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    • University of Malta

    University of Malta, Msida, Malta

    Website: www.um.edu.mt

    Information Sheet: 2021 Information Sheet

    You may find more information on all of the Faculties/Institutes/Centres through this website:  http://www.um.edu.mt/about/academic

    Description
    The Maltese islands lie at the centre of the clear blue seas of the Mediterranean, with Malta 93km south of Sicily and 288km north of Africa. Malta is situated in a strategic point between Southern Europe and North Africa, as well as between Western Europe and the Middle East.  
    The Maltese archipelago mainly consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino, with a total population of over 400,000 inhabitants in an area of 316sq km and a coastline of 196.8km (not including 56.01 km for the island of Gozo).
    The largest island of the group is Malta, from which the archipelago takes its name. Valletta, the capital, is the cultural, administrative and commercial centre of the archipelago. Malta is well served with harbours, chief of which is the Valletta Grand Harbour. Malta's international airport is situated five kilometres from Valletta.  The second largest island is Gozo.  Gozo can be reached from Malta by ferry-boat from Cirkewwa.
    The islands have been inhabited since the dawn of civilization as the prehistoric constructions, older even than the Pyramids, attest.  In fact the oldest prehistoric sites in Europe are found in Malta. The occupation and settlement of Malta by modern settlers began approximately 7,000 years ago, when the first Neolithic farmers crossed the 50 mile-wide straits that separate the islands from Sicily.
    Malta has acquired a unique and vast cultural heritage due to its long history at the hands of many Imperial powers over the centuries.  Its strategic location made it attractive for reasons of trade, travel and wars to various people such as the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, the Knights of St. John, the French and eventually, the British. These influences can be seen as one walks through the streets of Malta, and visits our museums.   Moreover, this strategic position has allowed Malta to develop as an important trading post. The Malta Freeport is one of the Mediterranean's leading ports for container transhipments.
    The British left a main legacy in their language. Today, English is Malta's official second language. This is the language used in the service industry in Malta as indeed in most areas of business and trade. The majority of Maltese speak English fluently.
    Apart from its historic wealth and world heritage sites, Malta is endowed with nearly all year round sunny weather, idyllic sandy and rocky beaches, and a vibrant nightlife, which make it a very popular holiday destination.  Malta’s national airport has excellent intercontinental connections and the island can also serve an optimal point for one to reach destinations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

    The University of Malta
    The University of Malta is the highest teaching institution in Malta. It is publicly funded and is open to all those who have the requisite qualifications.   English is the language of instruction at the University of Malta.
    The supreme governing bodies of the University are the Council and the Senate.  Over the past few years, the University has reviewed its structures in order to be in line with the Bologna process and the European Higher Education Area. Conscious of its public role, the University strives to create courses which are relevant and timely in response to the needs of the country.

    There are some 10,000 students including over 800 foreign/exchange students from nearly 80 different countries, following full-time or part-time degree and diploma courses, many of them run on the modular or credit system.
    The University of Malta comprises of eleven faculties, and a number of interdisciplinary Institutes and Centres that have been set up in various fields (http://www.um.edu.mt/about/academic).  The degree courses at the University are designed to produce highly qualified professionals, with experience of research, who will play key roles in industry, commerce and public affairs in general.

    The University of Malta’s main campus is situated in Msida, which is located just north of Valletta in the east coast of Malta.  The neighbouring towns of Msida are Ta' Xbiex, Gzira, San Gwann, Birkirkara, Santa Venera, Hamrun and Pietà. Msida is an important town for all travellers, as most of the Bus Routes pass through it.  Apart from pleasant marina-side walks and views, Msida highlights include one of Malta' unique cave chapels and an elegant baroque church, St Joseph's, built at the turn of the 19th century.

    The IT Services manage the University’s IT infrastructure and offer a range of facilities and services to assist students with their IT-related needs.  The campus network connects all offices, laboratories, buildings and wireless hotspots that are located across the various University sites in Malta and Gozo, into one virtual campus. The University intranet provides access to the Internet and other online resources including Library online periodicals and the Electronic Student Information Management System (eSIMS).

    International students may join in activities with various student organizations/associations while studying at the University of Malta. International students are encouraged to participate in the various events organized by these associations.  The University Students‘ Council has various students’ representatives in each Faculty to assist students with any issues regarding to their course.  The University Students’ Council has also got an International office which ensures that international students are represented in the best way possible during their stay in Malta. 

    The Malta University Sports Club (MUSC), founded in 1925, is one of the longest standing student organisations in Malta. The aim of the sports club includes the promotion of sport for all tertiary and college students, irrespective of culture, gender, ethnic, religious or other differences.  For more information on their facilities or subscription fees, their email is: info@musc.org.mt

    International students experiencing any personal/academic difficulties during their stay in Malta or who simply wish to give any feedback about their stay at the University of Malta, may contact the Welfare Advisor for International Students at the International & EU Office, Marlene Debono (email: marlene.debono@um.edu.mt).  

    The Counselling Unit is an integral part of the University of Malta and it offers counselling for its students free of charge. The Counselling Unit gives students a chance to grow in those areas which may be hindered by irrational beliefs and inadequate feelings.  The Counselling Unit provides students with a professional environment, where they can vent out their feelings and be listened to in a non-judgmental, confidential environment.   

    Courses
    Arts
    The Built Environment
    Dental Surgery
    Economics, Management & Accountancy
    Education
    Engineering
    Health Sciences
    Information & Communication Technology
    Law
    Medicine & Surgery
    Science
    Theology
    Students’ Facilities/Services

    University of Malta visiting students will be given access to the University of Malta’s Electronic Student Information Management System (eSIMS), the portal which enables them to view information and perform various tasks online, such as: registering for classes online, viewing messages via eSIMS intray, viewing/updating personal details, viewing registered course details and viewing assessment marks.

    For further information on various student support services, visit:

    http://www.um.edu.mt/about/study/customercare

    Student Experiences 

    "Wedged between Southern Europe and North Africa, Malta is a cultural melting pot which offers a very different type of exchange experience. On the whole, Maltese people are friendly and very accommodating towards foreigners, almost all speak English, and the location of the island in the middle of the Mediterranean boasts a fantastic climate, which is attractive for those with a phobia of the typical European winter!"