Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Psychology

Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Psychology

Course Title

Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Psychology

MQF Level

6

Duration and Credits

3 Years

180 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time

Information for International applicants

International Relations

An Advanced Level pass at Grade C or better, in either Arabic, or Economics, or French, or German, or History, or Russian, or Spanish, or a pass in Chinese obtained in the Chinese University/College Entrance Examination (Gaokao).


International Relations

Applicants in terms of the 'maturity (adult learners) clause' are required to sit for an interview, held on a date which will be announced in due course. Once announced, this date cannot be changed. The closing date for receipt of applications from applicants in terms of the 'maturity (adult learners) clause' is 31 August 2024 at 2pm.

Applicants may also be required to submit a Learning Portfolio. Further information about the Portfolio will be forwarded to applicants.

Applicants wishing to join the part-time mode must submit their application as full-time, and then include a note in the comments box of the application form, denoting their preference to be considered for the part-time option. Such requests will be considered by the Board of the Faculty.


Psychology

Applicants in terms of the 'maturity (adult learners) clause' are required to sit for an interview, held on a date which will be announced in due course. Once announced, this date cannot be changed. The closing date for receipt of applications from applicants in terms of the 'maturity (adult learners) clause' is 31 August 2024 at 2pm.

Applicants may also be required to submit a Learning Portfolio. Further information about the Portfolio will be forwarded to applicants.

Applicants wishing to join the part-time mode must submit their application as full-time, and then include a note in the comments box of the application form, denoting their preference to be considered for the part-time option. Such requests will be considered by the Board of the Faculty.


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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.

International Relations

Applicants wishing to join the part-time mode must submit their application as full-time, and then include a note in the comments box of the application form, denoting their preference to be considered for the part-time option. Such requests will be considered by the Board of the Faculty.

The undergraduate programme in International Relations offers you an academic perspective on the liaison between countries, and how bureaucratic decisions by hegemonic countries and the intervening action of administrative boards, state officials and elected representatives create a complex web of intercountry relations. During the course we will provide you with a coherent and clear image of how Western, European and Non-European countries coalesce, ranging from topics such as understanding foreign policy of USA and international economics, to international relations since 1919 and conflict resolution, to name a few. We also encourage you to participate in our Erasmus+ mobility programme, as we believe a multicultural perspective will provide a holistic academic journey.


Psychology

Applicants wishing to join the part-time mode must submit their application as full-time, and then include a note in the comments box of the application form, denoting their preference to be considered for the part-time option. Such requests will be considered by the Board of the Faculty.

The programme of study offers a range of study-units central to the study of Psychology. The overall objective is to provide you with a high-calibre, relevant and culturally sensitive education in the major areas of Psychology to become well-versed in the scientific understanding of human behaviour, emotions, relationships and mental health.


Psychology

You will need to complete 80 ECTS assigned to various study-units in the following core areas: Major Paradigms in Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Research Methods, Biological Psychology, Social Psychology, Psychopathology and Cognitive Psychology.

In your final year of studies, you will have the opportunity to consolidate and synthesise these core areas by means of synoptic study-units. They would be able to choose elective study-units from various applied areas such as Organisational Psychology, Health Psychology, Forensic Psychology and Neuropsychology, amongst others.


Communication and Academic Skills Programme

The communication and academic skills programme complements students’ main course of study. It introduces them to writing and presenting as situated within academic contexts sensitive to specific disciplines and develops their competences for future careers.

International Relations

Should there be the need, in addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of either 4 ECTS or 8 ECTS as applicable from the elective study-units on offer during the year.
 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
IRL1025* Introduction to Economics 4 ECTS    
IRL1082 Introduction to Political Studies 6 ECTS   (NC)  
IRL1193** Introduction to Modern Europe 4 ECTS    
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
HST1126*** The Mediterranean in Modern Times 2 ECTS    
IRL1091 Soft Power in International Relations: An Introduction to the Role of Media and Culture 4 ECTS    
LIN1063 Academic Reading and Writing in English 2 ECTS    
PHI1014 Political Philosophy 4 ECTS    

* Study-unit IRL1025 is to be taken only by students who do not have an Advanced Level in Economics. It is compulsory for students who do not have an Advanced Level in Economics. Students with an Advanced Level in Economics must take 4 ECTS from the Elective Units.

