PMSCGSCFTR5-2023-4-F - L-Università ta' Malta

Course Title

Master of Science in Geosciences

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

3 Semesters

90 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time (by Research)

Information for International applicants

Applicants must be in possession of:

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

the degree of Bachelor of Science with at least Second Class Honours in an area of study deemed by the Board to be relevant to the proposed area of study and obtained in the 10 years previous to registration for the Course or
the Bachelor of Science with Third Class Honours in an area of study deemed by the Board to be relevant to the proposed area of study and obtained in the 10 years previous to registration for the Course, provided that the applicants have obtained other qualifications, including relevant experience, following their first cycle degree. The Board may, at its discretion, require such applicants to follow a preparatory programme.

The Board, at its discretion, may also recommend the admission of applicants in possession of a Bachelor of Science with at least Category II in an area of study deemed by the Board to be relevant to the proposed area of study and obtained in the 10 years previous to registration for the Course, provided that the admission of such applicants shall be made conditional on the result of an interview and in such cases they shall be required to follow a preparatory programme.

The Board, at its discretion, may also recommend the admission of applicants with a first cycle degree deemed by the Board to be relevant to the proposed area of study and obtained in the 10 years previous to registration for the Course, provided that the admission of such applicants may be conditional on the result of an interview and in such cases they may be required to follow a preparatory programme.

Applicants whose first degree was obtained more than 10 years previous to registration for the Course may also be admitted following an interview to ascertain their capability to follow the Course. The Board may, at its discretion, require such applicants to follow a preparatory programme.

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Applications for our February and October intakes have been officially open since the third week in November. You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the accommodation website.

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.

This programme of study is also offered on a part-time basis. Please consult the Registrar's website for more information pertaining to courses offered by the University.

If you are interested in pursuing an M.Sc. by research with the Department of Geosciences, then you are to consult with staff members of the department before submitting your application and research proposal. If required, the process may be coordinated by contacting the departmental secretary.

Research Areas

Seismology and Geophysics

Mediterranean seismicity, seismic networks and earthquake location
Mediterranean geodynamics and crustal structure; use of regional ambient noise
Seismic site response studies using ambient noise and earthquake data
Geophysical investigation of subsurface
Historical seismicity, seismic hazard studies, attenuation relations
Earthquake source studies
Seismic data processing and interpretation

Marine Geology

Marine geomorphology, submarine canyons and gullies, submerged palaeolandscapes
Submarine landslides and marine geohazards
Continental shelf dynamics
Fluid flow processes
Carbonate escarpments
Seafloor and habitat mapping
Seafloor surveying technology, geomorphometry and GIS
Experimental geomorphology

Atmospheric and Climate Studies

Validation of Numerical Weather prediction model and applications to Etna emissions.
Analysis of data from Tracerlab Radon monitor in the Central Mediterranean.
Analysis of greenhouse gas and ozone trends in the Central Mediterranean.
Study of 3D Ultrasonic anemometer data at Giordan Lighthouse.
Study of shipping in the Gozo - Sicily channel.
Indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring and modelling.

Physical Oceanography

Hydrodynamics of the sea in the vicinity of the Maltese Islands at shelf and coastal scales
Acquisition, processing, analysis and management of high quality oceanographic observations in real time or delayed
Oceanographic data quality control, management and archival according to international standards and formats
Numerical modeling of the marine environment for forecasts of meteo-marine parameters, and as a tool in environmental assessments and research
Marine Spatial Planning
Dynamics of Jellyfish Blooms
Monitoring of shipping impacts on the marine environment
Ocean literacy and citizen science
Science-policy interface and marine environmental management
Monitoring of coastal sediments

The Course shall be offered in areas of study in which the Faculty can offer expert guidance and supervision and subject to the availability of resources as determined by the Department of Geosciences.

Students are required to write a dissertation, to which 85 ECTS credits are assigned, based on research work of an advanced or original nature performed by students during the Course and the presentation of their findings and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The student will also undertake a Seminar Assignment to which 5 ECTS credits shall be assigned.


Semester 2 (February 2024 - June 2024)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

GSC5008*	Seminar	5 ECTS
GSC5108**	Dissertation	85 ECTS
* Study-unit GSC5008 starts in Semester 2 of academic year 2023-24 and continues up to the end of Semester 1 of academic year 2024-25. ** Work on the dissertation is expected to start in Semester 2 of academic year 2023-24 and continue up to the end of the course.

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of Master of Science - M.Sc. - under the auspices of the Faculty of Science.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

provide a thorough and clear explanation of his/her research topic;
demonstrate a critical understanding of the theoretical perspectives in their chosen area of study;
demonstrate a sound knowledge of available research methods.
synthesise the relevant literature, data and results of his project in a clear and effective way, using a power-point presentation or other accepted means;
communicate his/her results to a mixed audience, with confidence;
give a concise account of his area of research and proposed continuation.

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 13,400
Yr 1: Eur 13,400 - Yr 2: NIL

You are viewing the fees for non EU nationals. Switch to EU nationals if you are a national of any country from within the EU/EEA.

As a holder of the M.Sc. in Geosciences, you will be able to enter a career as an academic researcher and teacher in Geosciences. the course should prove to be attractive if you are considering gaining a doctorate in Geosciences, as this masters' programme will be a stepping stone for further studies and specialisation.