Bachelor of European Studies and Contemporary Mediterranean Studies

Bachelor of European Studies and Contemporary Mediterranean Studies

MQF Level

6

Duration and Credits

3 Years

180 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time

European Studies

The programme of studies aims to provide you with a solid and comprehensive knowledge of the European Union from a multidisciplinary angle, involving the politics, economics, law and history of European Integration. Another aim is to develop students' analytical skills and to deepen your critical appraisal of EU policies and EU affairs in general. Special emphasis is also laid, where appropriate, on the deepening of knowledge of the theories and theoretical frameworks employed by the various disciplines in assessing EU policies.


Contemporary Mediterranean Studies

The programme of study allows you to gain a vast understanding of Mediterranean affairs in modern society through a vast array of perspectives, ranging from anthropology, politics and foreign policy, to international relations, migration and multi-country relations. During your course of studies, you will be encouraged to participate in the Erasmus+ mobility programme, as we believe that having an international academic learning experience will give you a more rich and multicultural perspective of the subject matter.


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.

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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.

European Studies

Students are required to register for ALL compulsory study-units (30 ECTS credits), 26 ECTS credits in a Secondary Area and 4 ECTS credits as optional study-units to a total of 60 ECTS credits.

Students may take one study-unit from one of the EU Language Components as optional study-units in the first year (refer to relevant section at the end of the programme).


 
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)
 
EST1042 European Integration Theories, Paradigms and Key Documents 6 ECTS   (NC)    

 
 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
EST1022 Law of the Institutions: General Principles of European Union Law 4 ECTS   (NC)    
EST1030 Introduction to Comparative Politics of Europe 4 ECTS   (NC)    
EST1036 A Historical Perspective on EU Integration 4 ECTS   (NC)    
EST1040 Introductory Micro Economics for European Studies 4 ECTS   (NC)    

 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
EST1023 Enforcement of European Union Law 4 ECTS   (NC)    
EST1041 Introductory Macro Economics for European Studies 4 ECTS   (NC)    

 
Requirement for regular progression to Year 2:
30 ECTS credits in European Studies
26 ECTS credits in the other area
4 ECTS credits in optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 ECTS credits

Students are required to register for ALL compulsory study-units (14 ECTS credits), at least 18 ECTS credits from the list of electives, 24 ECTS credits in a Secondary Area and 4 ECTS credits as optional study-units to a total of 60 ECTS credits.

Students may take up to 10 ECTS credits from one of the EU Language Components as optional and/or elective study-units in the second year. These elective study-units will count as part of the European Studies component (refer to relevant section at the end of the programme).

 
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)
 
EST2229 Research Methodology and Writing Skills 6 ECTS   (NC)    

 
 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
EST2140 Politics of the European Union 4 ECTS   (NC)    
EST3010 The Economics of European Integration 4 ECTS   (NC)    
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
EST2060 The Law of the Internal Market of the European Union 4 ECTS      
EST2210 Development Studies and the European Union 4 ECTS      
EST2232 The EU in the World 4 ECTS      

 
 
Semester 2
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
EST2012 The EU and its Eastern Neighbours 4 ECTS      
EST2020 Small States and the European Union 4 ECTS      
EST2170 Malta in the European Union 4 ECTS      
EST2200 Contemporary Migration Across the Mediterranean 4 ECTS      
EST2223* Placements in European Studies 4 ECTS      
EST2230 Social Policy and the European Union 4 ECTS      
EST2235 EU Cohesion Policy Implementation and Management 6 ECTS      
EST2236 European Union Simulation Unit 4 ECTS      

* The number of placements available is limited.  
Requirement for regular progression to Year 3:
32 ECTS credits in European Studies
24 ECTS credits in the other area
4 ECTS credits in optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 ECTS credits

Students are required to register for ALL compulsory study-units (4 ECTS credits), at least 28 ECTS credits from the list of electives and 24 ECTS credits in a Secondary Area, and 4 ECTS as optional study-units to a total of 60 ECTS credits.Students in the third year may be allowed to register for study-units offered in the second year provided this is permitted by the time-table and provided that students obtain no less than 56 credits at level 3.

Students may take up to 10 ECTS credits from one of the EU Language Components as optional and/or elective study-units in the third year. These elective study-units will count as part of the European Studies component (refer to relevant section at the end of the programme).


