UDWBSPTE-2023-4-O - L-Università ta' Malta

Course Title

Diploma in Wind Band Studies

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

4 Semesters

60 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-time Evening

Information for International applicants

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

Applicants shall be required to undertake an interview and an audition, provided that applicants with a pass at Grade C or better at Advanced Matriculation Level in Music shall be exempted from both interview and audition.

Applicants admitted under paragraph (c) of regulation 6 of the Admissions Regulations must be in possession of those qualifications and/or experience that would satisfy the School Admissions Committee that they have reached the academic standard required to follow the Course with profit.

The maximum number of students that can be admitted into the course is 20 students.

All applicants for this course must fill the Placement Form available here.

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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 Diploma in Wind Band Studies is designed to equip you as a practicing musician involved in bands, as well as other musicians interested in this musical genre, with the necessary knowledge, skills and competences relevant to your practice and/or interest. This diploma course has a strong emphasis on practical activities, enabling you to develop a wide range of creative, technical and professional skills required for an effective participation in wind bands and music-making more broadly. These skills are complimented by studies in conducting, composition, arranging, music technology, as well as practical instrumental tuition, solf? classes, and related studies focusing on the Maltese wind band tradition and leadership skills in collaborative music-making.

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.


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)

MSP1280	Pedagogical Placement 1	6 ECTS

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

MSP1040*	Applied: Brass	4 ECTS
MSP1045	Applied: Percussion	4 ECTS
MSP1274	Applied: Flute	4 ECTS
MSP1275**	Applied: Woodwind	4 ECTS
MSP1276***	Applied: Instrumental Practice	4 ECTS
* Tuition on trombone, euphonium and B-flat baritone. Tuition on clarinet and saxophone. * Tuition on oboe, bassoon French Horn, trumpet, and tuba. Other instruments may be considered on request.

Semester 1

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

MSP1186	Basic Music Technology	4 ECTS
MSP1282	The Wind Band Tradition in Malta	4 ECTS
MSP1381	Solfège	6 ECTS


Semester 2

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

MSP1389	Theoretical and Practical Issues in Wind Band Playing and Conducting	6 ECTS

Total number of credits this year: 30 credits


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)

MSP1285	Pedagogical Placement 2	6 ECTS
MSP1386	Long Essay	6 ECTS


Semester 1

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

MSP1384	Band Conducting 1	4 ECTS
MSP1387	Leadership in Collaborative Music-Making	2 ECTS
MSP1388	Arranging and Composing for Band 1	4 ECTS


Semester 2

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

MSP1390	Arranging and Composing for Band 2	4 ECTS
MSP1391	Band Conducting 2	4 ECTS

Total number of credits this year: 30 credits

Requirement for the award of the Diploma in Wind Band Studies: 60 credits

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019 and by the Bye-Laws for the award in the Diploma in Wind Band Studies under the auspices of the School of Performing Arts.

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

interrelate the diverse studies covered in this diploma course;
apply knowledge relevant to this musical genre to their own practice;
critically discuss issues related to wind band music and its performance;
identify modern trends in the transmission of musical knowledge and skills;
evaluate how knowledge may effectively be used for the benefit of others through group work, modern technology, and innovative projects;

Intellectual Development

Upon completion of the programme, you will be able to:

use relevant techniques and methods to explain and demonstrate the interrelationship between theory and practice;
recognise, attain, and apply effective skills in the transmission of musical knowledge and skills in diverse contexts;
demonstrate elements of personal expression, imagination, and creativity in practice-based projects or activities and the ability to communicate effectively, employing appropriate technical and interpretative means;
identify, by aural acuity, the essential elements of a musical composition;
use computers, digital equipment and software in a range of band related projects and activities;
work effectively in a team.

Key/Transferable skills

Upon completion of the programme, you will be able to:

work collaboratively with others, utilising a variety of team structures and working methods, and understanding group dynamics and handling interpersonal issues;
develop a broad range of musical skills, but also intellectual and practical skills of reasoning and independent thought, of reflection and self-criticism;
develop essential transferable skills in computing and information technology, in musical and written communication, and in enquiry and research;
communicate effectively and professionally coherent arguments and propositions in a variety of media, verbally and in writing, using appropriate communication and presentation technologies;
develop organisational skills.

Other skills relevant to employability and personal development

Upon completion of the programme, you will be able to:

trace, assess, and synthesise information and data from a range of sources, both primary and secondary, printed, electronic, and other;
communicate effectively across a wide range of sociocultural domains and expectations, spanning from local, town-level activities, to national popular culture events (e.g. religious and secular celebrations), to Ѩigh cultureҠevents;
take effective decisions about the various aspects of art and culture;
establish the right and appropriate procedures following consultation with all stakeholders;
motivate others to attain and put into practice further musical knowledge and skills.

Non EU Applicants:

Fee per academic year: Eur 4,250

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.

Upon successfully completing the Diploma in Wind Band Studies, you can facilitate access to the different roles in wind bands such as music teaching and conducting. It should also serve of a recognised tertiary qualification in music when applying for jobs in cultural management and administration, in the media and entertainment, or in libraries and archives, to mention a few. In addition, this diploma is a great pathway to our Bachelor of Music (Honours) programme and further tertiary studies in music.