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.
The degree is made up of 90 ECTS credits, of which 10 ECTS credits are assigned to taught study-units and 80 ECTS credits to the dissertation. If you have direct experience of working in EU affairs or are a motivated graduate, the programme will prepare you to undertake research in EU-related areas which, through applied research, will lead to substantive work that contributes to our knowledge of EU affairs and to the good of society. The MA by Research breaks from the Institute’s traditional approach of seeking to create informed generalists. Instead, you will be part of a cohort of students with a substantial background in EU affairs in the process of becoming a highly specialised graduate with applied knowledge in your chosen area of research. During the course, you will follow two courses, one on political science and economics and one on research methodology.
(1) The Course shall be open to applicants in possession of a Bachelor degree obtained with at least Second Class Honours or Category II in European Studies.
(2) The Board may allow applicants possessing a degree other than that specified in paragraph (1) to join the Course, provided that the degree classification is not less than Second Class Honours or Category II, and subject to the submission of a letter of motivation and an interview to establish whether such applicants have sufficient proficiency and background to enable them to follow the Course with profit. In such instances, the Board may recommend that applicants follow a preparatory programme as detailed below.
(3) All applicants shall be required to submit with their application a detailed synopsis of their research topic. Applicants shall be interviewed by an interviewing board appointed for the purpose of evaluating the research proposal, which must satisfy the Institute’s criteria.
(4) The interviewing board appointed by the Board shall be composed of at least three members. It shall be chaired by the Director or his/her delegate.
Preparatory Programme
Applicants admitted under paragraph (2) may be required to complete a preparatory programme, comprising not less than 30 ECTS credits and not more than 60 ECTS credits, and to obtain an overall average mark of 55% or better, prior to their registration as regular students on the Course.
The Board may grant students full or partial exemption from the requirement of the preparatory programme if it is satisfied that the students possess post-first cycle qualification work experience that is relevant to the Course.
The admission requirements are applicable for courses commencing in October 2022.
For more detailed information pertaining to admission and progression requirements please refer to the bye-laws for the course available here.
UM currently hosts over 1,000 full-time international students and over 450 visiting students. The ever-increasing international students coming from various countries, in recent years, have transformed this 400-year old institution into an international campus.
Our international students generally describe Malta as a safe place, enjoying excellent weather and an all-year varied cultural programme. Malta is considered as the ideal place for students to study.
You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage.
After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.
Local/EU/EEA Applicants:
Annual Enrolment Fee: Eur 400
Non-EU/Non-EEA Applicants:
Total Tuition Fees: Eur 10,800 Yr 1: Eur 10,800 - Yr 2: NIL
The course will provide you with:
• An advanced and sophisticated knowledge of their chosen area of research; • An understanding of the research complexities related to their chosen area as well as the data available and the approaches utilised to tackle research in that area; • Advanced knowledge which should enable them to provide critical analysis in that area and therefore contribute to policy development at a national level; • The research tools provided by the MA will facilitate the student’s ability to undertake doctoral research; • A foundation in the design and implementation of qualitative and quantitative research; and • A foundation in the tools and techniques of critical analysis.
The course is intended if you have a strong first-degree performance, wish to continue further study or already have a career but wish to specialise further.
As a successful graduate, you will be able to further your studies into alternative post-graduate degrees or seek instant employment, where you will be dealing with EU matters where the skills gained will be further developed in their acquired position. You may also follow the MA because it helps you to progress in your career, given that the EU has become such an important factor in most jobs or to help them switch their career.
The degree is essential for further study leading to the Ph.D.
The Masters’ degree is also very useful if you are seeking to work in the EU institutions or in international organizations or who aspire to high positions in the business sector.
Click here to access the Programme of Study applicable from 2022/3 and click here for entry points.
Last Updated: 8 November 2022
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication. The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. Unless for exceptional approved reasons, no changes to the programme of study for a particular academic year will be made once the students' registration period for that academic year begins.
