Further your education

Reading for a degree allows you to take your education a step further. St Martin's Institute of Information Technology offers prospective students the chance to obtain degrees from the prestigious University of London. Courses can be followed on a full or part time basis.

The institute, in Hamrun, which is a small private enterprise, has been established since 1985. It started off by offering formal education in computer studies. It was one of the first to offer this service. Today, it has expanded its horizons considerably. In 1995, the institute applied to become a teaching institution for the University of London's external studies programmes.

The university sent its representatives to Malta to carry out an intensive survey of the institute. The institute was given a detailed report on the standards required by the University of London. The institute then worked hard to reach these standards and in 2000 they were accepted by the University of London. They are now part of a worldwide network of teaching institutions that offer University of London degrees. All are required to follow the university's stringent standards and University of London directors come to Malta regularly to ensure that the institute is maintaining the required standards. They interview both students and lecturers.

"Today we have over 100 students following different courses," Mr Theuma said. The institute accepts students aged 17 and over. For the moment, students can opt for a B.Sc. (Hons) in Computing and Information Systems, a B.Sc. (Hons) in Information Systems and Management, BA (Hons) in English and degrees in business, management and economics.

The institute has plans to expand further in the near future. For now, all degrees are offered on a part time basis, but, as from October, degrees will be offered on a full time basis. There are also plans to offer a wider choice of degrees. This year, the institute has produced its first graduands. All students were successful and quite a few obtained first class degrees.

The institute's management works hard to offer an education service of the highest standards. Students are also very co-operative. "Our students keep asking us to expand our frontiers," Mr Theuma said. The college employs qualified local lecturers. They are required to be totally dedicated to their job. "We look for people with a vocation," Mr Theuma said. Great emphasis is placed on the teaching method, which should encourage students to expand their knowledge further.

Examinations are issued by the University of London. These are the same exams that all of the university's students sit for, whether they are based in London or anywhere else in the world. Exam papers are corrected by two University of London external examiners and moderated by a third. This ensures that the university's high standards are maintained uniformly throughout the world.

The average age of students at the Institute is 25. However, younger students are now being targetted, especially since the institute will be offering full time courses. Entry requirements for full time courses are a Matsec certificate or two subjects at Advanced level and three at Ordinary level, including Mathematics and English. All degrees require a minimum of three years' study.

Students can also follow the diploma route. This is a two-year course requiring four subjects at Ordinary level, including Mathematics and English. On successful completion of the Diploma course, students spend another two years at the Institute to complete their degree. In its drive to offer tertiary education to as many people as possible, the institute has also implemented the Maturity Clause. This applies to students over 21, who must prove their academic maturity.

The institute also offers Ordinary, Intermediate, Advanced level and various other courses in computing and business subjects. However, the institute plans to expand even further. "Our vision is to have three institutes, dealing with IT, business studies and languages," Mr Theuma said.

Degree courses cost a maximum of Lm6,500. This includes professional tuition, examinations, course material and use of the institute's facilities. Payment can be effected on a monthly basis. APS bank also offers students loans for these degree courses. The fact that students are paying for their studies makes them expect much more. The institute is thus constantly improving and expanding its facilities. For example, plans are under way to expand the existing reference library and turn it into a lending library.

The institute also caters for students who suffer from dyslexia, hearing problems, sight impairment and epilepsy. Facilities also exist for slow learners. This is part of the institute's drive to expand its services and reach a wider student base.

The institute also aims to attract foreign students. Since University of London degree programmes are standard worldwide, students can easily start their course in Malta and continue it elsewhere or vice versa. Host families can also benefit from this initiative, since they can host students between October and May.

Applications for degree programmes are now open. The closing date is September 17, but early submissions are encouraged. Prospective students can also enquire about the various other courses in computing and business studies. For further information phone 2123-5451, e-mail infodesk@stmartins.edu, or visit www.stmartins.edu.