Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Psychology

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.

Psychology

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.

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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.

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.

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)

CRC1010	Introduction to Marketing Communications	4 ECTS
MCS1021	Human Communication	4 ECTS
MCS1040	Visual Communications and Graphic Design	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
MCS1110	Introduction to Video Production	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	Contemporary Issues in Marketing Communication	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

Psychology

Kindly note that students may not register for optional study-units in Psychology.


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)


Semester 2

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

PSY1623	Developmental Psychology 2	6 ECTS	(NC)
PSY1630	Foundations in Human Biology for Psychology	4 ECTS	(NC)

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
* 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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