 
Semester 1
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
EST3180 Human Rights in the EU 4 ECTS      
EST3190 European Environmental Law and Policy 4 ECTS      
EST3199 Political Parties in Europe 4 ECTS      
EST3200 The EU's External Policy and the CFSP 4 ECTS      
EST3207 Agenda-Setting in the European Union 4 ECTS      
EST3208 The Economics of EU Policies 4 ECTS      

 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
EST3192 European Union Economic and Monetary Union 4 ECTS      
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
EST2070 EU Competition Law 4 ECTS      
EST2223* Placements in European Studies 4 ECTS      
EST3090 Euro-Mediterranean Relations 4 ECTS      
EST3193 European Union Trade Policy 4 ECTS      
EST3201 Sustainable Development and the EU 4 ECTS      
EST3210 European Security 4 ECTS      
EST3211 The Future of the European Union 4 ECTS      
EST3213 Identity and Culture in Europe 4 ECTS      

* The number of placements available is limited.

 
Requirement for successful completion of Year 3:
32 ECTS credits in European Studies
24 ECTS credits in the other area
4 ECTS credits in optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 ECTS credits

Requirement for award of Bachelor of European Studies: 180 ECTS credits, of which:
94 ECTS credits in European Studies
74 ECTS credits in the other area
12 ECTS credits optional study-units

EU Language Component

Students can opt to follow a language component during their Bachelor of European Studies course. Students who choose this option, select study units from one of the language components on offer, as optional and/or elective study units, as indicated in the Programme of Studies. These language study units count as part of the required European Studies component. The aim is to improve the students’ proficiency in the selected language and students should choose study units depending on their level of knowledge of the language.

During academic year 2026/27, the French and German Language Components will be on offer. Other EU language components may be offered in due course.

French Language Component

The following study-units are available for students who intend to follow a French language component during their Bachelor of European Studies course. Some units are available to students who are beginners in French and others for students who have successfully completed study-units from the French Language Proficiency Course in previous years or who are in possession of qualifications in French at different levels.

Students are to start at the level appropriate to their qualifications as guided by the Department of French. Students can take 5 ECTS as optional in Year I, up to 10 ECTS as elective study-units in Year II and Year III. These elective study-units will count as part of the required European Studies component.

The study-units indicated below are not available to students taking French as a subsidiary or joint area with European Studies.

Students are required to consult with the French departmental secretary, cc’ing the Head of the French Department, to determine the choice of study-units, depending on their level of knowledge. Students may need to sit for a test to determine their level.

The following study-units are available to the below categories of students:

a) Students in possession of an A-level at any pass, or intermediate level, or a SEC pass in French
b) Students who have completed study-units from the French Language Proficiency Course in the first year of their course depending on their level
c) Those who have no knowledge of French

Semester 1

FRE1500 Français pour grands débutants niveau A1.1 5 ECTS (for beginners)
FRE1502 Français élémentaire niveau A2.1 5 ECTS (Prerequisite: A recent SEC pass, a DELF A1.2, or FRE1501)
FRE1504 Français Niveau Intermédiaire 1 5 ECTS (Prerequisite: An excellent, recent SEC result, a DELF A2.2, or FRE1503)
FRE1506 Français Niveau Intermédiaire avancé B2.1 4 ECTS (Prerequisite: An Intermediate Pass at Grade C or better, a DELF B1.2, or FRE1505)

Semester 2

FRE1501 Français pour grands débutants: Niveau A1.2 5 ECTS (Prerequisite: FRE1500)
FRE1503 Français élémentaire niveau A2.2 5 ECTS (Prerequisite: A recent, good SEC result, a DELF A2.1, or FRE1502)
FRE1505 Français Niveau Intermédiaire B1.2 5 ECTS (Prerequisite: FRE1504 or a DELF B1.1)
FRE1507 Français Niveau Avancé B2.2 4 ECTS (Prerequisite: FRE1506 or a DELF B2.1)

The following study-units are available for students who are in possession of at least Grade C at A-level French:

Semester 2

FRE1002 Perfectionnement da la Langue 4 ECTS OR FRE1021 Pratique de la langue 1 4 ECTS (Offered in Semester 1)
FRE1022 Culture, Art et Civilisation 4 ECTS
FRE3047 Pratique de la langue 2 4 ECTS

Students may take one optional study-unit in Year 1 (for example, FRE1500, first semester), and one or two elective study-units in French in Year 2. However, beginner students having followed FRE1500 in Year 1 may only take FRE1501 in Year 2, since this is a second semester unit. Alternatively, beginner students can take 0 study-units in French in the first year, and 2 study-units as from the second year, for a smoother progression. At higher levels of competence, students may take two study-units in French yearly as from their second year of studies. As from the third year, it will be possible to take 2 study-units in French at all levels.

Students obtaining FRE1503 will have achieved a level approximately equivalent to a SEC level standard, those achieving FRE1505 will have achieved a level approximately equivalent to an Intermediate standard, and those achieving FRE1507 will have achieved a level approximately equivalent to an Advanced standard.

All these units focus on language competence and do not contain any literature component.



German Language Component

The following study-units are available for students who intend to follow a German language component during their Bachelor of European Studies course. Some units are available to students who are beginners in German and others for students who have successfully completed study-units from the German Language Proficiency Course in previous years or who are in possession of other qualifications in German at different levels.

