Master of Arts in Social Work (Preparatory Programme)

Course Title

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

2 Semesters

45 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-time Day

Information for International applicants

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

The Course shall be open to applicants in possession of the Diploma in Social Work or the Diploma in Applied Social Studies (Social Work) from this University and a minimum of five years of social work practice,

provided that such applicants shall have successfully sat for an interview, during which they shall be required to provide written and employer-corroborated evidence of social work practice and other relevant qualifications obtained following completion of the diploma course.

Requires the submission of a Police Certificate of Conduct.

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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 course provides knowledge and training of core social work subjects which serve to complete the knowledge and skills that you would need in preparation for joining the Master of Arts in Social Work. The programme will help you to build on your foundation academic knowledge and shift your knowledge paradigm.

This course requires you to acquire a detailed knowledge of advanced social work methods, socio-legal matters and developments in the field, advanced research methods, mental health issues, current trends in the field of community care and social work. It offers compulsory study-units which are assessed at the end of each semester.

The programme of studies, which will be offered on a part-time basis, is flexible in terms of period of study and will be worked out together with each applicant, depending on his/her availabilities, in time for the subsequent intake to the Master of Arts in Social Work.


Semester 1

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

SWP2140	The Economic Context of Welfare	4 ECTS
SWP4021	Advanced Methods in Social Work	6 ECTS
SWP4051	Specialisms in Social Work	5 ECTS


Semester 2

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

CVL1017	Family Law for Social Policy and Social Work	5 ECTS
SWP2321	Research Methods in Social Work and Social Policy 2	5 ECTS
SWP3150	Leadership and Management in Social Welfare	5 ECTS
SWP3370	Anti-Oppressive Perspectives in Social Work and Social Policy	5 ECTS
SWP3512	Human Rights Advocacy and Practice in Social Work and Social Policy	4 ECTS
SWP3540	Community Care for Social Workers	6 ECTS

By successfully completing the Preparatory Programme for the Master of Arts in Social Work, you will:

Demonstrate that you have gained a solid working knowledge of advanced research methods
Demonstrate that you have mastered and assimilated the dynamics of working with diverse individuals
Show that you can apply advanced theories of social work in specific areas of practice
Demonstrate interpersonal and social work skills in different scenarios
Demonstrate the ability to write good academic pieces of work
Demonstrate the ability to apply acquired skills to your current professional context.

Non EU Applicants:

Fee per academic year: Eur 4,250

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.

As a holder of the Diploma in Social Work or the Diploma in Applied Social Studies (Social Work) from this University, this course will provide you with the pathway to the Master of Arts in Social Work, and a minimum of five years of social work practice.

You will be considered for admission to the Master of Arts in Social Work only if you obtain an average of 65% or better in the preparatory programme.

https://www.um.edu.mt/courses/overview/uppmaswkpdt-2024-5-o/