The MCAST Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) was set up in 2001. It opened its doors with six institutes, one of which was the Institute of Electronics Engineering. The director's first task was to take over the course that had been offered by the Fellenberg Training Centre since December 1973.

In 2001, 116 students moved from the Fellenberg Training Centre to the MCAST Institute of Electronics Engineering. New students also joined the MCAST for the Telecommunications Course previously offered by the Mikielang Sapiano Technical Institute. In the same year, the foundation course was also introduced. The continuous assessment system was introduced and this relieved some of the pressure put forward by the examinations.

The Institute implemented various changes in most courses, shifting to the MCAST/BTEC qualifications system that is internationally recognised. The system is being continuously monitored by external verifiers who regularly visit the Institute to ensure that students are being graded with an accepted level.

In 2002 the MCAST Diploma in Computer Hardware was introduced, where the student population increased to 350. From what has been observed in industry, it resulted that this field is becoming more popular, so the course is complementing the advances being made in technology.

As from next year, all courses related to electrical engineering currently being offered at Mikelang Sapiano Technical Institute will be taken over by MCAST. This will raise the number of students to about 650.

The Foundation Course in Electrical and Electronics Engineering is a one-year full-time course for which students in possession of a School Leaving Certificate are eligible to apply. All students applying for this course are subject to an aptitude test. The number of students to be accepted for this course should not exceed 48, plus another group in Gozo.

Successful students will then have the option to follow the MCAST/City and Guilds Certificate in Electrical Installation or the MCAST/BTEC First diploma in Electronics. The former is a three-year part-time course (two days a week at the MCAST premises and three days on the job) leading to the City and Guilds 2360, with students obtaining Licence A and B from Enemalta.

The MCAST/BTEC First Diploma in Electronics is a two-year part-time course, which leads to the MCAST Certificate in Further Studies in Electronics (one year part-time).

The director and his team are striving to create a good working and training environment. This is being complemented by high technology equipment.

One of the courses being offered as from this year is the MCAST/BTEC National Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. This is a two-year course, the first year entailing full-time studies, while the second year is part-time. Applicants must have O-level passes in Mathematics and Physics, as well as any two other subjects. For this course, 48 students are to be selected. Successful students can then proceed to the Higher National Certificate in Electrical/ Electronics Engineering, (a further two years part-time).

Forty-eight students will be taken on board for the MCAST Certificate in Industrial Electronics, a two-year course (first year full-time) where students have to have (O-level) passes in Mathematics and Physics. Successful students can progress to the MCAST Diploma in Industrial Electronics.

The MCAST Certificate in Computer Hardware, for which 24 students will be accepted, entails two years' study. Students must have O-level passes in Mathematics and Physics. Successful students can progress to the MCAST Diploma in Computer Hardware.

All school leavers will shortly receive a copy of the MCAST Prospectus for the College year 2003/ 2004. The Institute will be holding information talk for prospective students on July 24 at 6 p.m. All those interested are welcome to attend.