Call for Scholarship - M.Sc. by Research
Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Science.
Project BathMalta – Satellite derived bathymetry for the Maltese Islands, and new insights for analysing groundwater outflows discharges from infrared sensors
A Scholarship funded by the Space Research Fund 2022 of the Malta Council for Science and Technology
1. Applications are invited for a Master’s Student to work in collaboration with the Department of Geosciences within the Faculty of Science on the project BathMalta. The student will join the supervisory team, which will be composed of Dr Adam Gauci (main supervisor) and Dr Monica Giona Bucci (co-supervisor). The role of the M.Sc. by Research student will be primarily to familiarise with the project description and the associated schedule of deliverables, work on identifying workflows for the estimation of salinity and temperature from satellite data, and to produce technical documentation as well as prepare related reports within the stipulated time frames as specified in the project description.
2. The BathMalta project, which is led by Dr Adam Gauci aims to improve existing methods for satellite derived bathymetry for the Maltese Islands and provide insights for analysing groundwater outflows discharges from infrared sensors. The project addresses two specific needs that characterise the Maltese Islands: an extensive survey of shallow seabed information, and a time series on the submarine groundwater discharge within the coastal and nearshore setting. The Maltese islands represent an ideal location to test the viability of workflow for obtaining a new bathymetric layer from satellite derived information. During the first stage of this proposed project, the team will select three study areas around the Maltese Islands where there are better chances for the satellite to acquire reliable images. Within the area delimited by the new bathymetric fringe produced from satellite data, data acquired from the infrared sensors of Sentinel-3 will be used for identifying submarine groundwater discharges.
3. Applicants must be in possession of a B.Sc. degree (Second Class Upper Division or higher) in Geosciences, Physics, or Earth Systems. Preference will be given to candidates providing evidence of proficiency in computer programming and who knows how to work within a GIS environment. Students who are currently in their final year of the undergraduate B.Sc. programme will also be considered, subject to successful completion of their programme of studies in line with the requirements outlined here. Applicants should be eligible to be admitted to the MSc degree of this University in terms of the applicable bye-laws.
4. The selected candidate will be required to register for a Master of Science in Geosciences (full time by research) at the University of Malta. These studies will be supported by an annual stipend of €6,000 (€500/month) for a duration of 12 months. The Scholarship will be subject to the eligibility of the candidate to enrol in the Master’s programme.
5. International applicants are required to present an internationally recognized English Language proficiency Certificate at the required level. Further details are available online. International applicants are also advised to familiarise themselves with information available on the website of the International Office, particularly to the sections concerning visas and e-residence permit conditions and requirements. International candidates will need to provide assurance that they have the funds available to cover their stay in Malta. The stipend awarded for this scholarship is to be considered as a form of allowance and will not cover all the costs attached to studying and living in Malta.
The degree has an annual enrolment fee of €400 for local/EU/EEA applicants and total tuition fees of €13,400 for non-EU/non-EEAA applicants. The University of Malta is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to attract top quality students from countries outside the European Union/EEA. Following acceptance to read for the MSc (on a full-time basis), non-EU/EEA applicants may apply for a tuition fee waiver scholarship. Following scrutiny of the application, deserving students may enjoy a tuition fee waiver of 40% to 100%. The fee waiver will apply for the normal duration of the programme being followed. If extensions of the period of study are required, these may not necessarily be eligible for a fee waiver. Only applicants who have been accepted unconditionally to read for the Master by research on a full-time basis are eligible to apply. Getting a fee waiver is not an automatic right for the selected candidate. Further information on fee waiver scholarships is available online.
6. Candidates should submit their letter of application, a copy of their curriculum vitae, copies of their certificates and contact details (including e-mail address) of 2 referees. Applications may be sent by e-mail. Applications should be received by not later than 18 July 2023. International candidates are required to present certified translations of their qualifications into English. Late applications will not be considered.
Note: The scholarship awardee will be required to complete a Master’s by Research application, which is considered separately.
7. The selection procedure will involve:
a. scrutiny of qualifications and experience claimed, supported by testimonials and/or certificates;
b. shortlisting; and
c. an interview and / or extended interview.
8. Further information may be obtained by contacting Dr Adam Gauci by email.
