University of Malta

1. University of Malta

2. Malta-Geographical Position Malta lies at almost the exact geographical heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Sicily is some 60 miles to the North, Tripoli 220 miles to the South and Tunis 200 miles to the West, Malta is virtually at the crossroads between continents.

3. Background about Malta Malta's pre-history dates back to 5000 B.C., whilst its documented past is traceable over a period of 2000 years. 

4. University of Malta History of the University: • Traces its origins to the founding of the Collegium Melitense in 1592; • The College was raised to University status by Grandmaster Manoel Pinto de Fonseca in 1769.

5. International Affiliations The University of Malta is a member of the • Association of Commonwealth Universities, • the Utrecht Network, • the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), • the European Access Network (EAN), • the European University Association (EUA), as well as • the Santander Network and • the Compostela Group. Through its European Unit, University of Malta students participate in programmes such as Erasmus, Leonardo and Comenius.

6. UNIVERSITY STRUCTURE  The administrative set up of the University of Malta involves a number of academic and non-academic staff members. The principal officers of the University are the Chancellor, the Pro-Chancellor, the Rector, the Pro-Rectors, the Registrar, the Deans of the Faculties as well as the Finance Officer and the Librarian. The main governing bodies are the Council, the Senate and the Faculty Boards Rector of the UniversityProfessor Juanito Camilleri,B.Sc.(Hons.)(Kent), Ph.D. (Cantab.)

7. The University of Malta is geared towards the infrastructural and industrial needs of the country so as to provide expertise in crucial fields This brief overview gives a short historical note, outlines the University’s basic structures and indicates some of the undergraduate courses offered. A wide range of certificate, diploma and postgraduate courses is also available.

8. Role of University Council As the supreme governing body of the University, the Council is responsible for the general administration of the University. Faculties group together departments concerned with a major area of knowledge, while institutes are of an interdisciplinary nature. The Council is also responsible for appointing new staff members, both local and foreign, to the various academic posts.

9. Role of University Senate Senate is largely responsible for the academic matters of the University primarily regulating studies, research, documentation and examinations at the University. Senate also establishes the entry regulations. 

10. Role of Faculty Boards The Faculty Board directs the academic tasks of the Faculty. The Board presents plans and proposals to the Senate and the Council. It also determines the studies, teaching and research within the Faculty. 

11. The University Todayhas ten Faculties • Architecture & Civil Engineering • Arts • Dental Surgery • Economics, Management &Accountancy • Education • Engineering • Laws • Medicine & Surgery • Science • Theology

12. and a number of interdisciplinary Institutes • Agriculture • Anglo-Italian Studies • Baroque Studies • Energy Technology • Edward de Bono Institute for the Design & Development of Thinking • Forensic Studies

13. and a number of interdisciplinary Institutes • Health Care • Linguistics • Maltese Studies • Masonry & Construction Research • Mediterranean Institute • Physical Education & Sport • Public Administration & Management

14. and Centres • Centre for Communication Technology • European Documentation & Research Centre • Centre for Environmental Education & Research • European Centre for Gerontology • Euro-Mediterranean Centre for Educational Research • Centre for Labour Studies • Gozo Centre

15. The campus is also home to • The Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies • The IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) • The IOI International Ocean Institute Malta Operational Centre

16. The Foundation for International Studies is housed in the Old University Building, Valletta • International Environment Institute • Euro-Mediterranean Centre on Insular Coastal Dynamics • Islands and Small States Institute

17. Priority Areas of the University • Information Technology • Relations with industry • Engineering • Postgraduate Medical Education • Forging of inter-university links and participation in collaborative research projects

18. The University Today The University of Malta opens its doors to some 2500 new students annually. There are at present about 9800 students including some 750 foreign/exchange students from 80 different countries following full-time or part-time degree and diploma courses, many of them run on the modular or credit system. About 2300 students graduate each year.

19. The University Today • The greater part of the student population is in the arts, education, economics, management & accountancy and laws while the sciences are seeing an increased interest in Information Technology. Other disciplines, such as the caring professions, are also becoming popular. • 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.

20. The European Unit within the University The European Unit is the central contact point at the University for European - funded activities. Its responsibilities include the following: • Providing advise to colleagues preparing European project proposals; • Co-ordinating the development and submission of European funding applications, whether the University is the lead applicant or partner; • Making preparatory visits to partner institutions; • Promote the development and use of open and distance learning in connection with the European effort; • Support Leonardo da Vinci Proposals; • Strategic planning in connection with networks (including membership of the Compostela Group and other network groups)

21. The University of Malta & the Bologna Process The University of Malta has done a lot of work with respect to the Bologna Process: • it follows the Bachelors, masters and doctorate model; • it has introduced ECTS and has harmonised all course regulations except medicine; • This year has issued the first diploma supplement; • has undergone an internal quality assurance exercise in preparation for external quality assurance.