** IRL1193 is to be taken only by students who do not have an Advanced Level in History. It is compulsory for students who do not have an Advanced Level in History. Students with an Advanced Level in History must take 4 ECTS from the Elective Units.

*** HST1126 cannot be taken by students following either Bachelor of Arts in History or Bachelor of Arts in European and Global History.
 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
IRL1081 The Global Politics of Inequality: Realities and Perspectives 4 ECTS   (NC)  
IRL1088 Introduction to Foreign Policy 4 ECTS   (NC)  
IRL1089 Theories of International Relations 4 ECTS   (NC)  

 
Requirement for regular progression to Year 2:
26 ECTS credits in International Relations
26 ECTS credits in the other area
8 ECTS credits in optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 ECTS credits

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of 14 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.
 
Year   (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
IRL2090* International Relations since 1919 6 ECTS    

 
 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
IRL2002 Security Studies 4 ECTS   (NC)  
IRL2093 Comparative Politics 4 ECTS   (NC)  
IRL3189 International Political Economy 1 4 ECTS    
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
BKF3341 Prevention of Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing 4 ECTS    
HST3109 International Relations Between the World Wars 2 ECTS    
INL2004 International and Public Law for International Relations 6 ECTS    
INL3011 European Court of Human Rights 4 ECTS    
IRL2060 Contemporary China 4 ECTS    
IRL2075 Environmental Issues in International Relations 4 ECTS    
IRL2098 Malta in International Relations 4 ECTS    
IRL3095 Diplomacy and Diplomatic Practice 4 ECTS    
IRL3146 Foreign Policies of European States 4 ECTS    

 
 
Semester 2
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
IRL2010 International Economics 4 ECTS    
IRL2020 Nationalism in International Politics 4 ECTS    
IRL2036 Intercultural Politics in the Mediterranean 4 ECTS    
IRL2063 Introduction to Humanitarian Action 4 ECTS    
IRL2290 International Relations since 1945 4 ECTS    
IRL3007 War and Peace in the Middle East 4 ECTS    
IRL3041 Contemporary Warfare 4 ECTS    
IRL3098 International Financial Institutions 4 ECTS    
MDT3001 Israeli-Palestinian Relations: Pasts, Urgencies, Prospects 4 ECTS    

* Students who register for study-unit IRL2090 cannot regsiter for study-units HST3109 and IRL2290.

 
Requirement for regular progression to Year 3:
26 ECTS credits in International Relations
26 ECTS credits in the other area
8 ECTS credits optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 ECTS credits

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of 12 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.
 
Year   (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
IRL3096* Contemporary European Studies 8 ECTS    

 
 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
IRL2099 Conflict Resolution and International Relations 4 ECTS   (NC)  
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
BKF3341 Prevention of Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing 4 ECTS    
INL3011 European Court of Human Rights 4 ECTS    
IRL2012 Foreign Policy of Russia 4 ECTS    
IRL2014 An Introduction to Politics in Sub-Saharan Africa 4 ECTS    
IRL2064 Asia-Pacific in the World 6 ECTS    
IRL2074 The Muslim-Arab World in Contemporary Times 4 ECTS    
IRL2089 Further Studies in Diplomacy 4 ECTS    
IRL3196 The Politics and the Government of the European Union 4 ECTS    

