It is with great pleasure that the 2022/3 cohort for the M.A. in Global Maritime Archaeology were welcomed to the Archaeology Centre by Dr Ing J. Betts, the head of Department, Professor Timmy Gambin, the course coordinator, as well as other staff members, course contributors, and former students of the programme. Since its launch in 2016, this course only failed to open in 2020/1, and this was due to complications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Studying maritime archaeology in Malta is proving to be attractive to international students. For example, this year’s eight participants have travelled to our University from Kuwait, Holland, South Africa, and the USA. This year’s intake highlights the fact that we are building on the success of previous years, when this course welcomed students from Malta, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Greece, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand.
In the coming months, our students will attend class-based lectures delivered by local and international experts in the fields of maritime history and archaeology. The course consists of a unique blend of theory and practice, including hands-on underwater excavation, offshore remote sensing, boat-recording, and the study of intangible maritime heritage. Participants will have the opportunity to work closely with local entities, including the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and Heritage Malta. Moreover, team members from both these agencies will join the summer excavation to share their knowledge and experience with our students.
We wish our new students the best of luck for an extraordinary year filled with learning and hard work, in what will surely be a stimulating and fun atmosphere. Prospective applicants can contact Professor Timmy Gambin, the course coordinator.