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

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

3 Years

180 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time

Theology

Students registering for the course shall be required to indicate their choice of a second Main Area of study to be taken with Theology at the time of applying for admission.

Students for the Theology and Human Studies degree shall be required to register and obtain credits for study-units to which a total of not less than 180 ECTS credits are assigned, of which not less than 94 ECTS credits shall be obtained from the Theology programme of study, not less than 80 ECTS credits from the programme of study of the second Main Ordinary area of study and 6 ECTS credits in optional study-units.

The Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Human Studies programme meets a variety of educational needs through the combination of Theology with a number of areas of humanistic studies. It provides a good base for students wishing to qualify as teachers of Religion at secondary school level (after pursuing studies in a teacher training course).

It is also intended for students who would like to prepare for church or community related work, including work in religious tourism, through the combination of Theology with Sociology, Psychology, Communication Studies, Philosophy, History or a language subject.

The Bachelor of Arts in Theology will prepare you to study and explore the intertwining relationships between faith, philosophy, and human experience. By engaging with a variety of scriptures and contributing to in-class theological debates, you will cultivate a more refined mind-set and approach towards religious thought. The course features a wide range of units that will cover different facets of theology, which will provide a holistic and unique learning experience. To name a few, some of the units involved range from; Fundamental Patrology, The History of the Church in Malta and the Philosophical Foundations of Theology, to Christian Anthropology, Bioethics, and Prophetic, Apocalyptic and Wisdom Literature.

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

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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.

Theology

During their first year of studies, in addition to the compulsory study-units, students shall be required to register for 12 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year. Moreover, students shall be required to choose 2 ECTS credits of optional study-units which may be taken from the list of optional study-units.

The total number of study-units to be covered during the year should as much as possible be spread evenly over the two semesters.


Semester 1

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

FDT1100	Philosophical Foundations of Theology	4 ECTS	(NC)
THL1001	Introduction to Theology	10 ECTS	(NC)

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints) Students having Philosophy as their joint area cannot register for study-units that are already in their Philosophy area

FDT1300	The Philosophy of Personhood	4 ECTS
PHI1001	History of Philosophy: (a) Ancient Philosophy and (b) Medieval Philosophy	4 ECTS
PHI1025	An Introduction to Philosophy through Film	2 ECTS
PHI1027	An Introduction to the Philosophy of Communication	2 ECTS
PHI2051	Aesthetics	4 ECTS


Semester 2

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

FDT1020	The Mystery of Christ	4 ECTS	(NC)
HPA1061	The Church in Early Christian Thought	2 ECTS	(NC)

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints) Students having Philosophy as their joint area cannot register for study-units that are already in their Philosophy area

FDT1060	Vatican 2: Vision and Paradigms	4 ECTS
PHI1006	History of Philosophy: (a) Modern Philosophy and (b) Contemporary Philosophy	4 ECTS
PHI1017	Ethics	4 ECTS
PHI2039	Doing Philosophy in the Islamic World	4 ECTS
PLC1400	The Pastoral Context: Sociological Considerations	4 ECTS
SHG1010	Biblical Inspiration and Interpretation	2 ECTS
THL1560	Introduction to Judaism	2 ECTS

During their second year of studies, in addition to the compulsory study-units, students shall be required to choose 2 ECTS credits which may be taken from the list of optional study-units.

The total number of study-units to be covered during the year should as much as possible be spread evenly over the two semesters.


Semester 1

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

FDT3160	Christian Anthropology	6 ECTS	(NC)
MRT2010	Principles of Moral Theology	4 ECTS	(NC)
MRT3330	Theology, Sexuality and Marriage	4 ECTS	(NC)
SHG2160	Pentateuch and Historical Books	4 ECTS	(NC)


Semester 2

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

HPA1100	Early Christian History	4 ECTS	(NC)
MRT3340	Bioethics	4 ECTS	(NC)
SHG2064	Hermeneutics of the Inspired Scriptures	2 ECTS	(NC)
SHG2260	Prophetic, Apocalyptic and Wisdom Literature	4 ECTS	(NC)

During their third year of studies, in addition to the compulsory study-units, students shall be required to register for 16 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.

The total number of study-units to be covered during the year should as much as possible be spread evenly over the two semesters.


Semester 1

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

FDT2310	A Christian Understanding of God	4 ECTS	(NC)
HPA2230	Fundamental Patrology	4 ECTS	(NC)
MRT3020	The Social Thought of the Church	4 ECTS	(NC)
SHG3050	The Synoptic Gospels	4 ECTS	(NC)


Semester 2

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints) Students are required to choose 16 ECTS from the following list:

FDT3060	Aspects of Christology and Mariology	6 ECTS
HPA2231	The History of the Church in Malta	4 ECTS
MRT3300	Politics, Economics and Theology	4 ECTS
SHG2050	Johannine Literature	4 ECTS
SHG2550	Women in the Bible	2 ECTS
SHG2760	Pauline Writings and Acts of the Apostles	4 ECTS

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


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

Requirement for regular progression to Year 2:
26 ECTS credits in Human Studies
32 ECTS credits in Theology
2 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 Human Studies
32 ECTS credits in Theology
2 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)

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 credits, of which:
28 ECTS credits in Human Studies
32 ECTS credits in Theology

Requirement for award of B.A. in Theology and Human Studies: 180 ECTS credits, of which:
80 ECTS credits in Human Studies
96 ECTS credits in Theology
4 ECTS credits in 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 Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Human Studies under the auspices of the Faculty of Theology.

Theology

Upon successfully completing this course, you will be able to:

Stimulate creative thinking when examining theological claims.
Classify the various ideas about the Church found in different texts.
Identify the major sources (documents) of Catholic social teaching, and be familiar with their development in their ecclesial and secular historical context.
Articulate clearly and faithfully the Christian Social Teaching and its practical application to specific issues and problems.
Relate to and interpret formative events, leading personalities, religious and devotional trends in the history of the Local Church, with a particular emphasis on its artistic, documentary and folkloristic heritage.
Appraise the role of the Church in Maltese society today in light of its past.

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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Theology

As a graduate, the course will prepare you for church or community related work, including work in religious tourism and religious leadership, provided that the necessary requirements are met.

If you would like to pursue an academic career or further your studies, you may choose to enrol in a postgraduate course locally or internationally.

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.