The diploma will take its cue from an Introduction to the history of the Church in Malta which goes back to Apostolic times. Studying this tradition allows you to deeper understand the formation of the national identity, which in many respects (culturally, socially, artistically) is intimately linked with the Catholic faith. It is necessary to understand the history of this institution to better understand its administration, as well as the works of art it has commissioned throughout the centuries. The Diploma being proposed will be an integral course providing, you with the elements necessary to interpret ecclesiastical cultural heritage within the broader context of significant events and movements in the Church's history.

It will also include an introduction to Ecclesiastical archivistics, focusing particularly on the archives of the Church in Malta. It is a fundamental principle of historical sciences that research is carried out using primary sources, which in most cases these are the documentary sources preserved in archives. Archives are created as a result of the bureaucratic function of an administration. The program will focus on the development of the diocesan bureaucratic structure of the Archdiocese, as well as the parochial administrative system, as read through the archival fonds.

The language used in the manuscripts and archival materials to be studied in this course are all written in the variant of Latin used by the Church from the Middle Ages onwards. Being an introductory course, you will be assisted in achieving a basic understanding of texts in ecclesiastical manuscripts. The various styles of handwriting and the use of the most common abbreviations, expressions and formulae (especially those found in baptismal, matrimonial and burial registers) will be highlighted and studied.

A basic study unit illustrating the theology of sacred space through architecture is also included, in order to bring you to relate the use of space with spiritual experience.