The multi-disciplinary Masters in Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies aims to attract students having an undergraduate first degree in ICT, Business or Law. The programme provides an introduction to the various Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) disciplines to all students coming from the different streams, and provides advanced units to students within their specific stream.
The programme allows students to either follow the programme full-time (in 1 year) or part-time (over 2 years. The programme structure follows:
Full-time
Part-time
Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) have the potential to change many applications and services. The field poses new academic and educational challenges due to its multi-disciplinary nature, including ICT, Business and Law at its core. The underlying technology is required to provide decentralisation mechanisms and computational execution engines built on sound computer science and ICT principles. The provision of smart contracts is blurring the lines between real-world legal contracts and automated execution of legal obligations. Programmers will require knowledge of regulatory and legal frameworks within which smart contracts are being proposed, and similarly, lawyers would be required to understand obligations laid out within smart contracts. With the advent of cryptocurrencies, built on Blockchain and DLTs, new financial and business models are being proposed - whereby finance and business professionals are requiring an appreciation of the underlying technical implementations and algorithms and surrounding legal frameworks. Software developers writing smart contracts and financial systems also require an understanding of the financial and business models which they are translating into code.
Beyond the educational and academic challenges inherent in such an interdisciplinary field, Malta is working towards becoming a major player in the Blockchain and DLT industry, and therefore the local ecosystem will require experts versed in the cross-disciplinary nature of Blockchain and DLT.
The programme is primarily intended for students coming from an ICT, Law or Business related background and with a first degree or an equivalent professional qualification in their area of specialisation. However, students not in possession of such a qualification but who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board that their background, qualifications and experience equip them to follow the degree programme, may still apply.
Malta is attracting substantial and significant industry players in the Blockchain and DLT business sphere. Various companies will require expertise in Blockchain and DLT, and not only from the perspective of a single discipline, but professionals who are versed in various aspects.
The Master's streams are available on a full-time or part-time basis.
Depending upon the individual study-units, delivery will include intensive weeks, weekly or bi-weekly lectures as required.
- Get Qualified: covers up to 70% of tuition costs.
Q: How long is the course?
A: Either 3 semesters, i.e. 1 full year, (full-time); or 6 semesters, i.e. 2 full years, (part-time).
Q: Do I have the required qualifications to take the course?
A: The required qualifications are listed in the following byelaws: here.
Q: I am a non-native English-speaking student, what language requirements must I meet?
A: Please read the following links:
Language requirements.
Requirements for international students.
For more information contact us on: dlt@um.edu.mt or +356 2340 3543.
