Diploma in the Archival and Cultural Appreciation of Ecclesiastical Patrimony

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

2 Years

60 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-time Evening

The diploma will take its cue from an Introduction to the history of the Church in Malta which goes back to Apostolic times. Studying this tradition allows you to deeper understand the formation of the national identity, which in many respects (culturally, socially, artistically) is intimately linked with the Catholic faith. It is necessary to understand the history of this institution to better understand its administration, as well as the works of art it has commissioned throughout the centuries. The Diploma being proposed will be an integral course, providing you with the elements necessary to interpret ecclesiastical cultural heritage within the broader context of significant events and movements in the Church's history. A basic study unit illustrating the theology of sacred space through architecture is also included, in order to bring you to relate the use of space with spiritual experience.

The diploma will take its cue from an Introduction to the history of the Church in Malta which goes back to Apostolic times. Studying this tradition allows you to deeper understand the formation of the national identity, which in many respects (culturally, socially, artistically) is intimately linked with the Catholic faith. It is necessary to understand the history of this institution to better understand its administration, as well as the works of art it has commissioned throughout the centuries. The Diploma being proposed will be an integral course providing, you with the elements necessary to interpret ecclesiastical cultural heritage within the broader context of significant events and movements in the Church's history.

It will also include an introduction to Ecclesiastical archivistics, focusing particularly on the archives of the Church in Malta. It is a fundamental principle of historical sciences that research is carried out using primary sources, which in most cases these are the documentary sources preserved in archives. Archives are created as a result of the bureaucratic function of an administration. The program will focus on the development of the diocesan bureaucratic structure of the Archdiocese, as well as the parochial administrative system, as read through the archival fonds.

The language used in the manuscripts and archival materials to be studied in this course are all written in the variant of Latin used by the Church from the Middle Ages onwards. Being an introductory course, you will be assisted in achieving a basic understanding of texts in ecclesiastical manuscripts. The various styles of handwriting and the use of the most common abbreviations, expressions and formulae (especially those found in baptismal, matrimonial and burial registers) will be highlighted and studied.

A basic study unit illustrating the theology of sacred space through architecture is also included, in order to bring you to relate the use of space with spiritual experience.

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Information for International applicants

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

Applicants admitted as "Adult Learners" under paragraph (c) of regulation 6 of the Admissions Regulations must be in possession of those qualifications and/or experience that would satisfy the interviewing board, through an interview, that they have reached the academic standard required to follow the Course with profit. Such applicants shall be required to submit with their application a letter written in English giving their motivation for joining the Course, together with a copy of their Curriculum Vitae . Applicants admitted in terms of this paragraph shall be in possession of a pass in an English language proficiency test as approved by the University before being admitted to the Course, provided that applicants in possession of a Secondary Education Certificate pass at Grade 3 or higher in English Language or a pass at the same standard in a comparable qualification, shall be exempt from this requirement.

Applicants in terms of the 'maturity (adult learners) clause' are required to sit for an English Proficiency Test to be held in September. Successful applicants will then be required to sit for an interview sometime during the same month. Such applicants shall be exempted from sitting the proficiency test if they are in possession of a pass at SEC level English at Grade 3 or better or equivalent.

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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.


Semester 1

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

HPA1301	An Introduction to the History of the Church in Malta	4 ECTS
HPA1302	Introduction to Ecclesiastical Archives in Malta	5 ECTS
HPA1303	Sacred Art from the Palaeochristian to the Medieval Period: An Appreciation	6 ECTS


Semester 2

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

HPA1307	Introduction to Research Methods	5 ECTS
LIS2611	Preservation Studies	4 ECTS

Requirement for regular progression to Year Two: 24 ECTS credits


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)

HPA1309	Field Work Experience	6 ECTS


Semester 1

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

HPA1304	Sacred Art between Two Councils (Trent and Vatican II): An Appreciation	6 ECTS
HPA1308	Introduction to Ecclesiastical Latin 1	4 ECTS
HPA1311	Introduction to Ecclesiastical Latin 2	4 ECTS


Semester 2

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

HPA1305	An Introduction to the Theology and Architecture of the Liturgical Space	4 ECTS
HPA1306	The Church as Heritage Site	4 ECTS
HPA1310	Long Essay Project	8 ECTS

Requirement for successful completion of Year Two: 36 ECTS credits
Requirement for the award of Diploma in the Archival and Cultural Appreciation of Ecclesiastical Patrimony: 60 ECTS credits

This programme of study is governed by The General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of Diploma in the Archival and Cultural Appreciation of Ecclesiastical Patrimony under the auspices of the Faculty of Theology.

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

define the various forms of heritage possessed by their community;
contextualize the various forms of art and architecture in the historical period when they were produced;
enlist and discuss the main artists and architects that formed the ecclesiastical heritage in Malta.
underline the documentation that is present in all ecclesiastical archives (such as baptismal, confirmation, marriage and burial records); and
give descriptions of the archival fonds and artistic patrimony of their community, having become familiar with them during the field experience.

Subject knowledge and understanding.

define the various forms of heritage possessed by their community;
contextualize the various forms of art and architecture in the historical period when they were produced;
enlist and discuss the main artists and architects that formed the ecclesiastical heritage in Malta.
underline the documentation that is present in all ecclesiastical archives (such as baptismal, confirmation, marriage and burial records); and
give descriptions of the archival fonds and artistic patrimony of their community, having become familiar with them during the field experience.

Intellectual development.

have a basic reading and understanding knowledge of Latin expressions found in ecclesiastical records;
match styles and forms from different periods, recognizing their common features and differentiating those that are not, categorizing them according to artists, periods etc.,
classify the available documentation, especially various miscellanea into relevant categories in order to facilitate proper research related to historical periods or artefacts;
illustrate demographical and social factors according to the documentation found in ecclesiastical
show the available sources in local fonds were the history of various artefacts is recorded.

Key/Transferable Skills.

illustrate to any audience the history and cultural development of their community;
administer accordingly these treasures for critical assessment;
implement the necessary procedures for the conservation and care of these artefacts;
demonstrate the development of a community's heritage history to outsiders; and
Justify the need for funding and other projects for their preservation and appreciation.

Other skills relevant to employability and personal development

This diploma is useful if you are a volunteer in this sector to better appraise the value of the artefacts entrusted to your care.
Completion of this diploma course gives also the possibility to custodians of ecclesiastical heritage items (such as parish priests) to set up a commission for the care of artefacts where such a commission is not yet present.

Non EU Applicants:

Fee per academic year: Eur 4,250

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As a graduate of this diploma, you will be able to enter a career as a museum attendant, archive attendant, and church curator.

You may choose to further your studies in Theology, History of Arts and Archive Sciences.