Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

3 Years

180 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time

Communication Studies

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 in Communication Studies will provide you with an introduction to a selection of compulsory and elective units that are offered in communication studies as a main area. Throughout the 3-year programme, you will gain knowledge and skills in a variety of topics that will accompany your main area of studies, while also providing transferable skills for your daily personal and professional practice. Some of the topics range from Reflective Writing, Journalism, English Rhetoric, and Cognitive Psychology of Mass Communication, to Philosophical Approaches to Communication and Culture, Media Aesthetics, Audio Production and Website Creation, to name a few. During the final semester of the joint area, the topics studied will culminate into a synoptic exam that will assess your acquired skill and intellect.

Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic) studies provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the Arabic language, literature, cultures, and history. Through a rigorous academic curriculum and language experiences, the programme aims to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to engage with and contribute to the global Arabic-speaking community, foster cross-cultural understanding, and promote intercultural communication.

The overarching learning objectives of the Arabic programme is to develop your linguistic, cultural, and analytical competencies necessary to engage with the Arabic-speaking world. You will acquire advanced proficiency in Arabic, gain in-depth knowledge of different Arab cultures, literature, and contemporary issues, and develop critical thinking, research, and intercultural communication skills.

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.

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Information for International applicants

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

Communication Studies

An Intermediate Level pass in English.

Communication Studies

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.

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

Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)

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.

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

You are viewing the entry requirements for International applicants. Switch to Local qualifications.

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.

Communication Studies

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to register for 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)

MCS1010	Introduction to Film Studies	4 ECTS
MCS1030	Introduction to Journalism	4 ECTS
MCS1050	New Media and the Social World	4 ECTS
MCS1080	Writing for Media and Communications	2 ECTS

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

MCS1021	Human Communication	4 ECTS
MCS1040	Visual Communications and Graphic Design	4 ECTS
MCS1110	Introduction to Video Production	4 ECTS


Semester 2

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

MCS1070	Personal Communications	4 ECTS
MCS1100	Media, Society and Culture	4 ECTS

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

CGS1000	Cognitive Psychology of Communications	4 ECTS
CRC1010	Introduction to Marketing Communications	4 ECTS
MCS1130	Cultural Theory and Semiotics	4 ECTS

Requirement for regular progression to Year 2:
26 ECTS credits in Communication Studies
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 a study-units to the value of 8 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)

CRC2000	Consumer Behaviour in the Digital Era	4 ECTS
MCS2210	Ethics in the Media	4 ECTS
MCS3201	Film Theory	4 ECTS

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

CRC2040	Advertising	4 ECTS
DGA2005	Editorial Design	4 ECTS
MCS2220	Critical Issues for Journalism	4 ECTS


Semester 2

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

CRC2060	Digital Storytelling in Marketing Communication	4 ECTS
MCS3060	Reporting	4 ECTS

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

IPG2001	Principles of Information Law	4 ECTS
MCS2300	Satirical Cartoons and Visual Narrative	4 ECTS
MCS3050	Audio Production	4 ECTS

Requirement for regular progression to Year 3:
28 ECTS credits in Communication Studies
26 ECTS credits in the other area
6 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 12 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)

CST3192	Media in Maltese Society	4 ECTS

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

CRC3010	Digital Marketing and Analytics	4 ECTS
MCS3140	Digital Content Creation	4 ECTS
MCS3150	Data Journalism	4 ECTS
MCS3250	Scriptwriting	4 ECTS
MCS3600	Documentary Film Production	4 ECTS


Semester 2

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

MCS3850	Synoptic - Theory 1	6 ECTS	(NC)
MCS3851	Synoptic - Theory 2	6 ECTS	(NC)

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

CRC3030	Ethics, Sustainability and Law	4 ECTS
CST3281	Media Conference Basics	4 ECTS
CST3651	Using Communication for Social Change	4 ECTS
CST3811	Public Relations	4 ECTS
MCS3160	Journalism: Historical Contexts	4 ECTS
MCS3400	Adaptation for the Screen	4 ECTS