 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
IRL3057 Synoptic Study-Unit 1: International Relations 6 ECTS   (NC)  
IRL3058 Synoptic Study-Unit 2: International Relations 6 ECTS   (NC)  
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
HST2005 Contemporary Mediterranean History 6 ECTS    
IRL2011 Foreign Policy of USA 4 ECTS    
IRL2013 Political Economy of War 4 ECTS    
IRL2058 Terror: Ideas and Realities 4 ECTS    
IRL2084 The International Relations of Small States and Territories 4 ECTS    
IRL2092 Political Movements and Parties 4 ECTS    
IRL3006 Politics and Government in the Persian Gulf 4 ECTS    
IRL3010 Norms, Rights and Climate Justice 4 ECTS    
IRL3050 International Institutions 4 ECTS    
IRL3065 The Media and International Relations 4 ECTS    
IRL3296 External Relations of the European Union 4 ECTS    
MDT3001 Israeli-Palestinian Relations: Pasts, Urgencies, Prospects 4 ECTS    

* Students who register for study-unit IRL3096 cannot register for study-units IRL3196 and IRL3296.

 
Requirement for successful completion of Year 3: 60 ECTS credits, of which:
28 ECTS credits in International Relations
28 ECTS credits in the other area
4 ECTS credits optional study-units

Requirement for award of B.A. International Relations and in another area of study: 180 ECTS credits, of which:
80 ECTS credits in International Relations
80 ECTS credits in the other area
20 ECTS credits optional study-units

Psychology

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of 4 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.
 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
PSY1315 Understanding Research in Psychology 4 ECTS   (NC)  
PSY1610 Major Paradigms in Psychology: The Psychoanalytic and Humanistic Paradigms, and Behaviourism 6 ECTS   (NC)  
PSY1622 Developmental Psychology 1 6 ECTS   (NC)  
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
PSY1617* Biological Psychology 1 4 ECTS    
PSY1630* Foundations in Human Biology for Psychology 4 ECTS    

* Study-unit PSY1617 is compulsory for those students who plan on following the Higher Diploma in Psychology. Students intending to do the Higher Diploma in Psychology may take PSY1617 as an Optional study-unit instead of an elective study-unit (in the B.A. Psychology course) if they have an Intermediate Biology at grade C or better provided that this is allowed by their programme of studies. If not, students are required to register for study-unit PSY1630 and then register for study-unit PSY1617 as an Elective during their second year.

* PSY1617 is a pre-requisite for study-unit PSY1635.

Although students may register for study-units PSY1617 or PSY1630 as Optional study-units, other Optional Psychology units may not be taken concurrently.
 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
PSY1623 Developmental Psychology 2 6 ECTS   (NC)  
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
PSY1625 Psychology of Communication 4 ECTS    
PSY1635* Major Paradigms: Cognitive Psychology 4 ECTS    

* Study-unit PSY1617 is a pre-requisite for study-unit PSY1635. Study-unit PSY1635 is also available during the second year of study and is compulsory for those students who plan on following the Higher Diploma in Psychology.
 
Requirement for regular progression to Year 2:
26 credits in Psychology
26 credits in the other area
8 credits in optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 credits

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of 16 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.
 
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)
 
PSY1606 Social Psychology 6 ECTS   (NC)  
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
PSY1620 Philosophical Psychology 6 ECTS    

 
 
Semester 1
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
PSY1617* Biological Psychology 1 4 ECTS    
PSY1628 Introduction to the Psychology Profession 4 ECTS    
PSY2606** Psychology of Learning and Applied Behaviour Analysis 4 ECTS    
PSY2628*** Quantitative Research Methods and Data Analysis 4 ECTS    
PSY2629*** Qualitative Research Methods and Data Analysis 4 ECTS    
PSY3130 Psychology of Adjustment 2 ECTS    
PSY3655 Neurodiverse Profiles 4 ECTS    

* Students who are interested to register for the elective study-unit PSY1617 should have study-unit PSY1630 as a prerequisite or have Biology at an intermediate level. Study-unit PSY1617 is compulsory for students who plan on following the Higher Diploma in Psychology.