Students are to start at the level appropriate to their qualifications as guided by the Department of German. Students can take 5 ECTS as optional in Year I and up to 10 ECTS as elective study-units in Year II and Year III. These elective study-units will count as part of the required European Studies component.

The study-units indicated below are not available to students taking German as a subsidiary or joint area with European Studies.

Students are required to consult with the German departmental administrator, cc’ing the Head of the German Department and including all relevant documentation, to determine the choice of study-units, depending on their level of knowledge. Students may need to sit for a test to determine their level.

Students having any of the following qualifications may apply for the study-units listed below, depending on the level of the qualification:

a) Students in possession of an A-level at any pass, or intermediate level, or a SEC pass in German
b) Students who have completed study-units from the German Language Proficiency Course in the first year of their course
c) Those who have no knowledge of German
d) Students in possession of a recognised language certificate in German (e.g. a Goethe-Institute certificate)

Semester 1

GRM1031 German for Beginners Level A1.1 5 ECTS
GRM1033 German Level A2.1 5 ECTS
GRM1035 German Level B1.1 5 ECTS
GRM1037 German Level B1+ 5 ECTS
GRM1039 German Level B2.2 5 ECTS
GRM1041 German Level C1.1 5 ECTS
GRM1056 Sprachpraxis 1 B 2.1 5 ECTS

Semester 2

GRM1032 German for Beginners Level A1.2 5 ECTS
GRM1034 German Level A2.2 5 ECTS
GRM1036 German Level B1.2 5 ECTS
GRM1038 German Level B2.1 5 ECTS
GRM1040 German Level B2+ 5 ECTS
GRM1042 German Level C1.2 5 ECTS
GRM1057 Sprachpraxis 2 B 2.2 5 ECTS

The following study-units are available for students who are in possession of at least B 2 level (i.e. approximately Grade C at A-level) in German:

Semester 1

GRM3059 Deutsch im Beruf 4 ECTS

Students may take one optional study-unit in Year 1 (for example, GRM1031, first semester), and one or two elective study-units in German in Year 2. However, beginner students having followed GRM1031 in Year 1 may only take GRM1032 in Year 2, since this is a second semester unit. Alternatively, beginner students can take 0 study-units in German in the first year, and 2 study-units as from the second year, for a smoother progression. At higher levels of competence, students may take two study-units in German yearly as from their second year of studies. As from the third year, it will be possible to take 2 study-units in German at all levels.

All these units focus on language competence and do not contain any literature component.

Contemporary Mediterranean Studies

Students are required to choose study-units to the value of 26 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)
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
ANT1004 Ethnography and Anthropological Theory 8 ECTS      

 
 
Semester 1
 
Recommended Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
GEO1005 The Geography of Populations: Concepts and Theories 4 ECTS      
HST1126 The Mediterranean in Modern Times 2 ECTS      
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
ANT1003 Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology 4 ECTS      
ANT1005 Locating the Anthropology of the Mediterranean 4 ECTS      
HST1023 Introduction to Maltese Historical Demography 2 ECTS      
IRL1082 Introduction to Political Studies 6 ECTS      
IRL1091 Soft Power in International Relations: An Introduction to the Role of Media and Culture 4 ECTS      
PHI1014 Political Philosophy 4 ECTS      

 
 
Semester 2
 
Recommended Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
SPA1013 Christians, Muslims and Jews in Al-Andalus 4 ECTS      
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
HST1021 Europe in early modern times c.1450 - c.1789 4 ECTS      
IRL1081 The Global Politics of Inequality: Realities and Perspectives 4 ECTS      
IRL1088 Introduction to Foreign Policy 4 ECTS      
IRL1089 Theories of International Relations 4 ECTS      
PHI1006 History of Philosophy: (a) Modern Philosophy and (b) Contemporary Philosophy 4 ECTS      
SPA1003 An Overview of Spanish History 4 ECTS      

 

In addition to any compulsory study-units as indicated in the programmes of study for the two Main Areas, students are required to register for optional/elective study-units to bring their total to 60 ECTS credits per academic year.
 