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

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

Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)


Semester 1

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

ARB1001	Arabic 1	8 ECTS	(NC)
ARB1025	Introduction to Arabic Studies	4 ECTS	(NC)


Semester 2

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

ARB1002	Arabic 2	8 ECTS	(NC)
ARB1042	Arabic Literature: The Abbasid Period	6 ECTS	(NC)

Requirement for regular progression to Year 2:
26 ECTS credits in Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)
26 ECTS credits in the other area
8 ECTS credits in optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 ECTS credits


Semester 1

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

ARB2016	Arabic 3	8 ECTS	(NC)
ARB3131	Arabic Readings: Classical Arabic Poetry and Prose	6 ECTS


Semester 2

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

ARB2003	Maghrebi Arabic	4 ECTS
ARB3057	Arabic 4	8 ECTS	(NC)

Requirement for regular progression to Year 3:
26 ECTS credits in Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)
26 ECTS credits in the other area
8 ECTS credits optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 ECTS credits


Semester 1

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

ARB3018	Arabic 5	8 ECTS	(NC)
ARB3032	Arabic Readings: Modern Arabic Literature	4 ECTS	(NC)


Semester 2

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

ARB2012	Media Arabic	6 ECTS
ARB3015	Synoptic Study-Unit 1: Arabic Grammar	6 ECTS	(NC)
ARB3016	Synoptic Study-Unit 2: Arabic Texts; Arabic Literature	6 ECTS	(NC)

Requirement for successful completion of Year 3: 60 ECTS credits, of which:
30 ECTS credits in Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)
28 ECTS credits in the other area
2 ECTS credits optional study-units

Requirement for award of B.A. Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic) and in another area of study: 180 ECTS credits, of which:
80 ECTS credits in Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)
80 ECTS credits in the other area
20 ECTS 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.

Communication Studies

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

Identify some of the main models in relation to reflective writing.
Create structures for organisational communication practice.
Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative means of research.
Describe different types of psychological, attitudinal, and behavioural effects produced by exposure to mass communication.
Work collaboratively with a mentor to bring secondary research and/or practical project to fruition.
Formulate a critical opinion that is based on current literature on issues in media and communications.

Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)

By the end of the undergraduate programme, you will gain the following skills:

Language Proficiency: The acquisition of an advanced level of proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic and at least one dialect will enable you to communicate effectively in diverse settings.
Cultural Competence: Possessing a deep understanding of Arab culture, traditions, customs, and values will enable you to navigate and interact respectfully within Arab societies and contribute to intercultural dialogue.
Analytical Skills: The development of strong analytical and critical thinking skills will allow you to critically analyse and evaluate complex social, political, and cultural issues related to the Arab world.
Research and Scholarship: You will be able to demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research, utilising primary and secondary sources in Arabic, and apply scholarly methodologies to produce high-quality academic work in the field of Arabic studies.
Global Perspective: The course material will include a global perspective and will therefore provide you with interdisciplinary knowledge, thus enabling you to understand the historical, geopolitical, and socio-cultural complexities of the Arab world and its relationships with other regions.
Intercultural Communication: You will be able to proficiently exhibit practical intercultural communication skills, demonstrating sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to bridge gaps through open dialogue and respectful engagement with diverse communities.

Non EU Applicants:

Fee per academic year: Eur 8,500

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Communication Studies

Communication studies as a joint area will provide you with a plethora of transferable skills to choose from in order to integrate into the career that you would like to pursue. Provided the necessary requirements, alumni have found satisfying careers in journalism, media production, writing and publishing, public relations and social media marketing, just to name a few. You may also choose to enrol in a master's programme of your choosing if you would like to further your studies, either locally or abroad.

Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)

As a graduate in this course you will be employable, both locally and internationally, as a translator, writer, researcher, human resources officer, editor, journalist, teacher, publisher, librarian, social worker, public cultural educator and as a tourism officer. If you are interested in furthering your education, or are considering an academic profession, then we encourage you to enrol in one of our local postgraduate courses for a honed academic background.