The Euro-Mediterranean Centre for Educational Research (EMCER) at the University of Malta will be offering a M.A. in Comparative Euro-Mediterranean Studies. The course, which aims to enrol high achieving graduates from education studies and related humanities, is designed to develop a cadre of education scholars who are critically aware of educational developments internationally, and who have the skills to analyse such developments in terms of their impact on individuals, groups and societies.

The comparison of education systems heightens the ability to critically analyse national and regional efforts in the development of educational institutions and services, and to consider alternatives that might be more sound and effective. As educational policy-making increasingly falls under the influence of globalisation, and as educational agendas travel across countries and regions through the impact of such supra-national organisations and agencies as the World Bank, the World Trade Organisation, the OECD, UNESCO, and the European Commission, it becomes important to develop an understanding of how education is being shaped, and the directions it is taking in socialising present and future generations, and in preparing them as citizens and workers in an increasingly complex and inter-dependent world.

While the particular focus of the Masters will be on educational developments in the European Union, and in the Mediterranean region more generally, a global comparative perspective will be maintained throughout the course. Graduates of the course will be able to contribute to national and regional quests for positive policy options and alternatives in addressing common educational challenges. They may expect to be employed by state policy units, by international organisations specialising in education, and by research institutions.

The course is mainly intended for students who have a background in education studies (e.g. a B.Ed.(Hons.) degree, or a first degree followed by a PGCE). Persons with a strong academic degree in the social and behavioural sciences (e.g. in such areas as anthropology, regional and international affairs, economics, history, legal studies, philosophy, political science, policy studies) can also apply.  All applicants must have an excellent command of the English language. Proficiency in another foreign language is a helpful asset that may facilitate comparative research.

The Euro-Mediterranean Centre for Educational Research has a wide network of associated members from all over Europe and the Mediterranean, and will be drawing on this network to ensure international input in the study programme. The Centre has been endowed with a Unesco Chair in Mediterranean Education Studies in recognition of its achievements. Further details about the course, including regulations and study programme, can be obtained from the EMCER Director, Professor Ronald G. Sultana, on ronald.sultana@um.edu.mt