Semester 1
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
ANT2047 Emotions, Culture and Society 4 ECTS      
ANT3006 Political Anthropology 4 ECTS      
ANT3030 People, Migration and Change 4 ECTS      
ARB2022 Arab History and Civilization: The Oral Tradition 4 ECTS      
GEO2050 Historical and Political Geography 4 ECTS      
GEO3083 The Human Geography of the Mediterranean 2 ECTS      
HST2014 A History of the Family and Sexual Behaviour 4 ECTS      
HST2017 Anglo-Italian Relations in the Mediterranean: From the Renaissance to the Cold War 4 ECTS      
HST3012 Steam: A History of Industrial Power 2 ECTS      
IRL2074 The Muslim-Arab World in Contemporary Times 4 ECTS      
IRL2093 Comparative Politics 4 ECTS      
SPA2004 Modern and Contemporary Spanish and Latin American Art 4 ECTS      

 
 
Semester 2
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
ANT3041 Anthropology of Islam 4 ECTS      
ANT3080 History, Memory and Identity 4 ECTS      
GEO3087 The Physical Geography of the Mediterranean 2 ECTS      
HST2005 Contemporary Mediterranean History 6 ECTS      
HST2027 Introduction to Historical Demographic Theories 4 ECTS      
HST2030 Demographic and Urban Growth in the Mediterranean from the Late Middle Ages to Modern Times 4 ECTS      
IRL2010 International Economics 4 ECTS      
IRL2058 Terror: Ideas and Realities 4 ECTS      
MDT3001 Israeli-Palestinian Relations: Pasts, Urgencies, Prospects 4 ECTS      
PHI3046 Contemporary Continental Philosophy 4 ECTS      
SPA2019 Imperial Spain 4 ECTS      

 

In addition to the compulsory study-units as indicated in the programmes of study for the two Main Areas, students are required to register for optional elective study-units to bring their total to 60 ECTS credits per academic year.
 
Year   (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
ANT3038 Ecology and Culture in the Mediterranean 4 ECTS      
IRL2090 International Relations since 1919 6 ECTS      

 
 
Semester 1
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
ANT2002 Law, State and Society in Southern Europe 4 ECTS      
ANT2003 Nation, State and Society in the Middle East/North Africa 4 ECTS      
ANT2020 Kinship, Family and Marriage 4 ECTS      
ANT3019 Historical Anthropology 4 ECTS      
GEO3021 Climate Change and Sustainability in the Mediterranean 4 ECTS      
HST2015 Tracing Family History: Archival Depositories, Digital Resources and Genealogical Research 4 ECTS      
HST3025 Trans-Regional Migrations: A Short History of Migration and Mobility from Ancient to Modern Times 4 ECTS      
HST3109 International Relations Between the World Wars 2 ECTS      
PHI3039 Thematic Readings in Political Thought 4 ECTS      

 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
ATS3001 Contemporary Mediterranean Studies Paper 1 6 ECTS   (NC)    
ATS3002 Contemporary Mediterranean Studies Paper 2 6 ECTS   (NC)    
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
GEO3006 Urbanisation and Development 4 ECTS      
HST2028 A History of European and World Populations 4 ECTS      
IRL2020 Nationalism in International Politics 4 ECTS      
IRL2036 Intercultural Politics in the Mediterranean 4 ECTS      
IRL3007 War and Peace in the Middle East 4 ECTS      
IRL3098 International Financial Institutions 4 ECTS      
MDT3001 Israeli-Palestinian Relations: Pasts, Urgencies, Prospects 4 ECTS      

 

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 European Studies (Honours) - B.Eur.Studies (Hons) - and Bachelor of European Studies (B.Eur.Studies) - under the auspices of the Institute for European Studies.

European Studies

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

  • Assess and analyse policy developments in the EU.
  • Write reports on such developments and recognise the developing trends.
  • Make presentations or report EU developments succinctly.

Contemporary Mediterranean Studies

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

  • Participate in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary discussions about contemporary Mediterranean issues.
  • Compose and carry out research and analytical essays by using the appropriate methodological skill-set required.
  • Have a broader scope of interrelations and the different policies and formulations carried out between countries.
  • Have knowledge on the historical, cultural, regional, political and societal facets and their effects on the contemporary Mediterranean countries.
  • Apply theoretical concepts and recall key events to analyse contemporary affairs.

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.

European Studies

As a graduate in European Studies, you will be able to find jobs in the EU institutions, international organisations, government ministries (where our alumni have been detailed to work on EU related projects or units working on EU initiatives), in the diplomatic service, the media, teaching, and the enterprise and business organisations. If you will be in possession of a good Bachelor of European Studies qualification, you will be admitted to read for a higher degree, usually at Masters level in European Studies or closely related areas requiring a strong knowledge of European Studies. While many of our alumni have graduated with their Masters at the University of Malta, as a European Studies graduate, you will be able to gain admission to Universities overseas.


Contemporary Mediterranean Studies

As a Contemporary Mediterranean Studies graduate, you will be able to work in a variety of occupations, both locally and abroad, as an office supervisor, operations manager, chief executive, personal service manager, and research consultant. If you are interested in furthering your studies for a more holistic academic experience, or to pursue an academic profession, then you are encouraged to take on a postgraduate course offered at our University.


 

Every effort has been made to provide information that is current and accurate. However, as the content is being constantly updated, users are advised to verify the details contained in these web pages with the relevant University office or authority before making decisions based on the published information.

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