Application deadline extended to 11 August 2023
Applications are invited for a Master’s Student to work in collaboration with the Department of Systems and Control Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering, on the project SMARTSPACK. The student will be supervised by Dr Ing. Marvin Bugeja. The role of the M.Sc. by Research student will be primarily to develop a Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD) framework, based on data mining, which is able to infer the optimum manufacturing process parameters, from users’ experience data related to smart packaging solutions.
The SMARTSPACK project, which is led by Prof. Ing. Philip Farrugia, aims to develop and design a novel, sustainable packaging solution, in two application sectors, food and pharmaceutical packaging. A demo of a smart packaging manufacturing platform will also be designed, implemented and tested.
- Applicants must be in possession of a B.Eng (Honours) degree OR a BSc degree in an IT related area (Second Class Upper Division or higher). Students who are currently in their final year of the specified undergraduate programmes will also be considered, subject to successful completion of their programme of studies in line with the requirements outlined here. Previous knowledge in data mining applications for KDD will be considered an asset.
- The scholarship has a duration of one year. The selected candidate will be required to start their MSc by Research studies on a full-time basis in Oct’23 and will be receiving a scholarship of €500 per month for one year from Jan’24. The tuition fee for the first year of studies (up to Eur400) will be covered from the SMARTSPACK project. Further information on applicable fees are available online.
- The Scholarship will be subject to the eligibility of the candidates to meet the entry requirements set out by the University of Malta and the conditions for enrolling in the Master’s by research programme online.
International applicants are required to present an internationally recognised English Language proficiency Certificate at the required level. Further details are available online. International applicants are also advised to familiarise themselves with information available on the website of the International Office, particularly to the sections concerning visas and e-residence permit conditions and requirements. International candidates will need to provide assurance that they have the funds available to cover their stay in Malta. The stipend awarded for this scholarship is to be considered as a form of allowance and will not cover all the costs attached to studying and living in Malta.
The degree has an annual enrolment fee of €400 for local/EU/EEA applicants and total tuition fees of €13,400 for non-EU/non-EEAA applicants. The University of Malta is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to attract top quality students from countries outside the European Union/EEA. Following acceptance to read for the MSc (on a full-time basis), non-EU/EEA applicants may apply for a tuition fee waiver scholarship. Following scrutiny of the application, deserving students may enjoy a tuition fee waiver of 40% to 100%. The fee waiver will apply for the normal duration of the programme being followed. If extensions of the period of study are required, these may not necessarily be eligible for a fee waiver. Only applicants who have been accepted unconditionally to read for the Master by research on a full-time basis are eligible to apply. Getting a fee waiver is not an automatic right for the selected candidate. Further information on fee waiver scholarships is available online.
- Candidates should submit their letter of application, a copy of their curriculum vitae, copies of their certificates and contact details (including e-mail address) of 2 referees. Applications may be sent by email to Dr Karen Cacciattolo. Application deadline has been extended to 11 August 2023 instead of 7 July 2023 as previously announced. International candidates are required to present certified translations of their qualifications into English. Late applications will not be considered.
Note: The scholarship awardee will be required to complete a Master’s by Research application, which is considered separately.
- The selection procedure will involve:
a. scrutiny of qualifications and experience claimed, supported by testimonials and/or certificates;
b. shortlisting; and
c. an interview and / or extended interview.
- Further information may be obtained by contacting Dr Ing. Marvin Bugeja and/or Prof. Ing. Philip Farrugia.