Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Social Studies

Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Social Studies

MQF Level

6

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.


Social Studies

In the programme of study in Social Studies, we provide you with a transdisciplinary holistic approach towards the field and its means of integration in the modern world we inhabit. By taking a local and international perspective, you will learn about the interrelating and causal relationship between geography, history, political and social science and the humanities in our society. You will be integrated in a broad spectrum of fields and will acquire knowledge on areas ranging from bioethics and warfare to anthropology of migration and cultural criticism. In your final year of studies, you may have the opportunity to present a dissertation with a research topic of your own choice. We also encourage you to participate in the Erasmus+ mobility programme for a more diverse and multicultural learning experience.


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.

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      

 

Social Studies

 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
SOC1012 Introducing Research Methods in the Social Sciences 4 ECTS   (NC)    
SOC1014 Family Life - A Sociological Investigation 4 ECTS   (NC)    
SOC1060 Foundations of Sociology: Theories and Perspectives 4 ECTS   (NC)    
SOC1061 Sociology of Island Life 4 ECTS   (NC)    

 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
SOC1007 The Sociological Imaginary in Practice 2 ECTS   (NC)    
SOC1046 Urban Society and Culture 4 ECTS   (NC)    
SOC1058 Health, Illness and Society 4 ECTS   (NC)    

 
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

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of 26 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.
 
Semester 1
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
ANT3023 Anthropological Perspectives on Human Rights 4 ECTS      
ENG2089 An Introduction to Cultural Criticism 2 ECTS      
GEO2016 The Geography of Tourism 4 ECTS      
LLT2360 Language and Culture of Deaf People 4 ECTS      
MCS3953 Digital Media and Information Literacies 4 ECTS      
MSP3121 Maltese Popular Music 4 ECTS      
SOC2000 Economic Sociology 4 ECTS      
SOC2010 Environmental Sociology 4 ECTS      
SOC2047 Understanding Nations and Nationalism 4 ECTS      
SOC2055 Quantitative Analysis: SPSS in Practice 4 ECTS      
SOC2066 Sociology of Music 4 ECTS      
SOC2067 Sociology of Disability 4 ECTS      
SOC2071 Introduction to Demography 4 ECTS      
SOC2079 Sociology of Space and Place 4 ECTS      
SOC2125 Quantitative Research in Social Sciences 4 ECTS      
SOC2347 Maritime Sociology 4 ECTS      
SOC3031 Sociology of Politics and the State 4 ECTS      
SOC3032 Sociology of the Professions 4 ECTS      
SOC3036 Sociology of Housing 4 ECTS      
SOC3123 People on the Move: Mobility, Travel and Displacement 4 ECTS      

 
 
Semester 2
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
ANT3030 People, Migration and Change 4 ECTS      
CST3951 Cyberculture 4 ECTS      
ECL2000 Introduction to European Union Law 4 ECTS      
EST2020 Small States and the European Union 4 ECTS      
GEO3083 The Human Geography of the Mediterranean 2 ECTS      
HST2029 Global history (c.1492 - c.1870) 4 ECTS      
LLT2161 Lingua Francas 4 ECTS      
MCS3500 Consumer and Organizational Buying Behaviour 4 ECTS      
SOC2003 Qualitative Approaches in the Social Sciences 4 ECTS      
SOC2006 Sociology of Inequality 4 ECTS      
SOC2007 Theories in Sociology of Religion 4 ECTS      
SOC2010 Environmental Sociology 4 ECTS      
SOC2018 Empirical Research in Sociology 4 ECTS      
SOC2063 Sociology of Cyberspace 4 ECTS      
SOC2073 Visual Sociology 4 ECTS      
SOC2121 Principles of Data Visualisation 4 ECTS      
SOC2124 Gender: A Sociological Exploration 4 ECTS      
SOC2126 Sociology of Social Policy 2 ECTS      
SOC2345 Sociology of Social Movements and Protest 4 ECTS      
SOC3005 Sociology of Money 4 ECTS      
SOC3007 Religion in Malta: An International Field Course 4 ECTS      
SOC3008 Directed Learning 5 ECTS      
SOC3035 Sociology of the Arts 4 ECTS      

 
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

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.
 
Semester 1
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
ANT3023 Anthropological Perspectives on Human Rights 4 ECTS      
GEO2016 The Geography of Tourism 4 ECTS      
LLT2360 Language and Culture of Deaf People 4 ECTS      
MSP3121 Maltese Popular Music 4 ECTS      
SOC2000 Economic Sociology 4 ECTS      
SOC2047 Understanding Nations and Nationalism 4 ECTS      
SOC2055 Quantitative Analysis: SPSS in Practice 4 ECTS      
SOC2066 Sociology of Music 4 ECTS      
SOC2067 Sociology of Disability 4 ECTS      
SOC2347 Maritime Sociology 4 ECTS      
SOC3031 Sociology of Politics and the State 4 ECTS      
SOC3032 Sociology of the Professions 4 ECTS      
SOC3036 Sociology of Housing 4 ECTS      
SOC3123 People on the Move: Mobility, Travel and Displacement 4 ECTS      

 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
SST3001 Synoptic Study-Unit 1 6 ECTS   (NC)    
SST3002 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)
 
ANT3030 People, Migration and Change 4 ECTS      
CST3951 Cyberculture 4 ECTS      
GEO3083 The Human Geography of the Mediterranean 2 ECTS      
HST2029 Global history (c.1492 - c.1870) 4 ECTS      
MCS3500 Consumer and Organizational Buying Behaviour 4 ECTS      
MCS3500 Consumer and Organizational Buying Behaviour 4 ECTS      
SOC2006 Sociology of Inequality 4 ECTS      
SOC2010 Environmental Sociology 4 ECTS      
SOC2044 Sociology of Law 4 ECTS      
SOC2072 Demographic Processes 4 ECTS      
SOC2073 Visual Sociology 4 ECTS      
SOC2121 Principles of Data Visualisation 4 ECTS      
SOC2124 Gender: A Sociological Exploration 4 ECTS      
SOC2126 Sociology of Social Policy 2 ECTS      
SOC2345 Sociology of Social Movements and Protest 4 ECTS      
SOC3005 Sociology of Money 4 ECTS      
SOC3007 Religion in Malta: An International Field Course 4 ECTS      
SOC3008 Directed Learning 5 ECTS      
SOC3035 Sociology of the Arts 4 ECTS      

 
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.

Social Studies

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

  • Carry out research and write academic essays through your refined use of critical thought and methodological research skills.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary discussions and contribute your unique knowledge on the subject matter with your heightened capacity of problem-solving, critical thought and performative skills.
  • Recall historical events, key figures and theoretical concepts, theories and criticisms respective of the field of study or area at hand.
  • Have a better understanding of human behaviour in its relation to social phenomena and institutions.
  • Apply your theoretical knowledge of the subject matter on contemporary issues, both local and international.

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.


Social Studies

As a graduate in this programme of study you will have career opportunities, both locally and internationally, as a sociologist, historian, teacher, political scientist, market research analyst and human resources officer. If you are interested in furthering your studies, or are considering an academic career, then we encourage you to enrol in one of our local postgraduate courses.


Humanities Stream

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https://www.um.edu.mt/courses/overview/ubathlsst-2026-7-o/