UBSCHSPIFT-2025-6-O - L-Università ta' Malta

Course Title

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Spatial Planning

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

Applicants admitted under paragraph (c) of regulation 6 of the Admissions Regulations must be in possession of those qualifications and/or experience that would satisfy the Faculty Admissions Committee that they have reached the academic standard required to follow the Course with profit. Applicants admitted in terms of this paragraph shall be in possession of a pass in an English language proficiency test as approved by the University before being admitted to the Course, provided that applicants in possession of a Secondary Education Certificate pass at Grade 3 or higher in English Language or a pass at the same standard in a comparable qualification, shall be exempted from sitting for the proficiency test.

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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 BSc (Hons) in Spatial Planning has been designed to respond to Malta's current and future spatial and developmental needs and aims to create a new breed of spatial planners who have a broad spectrum of knowledge covering the different pillars of spatial planning as defined by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) in the UK. You will develop a good understanding of the extensive and complex amalgam of issues, conflicts, and considerations that need to be thought of, discussed, and debated in processes leading to the preparation and realisation of spatial of spatial development strategies. The course will provide you with a holistic understanding of the complexities surrounding spatial planning and for you to familiarise yourself with the most important issues, authors and debates pertinent to the individual fields of study.

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)

EMA1310	Foundations and Applications of Economics	4 ECTS
PPL1935	Public Policy for Planners: An Introduction	4 ECTS
SOC1023	Understanding Space as a Social Product	4 ECTS
SOR0210	Data Treatment and Probability	2 ECTS
SPI1101	Introduction to Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods for Spatial Planning	4 ECTS
SPI1102	Underlying Principles of Urban Design	4 ECTS
SPI1202	Introduction to Effective Planning Tools and Techniques	2 ECTS
SPI1301	From Town Planning to Spatial Planning	4 ECTS
SPI1303	Introduction to Landscape and Human Impact	4 ECTS


Semester 2

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

ECN1201	Economics of Development and Small Island States	4 ECTS
IES1028	Up Close and Personal: Planet Earth	4 ECTS
SOR0220	Elementary Statistical Theory	2 ECTS
SPI1201	Introduction to Infrastructure Planning and Engineering	4 ECTS
SPI1302	Understanding Urban Public Space and Place-Making	4 ECTS
SPI1304	Sustainable and Responsive Planning	4 ECTS
SPI1305	Effective Planning Tools and Techniques: Introducing GIS as a Tool for Spatial Planners	2 ECTS
SPI1741	Introducing 2D and 3D Design Tools	4 ECTS

Requirement for regular progression to Year 2: 60 ECTS credits


Semester 1

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

PPL2218	Public Management and Sustainability	4 ECTS
SOC2025	Locating the Global Society	4 ECTS
SPI2102	Environmental Assessment for Spatial Planning 1	4 ECTS
SPI2103	Effective Planning Tools and Techniques: GIS for Spatial Planners	4 ECTS
SPI2761	Project Development	4 ECTS
SPI2771	Housing and Home	4 ECTS
SPI3732	Road Infrastructure 1	4 ECTS


Semester 2

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

AUD2711	Introduction to Urban Design Studies	4 ECTS
ECN2141	Economics of Environmental Policy	4 ECTS
ECN2216	Economics of Social Policy	4 ECTS
SPI2201	Environmental Assessment for Spatial Planning 2	4 ECTS
SPI2721	Introduction to Spatial Planning	4 ECTS
SPI2731	Hydrology and Water Resources	4 ECTS
SPI2741	Principles of Landscape Science	4 ECTS
SPI3751	Environmental and Planning Legislation	4 ECTS

Requirement for regular progression to Year 3: 60 ECTS credits


Semester 1

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

CHE3305	Assessing Air Pollution in an Urban Environment	4 ECTS
ECN2305	Understanding Cost-Benefit Analysis for Spatial Planning	4 ECTS
GEO3010	Environment and Resources: Issues and Management	4 ECTS
MRT3304	Ethics and Spatial Planning	4 ECTS
SPI3711	Urban Design Theory and Practice	4 ECTS
SPI3724	Research Methods and Tools for Spatial Planners	4 ECTS
SPI3761	Strategic Management	4 ECTS
SPI3781	Planning for Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Mobility	4 ECTS


Semester 2

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

GEO3006	Urbanisation and Development	4 ECTS
PPL3108	Regulatory Policy and Institutions	4 ECTS
SOR0233	Statistical Analysis in Practice	2 ECTS
SPI3714	Understanding Urban Design as a Product and a Process	4 ECTS
SPI3722	Urban and Regional Development	4 ECTS
SPI3725	Long Essay	10 ECTS

Requirement for successful completion of Year 3: 60 ECTS credits

Requirement for the award of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Spatial Planning: 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 Degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Spatial Planning - B.Sc. (Hons) - under the auspices of the Faculty for the Built Environment.

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

Demonstrate critical thinking skills by applying the knowledge derived from the taught spatial planning pillars to the different assessment projects that will be assigned throughout the years of the programme.
Formulate future spatial planning policy-making giving a regard to the different strands of planning.
Weigh different planning considerations in the assessment of complex development planning applications within wider spatial planning considerations, rather than being limited to the specifics of the proposed development.
Explain and analyse different theoretical constructs learned throughout the course of the programme through the application of theory to practice.
Discuss spatial planning matters through the use of practical-day-to-day examples of planning decisions and completed projects on the ground.
Demonstrate an understanding of the complex nature of spatial planning through the undertaking of a research project in the form of a long essay. This will deal with a chosen subject matter that will need to be described and evaluated within the over-arching context of spatial planning.

Non EU Applicants:

Fee per academic year: 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.

Graduates who have successfully completed this course may choose to become employed by;

Public agencies/departments; the activities of which involve the use of land and need to be in continuous touch with the planning authority.
Private sector spatial planning, architectural, or environmental management.

You may choose to further your studies by enrolling in a postgraduate course offered by the University of Malta, or a foreign institution abroad.

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.