The Master of Arts in Social Impact Assessment will equip you with the necessary academic skills to commission, design, implement and/or interpret social impact assessments. This programme is targeted for sociology/social science graduates and individuals with a strong research methods background, who may wish to practice in the fields of applied sociology and policy making. The programme of study will comprise of 12 study units, each having 5 ECTS, and a Project, comprising 30ECTS. The Study units will be coordinated by lecturers mainly from the Department of Sociology, but also from other Departments and Faculties. By the end of the course, through a culmination of knowledge, hands-on experience and thorough research, your refined expertise will be reflected in a 15,000-20,000 supervised project, which will be submitted for examination and presented orally to a group symposium.

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The Course shall be open to applicants in possession of one of the following qualifications:

(a) the degree of Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with Second Class or better in the same or in a closely related area of study as the area of study applied for,
provided that the Board may consider applicants in possession of the Degree with Third Class Honours only if it is satisfied that such applicants are in possession of other qualifications, including relevant experience, obtained following the first cycle degree or

(b) the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the same or in a closely related area of study as that applied for, with an average mark of not less than 55% in that area or

(c) a degree from this or from another university which the Board considers as comparable to any of the degrees indicated in paragraphs (a) and (b) above. This comparability may, in exceptional cases, extend to applicants proposing a research topic which in itself bridges the area of study of the first degree and the one being applied for. In such cases, applicants would be required to attend an interview to assess their suitability, in accordance with procedures established by the Board.

Depending on the nature of the programme, the Board may allow applicants possessing a degree other than those specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) to join the Course subject to an interview to establish whether they have sufficient proficiency and background to be able to profit from the Course.

The admission requirements are applicable for courses commencing in February 2024.

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.

Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

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

Local/EU/EEA Applicants:	Total Tuition Fees: Eur 4,800 Fee per semester: Eur 960
Non-EU/Non-EEA Applicants:	Total Tuition Fees: Eur 10,800 Yr 1: Eur 5,400 - Yr 2: Eur 5,400

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

• Define the legal and policy contexts within which SIAs are undertaken.
• Conduct the drawing up and implementation of an SIA.
• Establish the contents and methodology of an SIA.
• Review, evaluate and appraise an SIA.
• Analyse and critique the SIA policy process.
• Perform services in the respective fields involving SIAs

The Master of Arts in Social Impact Assessment program is designed for individuals like you who are passionate about understanding and evaluating the social consequences of projects, policies, and initiatives. It is also suitable if you are a professional working in fields such as urban planning, community development, environmental management, social justice, and corporate social responsibility. This program caters to your aspirations of enhancing your skills in conducting comprehensive social impact assessments, integrating community engagement, and considering ethical dimensions in decision-making processes. It is also well-suited if you are seeking to deepen your knowledge and expertise in social research methods, data analysis, and impact measurement. Whether you are a mid-career professional or a recent graduate, this program will empower you to critically analyse and assess the social implications of diverse initiatives and contribute to sustainable and equitable outcomes.

As a graduate, you will be well-equipped to work in various sectors, including government agencies, non-profit organisations, consulting firms, and research institutions. The demand for such professionals exists both in Malta and internationally, as various development proposals are requiring SIAs. Moreover, one expects that the policy fields requiring SIAs will expand in the near future. Hence, this course will cater for both Maltese and international students. Additionally, this program provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing doctoral studies or academic positions in the field of social impact assessment and evaluation.

Click here to access the Programme of Study applicable from 2023/4.