** PSY2606 is highly recommended.

*** PSY2628 and PSY2629 are strongly recommended for those students who plan on following the Higher Diploma in Psychology. Students may take PSY2628 or PSY2629 as Optional study-units instead of elective study-units (in the B.A. Psychology course) provided that this is allowed by their programme of studies during their second year and may not take any other Optional Psychology study-units.
 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
PSY2610 Psychopathology 4 ECTS   (NC)  
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
PSY1618 Biological Psychology 2 4 ECTS    
PSY1635* Major Paradigms: Cognitive Psychology 4 ECTS    
PSY2623 Work Psychology 6 ECTS    
PSY2626 Psychology of Sexuality 2 ECTS    
PSY2633 Health Psychology 6 ECTS    
PSY2634 Psychology of the Family 4 ECTS    
PSY3611 Media Psychology 4 ECTS    
PSY3648 Sports Psychology 4 ECTS    

* Study-unit PSY1617 is a pre-requisite for study-unit PSY1635. Study-unit PSY1635 is compulsory for those students who plan on following the Higher Diploma in Psychology.

 
Requirement for regular progression to Year 3:
26 credits in Psychology
26 credits in the other area
8 credits optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 credits

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of 16 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.
 
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)
 
PSY3352 Psychology Synoptic Study-Unit 1 6 ECTS   (NC)  

 
 
Semester 1
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
COU3301 Career Education and Guidance 4 ECTS    
PSY2641 Psychology of Helping 4 ECTS    
PSY3130 Psychology of Adjustment 2 ECTS    
PSY3647 Selected Topics in Organisational Psychology 4 ECTS    
PSY3651 Introduction to Critical Psychology 4 ECTS    
PSY3655 Neurodiverse Profiles 4 ECTS    

 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
PSY3353 Psychology Synoptic Study-Unit 2 6 ECTS   (NC)  
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
PSY2626 Psychology of Sexuality 2 ECTS    
PSY2634 Psychology of the Family 4 ECTS    
PSY3611 Media Psychology 4 ECTS    
PSY3648 Sports Psychology 4 ECTS    

 
Requirement for successful completion of Year 3: 60 credits, of which:
28 credits in Psychology
28 credits in the other area
4 credits optional study-units

Requirement for award of B.A. Psychology and in another area of study: 180 credits, of which:
80 credits in Psychology
80 credits in the other area
20 credits optional study-units

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) under the auspices of the Faculty of Arts.

International Relations

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

  • Carry out and conduct critical academic research in a professional manner as expected at an undergraduate level.
  • Have a familiarised knowledge about theories and concepts of international relations and apply them to contemporary world affairs.
  • Develop a keen sense of awareness through your refined interpretation of reading news and international events.
  • Contribute your invaluable knowledge on the subject matter to interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary discursive atmospheres.
  • Understand the interweaving relationship and personal ethics present between the contingent relationship of individual decisions and national results.

Psychology

Upon successfully completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Compare and contrast major theoretical and therapeutic paradigms in the field;
  • Appraise current topics in psychology from different perspectives, including diverse disciplines within the field itself;
  • Engage with current theoretical issues and research findings in psychology within a bio-psycho-social perspective, attending to evidence-based practice.

Non EU Applicants:

Fee per academic year: Eur 8,500

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.

International Relations

As a graduate of this programme of study you will be employable, both locally and internationally, as an intelligence analyst, policy office political risk analyst, international aid worker, public affairs consultant, diplomatic service officer and as a civil service fast streamer. If you would like to further your studies, or are considering an academic profession, then we encourage you to enrol in one of our local post-graduate courses.


Psychology

As a holder of this degree, despite the programme not having offered the professional training in psychology, will offer your opportunities for employment in areas that involve human interaction or community services. Some areas include human service agencies and personnel management. Your background in psychology will be the foundation for transferrable skills in a variety of work settings, while also providing a platform for further training and study at postgraduate level. Transferring to the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology can serve as a stepping stone for further studies that paves the way for Masters programmes offered by the University of Malta, such as Master of Arts in Social Work, Master in Youth and Community Service, Master of Psychology in Clinical/Counselling/Educational, and many more.


Humanities Stream

 

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