Master of Social Work

Course Title

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

4 Semesters

120 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time

Information for International applicants

Applicants must be in possession of:

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

a Bachelor degree from this University or any higher education institution recognised by Senate, in Social Policy, Psychology, Youth and Community Studies or Social Wellbeing Studies, obtained with at least Second Class (Honours) and with a minimum average mark of 65% or
a Bachelor degree from this University or another higher education institution recognised by Senate, obtained with at least Category II and with a minimum overall average mark of 65% in any two of the following areas of study: Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology or Social Studies or
a Bachelor degree from this University or another higher education institution recognised by Senate, in Theology with Psychology or Social Studies or Sociology, obtained with at least Category II and with a minimum overall average mark of 65% or
a Bachelor degree from this University or another higher education institution recognised by Senate, obtained with at least Second Class (Honours) and with a minimum average mark of 65% in any area of study.

Apart from being in possession of one of the qualifications indicated above, all applicants shall:

have gained experience related to social care as follows:

applicants admitted under paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) shall be required to have a minimum of 150 hours of experience and
applicants admitted under paragraph (d) shall be required to have a minimum of 500 hours of experience

the experience stipulated in both sub-paragraphs (i) and (ii) of paragraph (a) must have been gained over a maximum period of ten years immediately prior to the commencement of the Course. A letter or letters of attestation demonstrating that the applicant has gained the requisite experience must be presented
present written reflections about their social care-related experience during an interview
not be included in the Register established under the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (CAP. 518) and
demonstrate that they have the necessary aptitude and disposition to follow the Course with profit.

Professional aptitude and disposition shall be measured by means of a personal interview and group discussion. Interviews shall be conducted by an interviewing board composed of at least three members, appointed by the Board for the purpose.

Applicants who obtain less than 60% for the professional aptitude and disposition criterion shall automatically not be admitted into the Course.

Requires the submission of a Police Certificate of Conduct.

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

Need help? Request more information

Apply

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 part-time basis. Please consult the Registrar's website for more information pertaining to courses offered by the University.

This is a professional degree providing entry into the profession of Social Work if you are a graduate from other fields. This is in line with cutting edge social work education in other countries. This degree, grounded in the critical and creative thinking approach to learning with a strong foundation in systematic inquiry and an evidence-based tradition to learning, prepares you with the values, knowledge and competencies necessary to become a competent social worker. Emphasis is placed on practical placements, theoretical and conceptual frameworks, research, and personal and professional development. To this end, you will undertake a range of taught study units, a dissertation and two assessed placements in organisations providing social work services. By completing the programme, you will be educated into the profession of social work. You are able to utilise social work practice theories and methods for work with individuals, families, groups and communities.


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)

SWP5136	Methods and Processes in Social Work	10 ECTS
SWP5138	Social Work as a Regulated Profession	10 ECTS
SWP5140	Social Work Theory and Models of Practice	10 ECTS
SWP5142	Personal Development	5 ECTS
SWP5144	Social Work Professional Identity and Ethical Practice	5 ECTS
SWP5146	Advanced Research Methods for Social Work and Social Policy	10 ECTS
SWP5148	Helping Skills for Social Work Practice	10 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)

SWP5222	Dissertation	30 ECTS


Semester 1

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

SWP5201	Social Work Placement 1	15 ECTS


Semester 2

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

SWP5202	Social Work Placement 2	15 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 degree of Master of Social Work under the auspices of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

Identify as a professional worker and conduct yourself accordingly.
Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.
Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgements.
Engage diversity and difference in practice.
Advance human rights and social and economic justice.
Engage in research-informed behaviour and the social environment.

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 21,600
Yr 1: Eur 10,800 - Yr 2: Eur 10,800

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.

A Master of Social Work will give you access to the profession of social work, and opportunities for working in the different settings of social work. This includes working in the areas of children and families, the elderly, disability, addictions, mental health, education, rehabilitation, health, diversity and anti-oppression, community work, poverty, and inclusion, amongst others.

The degree is a pathway to further studies like specialist Masters or Doctoral studies.

Every effort has been made to provide information that is current and accurate. However, as the content is being constantly updated, users are advised to verify the details contained in these web pages with the relevant University office or authority before making decisions based on the published information.

https://www.um.edu.mt/courses/overview/pmswkftt7-2025-6-o/