Master of Science in Psychological Studies

Course Title

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

6 Semesters

90 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-time Evening

Information for International applicants

Applicants must be in possession of:

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

a Bachelor degree in Psychology, obtained with at least a Second Class Honours (Upper Division) or
a Bachelor degree in Psychology or a Bachelor degree with Psychology as a main area of study, in both cases obtained with at least Category IIA, or another degree in a related area deemed relevant by the Board of Studies obtained with at least Second Class (Honours) (Upper Division),

provided that all applicants applying in terms of this paragraph would either have obtained 60 ECTS credits in Psychology, as approved by the Board, following the award of their degree, or have obtained the Higher Diploma in Psychology with at least Pass with Merit, which together with their degree are deemed to be comparable to the qualification indicated in paragraph (a).

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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.

The MSc in Psychological Studies is a 90 ECTS Credits masters' course, with 30 ECTS provided on a taught basis and 60 ECTS provided on a research basis. The programme's primary mode of delivery is Part-Time. You will be able to register full-time following the first year of studies once the taught component is completed. The course provides a wide and comprehensive training in social and psychological research that will cover the entire gamut of research methods used in the discipline of psychology. As a graduate, you will be able to apply your skills to a broad diversity of areas of psychological research and practice that require a deep understanding of human relations and human behaviour. The outcome of the dissertation is expected to be a strong and locally relevant empirical inquiry that could contribute towards understanding, and potentially redressing, elements of human activity in Maltese society.

If you do not proceed to undertake a dissertation, then you will be eligible for a Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods in Psychology after completing the 30 ECTS taught component over the first year of studies (PT). The MSc in Psychological Studies aims to provide you with a wide and comprehensive training in social and psychological research that will cover the entire gamut of research methods used in the discipline of psychology. This will span qualitative, quantitative and mixed method designs to equip you as a potential graduate of this programme with strong research skills beyond their undergraduate training. You will be able to apply your skills to a broad diversity of areas of psychological research and practice that require a deep understanding of human relations and human behaviour. The outcome of the dissertation is expected to be a strong and locally relevant empirical inquiry that could contribute towards understanding, and potentially redressing, elements of human activity in Maltese society. This focus will ensure that as a graduate, you can develop skills that will help make your contributions vital and necessary in your place of work.

Students are required to obtain a total of 90 ECTS credits over a period of 6 semester of part-time study. Students will be required to register for the study-units as directed by the Board.


Semester 1

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

PSY5700	Research Methods	10 ECTS


Semester 2

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

PSY5702	Qualitative Research	10 ECTS
PSY5705	Quantitative Research	10 ECTS


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

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

PSY5706*	Dissertation	60 ECTS
* Work on the disseWork on the dissertation is expected to start in Semester 1 of academic year 2024-25 and continue up to the end of Semester 2 of academic year 2025-26.

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

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

demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of research methods used in the psychological sciences at postgraduate level and in line with the state of the discipline.
apply in-depth knowledge of research methods to the understanding of social and psychological issues facing our contemporary society.
engage in an evidence-based process by which research can inform local practice and local governance.
contribute towards an emerging evidence-base relevant for local policy and governance.
demonstrate awareness of the cultural limitations and contingencies of social & psychological research and implications on the interpretation of findings.
develop relevant recommendations for research that can address the empirical limitations of specific methods at advanced (postgraduate) level and in line with the state of the discipline.

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 13,400
Yr 1: Eur 6,700 - Yr 2: Eur 6,700 - Yr 3: NIL

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This programme will boost your career opportunities by providing you with comprehensive and exhaustive training in research methods in psychology that serves in implementing the scientist-practitioner model and in developing an evidence-base for the practice of psychology. In particular, the taught component of the course (delivered during the first year of studies) provides an invaluable resource to anyone seeking to undertake further study in psychology, such as a professional masters' degree or a doctoral degree.

https://www.um.edu.mt/courses/overview/pmscpyspet8-2023-4-o/