. The Board may, at its discretion, require such applicants to follow a supplementary or preparatory programme.

All applicants may be asked to demonstrate competence in those skills required by the nature of the proposed research via an extended interview and/or the submission of appropriate documentation. In cases where significant deficiencies are identified, the Board may, at its discretion, require applicants to follow a supplementary and/or preparatory programme.

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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 full-time basis.

The course takes an interdisciplinary approach to addressing current issues of concern relating to the two areas of study, based on the rationale that there are strong interlinkages between environmental, planning, rural, urban, and other social and economic concerns. Learning outcomes include a solid understanding of key aspects of these disciplines and of the complex issues with which professionals are often confronted. Throughout the course, you will be trained in a range of skills from both the natural and social sciences, enabling you to critically address your area of research specialization in a holistic and integrated fashion. You will also gain experience in practical applications through hands-on projects throughout the course, and will also be able to focus on an area of particular interest to you through directed study units and through your dissertation research.

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose two study-units to the value of 5 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year. Subject to agreement by the Board, students may be allowed to register for other study-units in lieu of the elective study-units on offer..


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)

EMP5025	Research Skills	5 ECTS
RFS5001	Directed Study	5 ECTS


Semester 1

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

RFS5003	Soil and Water for Rural Sciences	5 ECTS
RFS5004	Crop Management and Health	5 ECTS
RFS5005	Animal Husbandry and Health	5 ECTS


Semester 2

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

RFS5002*	Dissertation	70 ECTS

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

IES5028	Techniques in Environmental Analysis	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

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 Science - M.Sc. - under the auspices of the Institute of Earth Systems.

Among many skills you will gain by the end of the course, you will be able to:

Create a bibliography for your dissertation/thesis topic constituted of courses appropriate for academic work at postgraduate level in general and your discipline in particular.
Identify literature sources relevant to a specified subject area.
Formulate and clearly state a research question and/or hypothesis.
Develop a research question/hypothesis.
Demonstrate proficiency in the planning of an environmental monitoring campaign keeping in mind practical constraints such as financial, logistical and technical.
Apply the fundamental principles of chemistry, physics and biology in soil science.

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 13,400
Yr 1: Eur 6,700 - Yr 2: Eur 6,700

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 course provides career opportunities in a variety of aspects of environmental management and planning and/or rural sciences, including with government agencies, with private sector consultancies and with international organizations, including those within the European Union as also the United Nations system.