Bachelor of Arts in Music Studies and Psychology

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

3 Years

180 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time

Music 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 studies in Music Studies will provide you with the possibility to study music together with another secondary area as subsidiary. As a B.A. student, you will follow two areas of study during the first year, but if you qualify and wish to proceed to the honours track, then you may continue with one area of study (in this case, music), in addition to a limited number of credits in the subsidiary area to be taken during the second year. During the course you will follow a range of theoretical, historical and practical study-units in music. You are also encouraged to participate in an Erasmus+ mobility programme, as we believe a multicultural and international learning experience will provide a holistic academic journey.

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.

Need help?

Information for International applicants

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

Music Studies

Applicants shall undertake an interview and an audition. Applicants with at least an Intermediate level pass at Grade C or better in Music shall be exempted from both the interview and audition.

Music Studies

Auditions and interviews will be held either in July or in September. Applicants whose main training is in musical composition must send their composition sample by email (music.spa@um.edu.mt) on dates, which will be communicated in due course.

Information about the interview and audition.

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.

Music Studies


Semester 1

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

MSP1153	Vocal Ensemble 1	2 ECTS
MSP1263	World Music	6 ECTS
MSP1269	History of Music: Classical Antiquity to Baroque	6 ECTS	(NC)


Semester 2

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

MSP1253	Vocal Ensemble 2	2 ECTS
MSP1262	History of Music: Classical Period to Twenty-first Century	6 ECTS	(NC)
MSP1264	Music and Creativity in Cyberspace	4 ECTS

Requirement for regular progression to Year 2:
26 ECTS credits in Music Studies
26 ECTS credits in the other area
8 ECTS credits in optional study-units (students may wish to choose from the elective study-units listed in the Bachelor of Music (Honours) programme of study)

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 13 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)

MSP2153	Vocal Ensemble 3	2 ECTS
PFA2004	Interdisciplinary Theories of Performance	5 ECTS

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

MSP2111	Jazz Improvisation 1	4 ECTS
MSP2260	Introduction to Composition	4 ECTS
MSP2301	Basic Conducting	2 ECTS
MSP2340	Orchestration Techniques 1	5 ECTS
PFA2005	Performance and Philosophy	4 ECTS


Semester 2

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

MSP2155	Areas of Research in Music Studies	4 ECTS
MSP2253	Vocal Ensemble 4	2 ECTS

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

MSP2064	Ethnomusicology	4 ECTS
MSP2072	Ensemble Techniques 1	4 ECTS
MSP2132	Oral Music Traditions of the Mediterranean	4 ECTS
MSP2133	Music and Spirituality in Contemporary Music	2 ECTS
MSP2288	Jazz Technique and Composition 2	4 ECTS
MSP2313	Introduction to Editorial Techniques	4 ECTS

Requirement for regular progression to Year 3:
26 ECTS credits in Music Studies
26 ECTS credits in the subsidiary 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.


Semester 1

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

MSP3153	Vocal Ensemble 5	2 ECTS

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

MSP3111	Jazz Improvisation 2	4 ECTS
MSP3115	Music for the Media	4 ECTS
MSP3121	Maltese Popular Music	4 ECTS
MSP3220	Avant-Garde Music	6 ECTS


Semester 2

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

MSP3043	Synoptic Study-Unit 1: Music Studies Ordinary	6 ECTS	(NC)
MSP3044	Synoptic Study-Unit 2: Music Studies Ordinary	6 ECTS	(NC)
MSP3253	Vocal Ensemble 6	2 ECTS

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

MSP3002	Nineteenth-Century Maltese Music	6 ECTS
MSP3113	Music in Community	4 ECTS
MSP3116	Music and Meaning	6 ECTS
MSP3118	Opera in the Classical and Romantic Eras	6 ECTS

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

Requirement for award of B.A. Music Studies and in another area of study: 180 ECTS credits, of which:
80 ECTS credits in Music 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 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) under the auspices of the Faculty of Arts.

Music Studies

As a B.A. in Music Studies graduate, you will:

Have a broad knowledge in the various areas of music studied, including a detailed grasp of appropriate repertoires, resources and texts, and familiarity with associated concepts and issues.
Understand how music relates to cognate disciplines in the arts, humanities, social and physical sciences, as appropriate.
Understand the position, function and value of music in contemporary society with special attention to its relation to educational, professional, institutional or community perspectives.
Demonstrate the acquisition and application of appropriate research skills,
Recognise and analyse musical organisation, style, genre or tradition, whether aurally, or by studying a written score,
Develop a range of musical skills, but also intellectual and practical skills of reasoning and independent thought, of reflection and self-criticism.

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.

Music Studies

As a graduate in this programme of study you will have several career opportunities, both locally and internationally. Teaching is a popular option if you want to make direct use of the subject knowledge. Other career opportunities include jobs in the recording industry, work in cultural management and administration, in the media and entertainment, or in libraries and archives, to mention a few. In addition, a degree in music is sometimes considered as an asset by employers seeking formal certification of professional training in creativity from prospective employees. A B.A. in music studies may also lead to postgraduate studies in music, both in Malta and abroad, if you wish to further your studies for a more holistic academic background.

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.