Master of Arts in Catholic School Leadership

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

6 Semesters

90 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-time Evening

The Master of Arts in Catholic School Leadership is a professional course designed to empower you to be involved in the leadership of schools and other faith entities. The programme of studies is intended to give a fresh and dynamic contribution to these institutions by fostering research and good practices in managerial and leadership skills. Moreover, this course will give due importance to reflective practice in Catholic leadership. The programme of studies is a part-time taught MA spread over 6 semesters, with lectures held in the evening. The first four semesters consist of lectures for compulsory study-units which are assessed at the end of the semester. The final two semesters are dedicated exclusively to research and the writing of a dissertation.

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Information for International applicants

Applicants must be in possession of:

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

a degree in education obtained with at least Third Class Honours or Category III from this University or a degree from another university recognised as equivalent for the purpose, together with a minimum of three years' teaching experience or
any other degree obtained with at least Third Class Honours or Category III, together with a recognised teaching or education qualification and a minimum of three years' teaching experience or
a degree in education or a Teacher's Certificate, together with at least three years' teaching experience and other suitable qualifications obtained following the degree or after the Teacher's Certificate or
any first cycle degree with either the Postgraduate Certificate in Education or a recognised teaching qualification, together with three years' experience in an education setting or
any first cycle degree obtained with at least Third Class Honours or Category III, together with a minimum of three years’ experience in an educational setting, provided that the applicant is a member of a Religious Order, the Society of Christian Doctrine (M.U.S.E.U.M.) or the Diocesan Clergy or
a qualification deemed by Senate, on the recommendation of the Board of Studies, to be equivalent to the qualifications listed in paragraphs (a) to (e), together with at least three years' teaching experience.

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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.

In addition to the compulsory study-units (25ECTS), students are required to choose 5 ECTS from the elective study-units, to a total of 30 ECTS.


Semester 1

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

EDU5904	Studies in Educational Management and Leadership	10 ECTS
EDU5970	Fundamentals of Educational Research	5 ECTS


Semester 2

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

EDU5893	Critical Issues for School Leaders	5 ECTS
EDU5971	Applied Educational Research Methods	5 ECTS
LLI5202	Professional Development Models	5 ECTS


Semester 1

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

PLC5814	Catholic Understanding of Humanity for Contemporary Culture	5 ECTS
PLC5824	Leadership in the Church	5 ECTS
PSY5611	Psychology of Leadership	5 ECTS


Semester 2

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

EDU5955	Nurturing Professional Learning Communities in Maltese Schools	5 ECTS
PLC5822	Contemporary Catholic Institutions: Implications for Leadership	5 ECTS
PSY5610	Developing Emotional and Relational Competence	5 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)

PLC5826	Dissertation	30 ECTS

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of Master of Arts in Catholic School Leadership under the auspices of the Faculty of Theology and the Faculty of Education.

By successfully completing the Master of Arts in Catholic School Leadership, you will be able, among other outcomes, to:

discern what is required from leadership teams in faith formation settings
outline the main aspects of contemporary Christian and philosophical anthropology
describe the challenges and relevance of a leadership style based on the Catholic ethos
gain insight, consciousness and conscientiousness of their professional role as leaders from a Catholic perspective
gain deep understanding of leadership and strategic direction
have a conceptual understanding of models of strategic leadership and decision making.

discern what is required from leadership teams in faith formation settings
outline the main aspects of contemporary Christian and philosophical anthropology
describe the challenges and relevance of a leadership style based on the Catholic ethos
gain insight, consciousness and conscientiousness of their professional role as leaders from a Catholic perspective
gain deep understanding of leadership and strategic direction
have a conceptual understanding of models of strategic leadership and decision making
sustain and foster the Catholic ethos of Church schools and other faith formation entities through their managerial and leadership styles
act within the boundaries stipulated by professional ethics, particularly with interlocutors
develop an identity which is congruent with their role as Catholic leaders and character formators
develop healthy, collegial and fruitful relationships with colleagues in order to collectively help interlocutors mature in human and Christian values through pastoral care
critically evaluate their own dispositions and attitudes in their leadership practice
critically engage in contemporary issues related to leadership from a Catholic perspective

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 10,800
Yr 1: Eur 5,400 - Yr 2: Eur 5,400 - Yr 3: NIL

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.

The contents of the course are specifically aimed at preparing you to become leaders in Catholic Schools or other faith formation institutes. However, this course may also prove to be attractive if you are currently occupying a leadership role in Catholic Schools or faith formation institutes and wish to nourish and sustain your leadership roles from a Catholic point of view.