This is a one-year preparatory course at the University of Malta. It is specially designed for those overseas students who do not have all the necessary entry requirements for undergraduate degree programmes. Some students may also benefit from this preparatory course after completing pre-University education in their own country.
Apart from a strong English language component, the Foundation Studies Course offers a range of study units relating to the special subject requirements of the degree course the student intends to apply for.
For example, if you are applying for the Bachelor of Engineering course, you will be expected to follow Foundation Studies credits in Physics and Mathematics. These will help you to prepare for the content and level of the degree course subjects, as well as to familiarise yourself with the method of teaching at the University of Malta.
The Foundation Studies Course has two main parts: English Language Core Units to improve your ability to handle the English language in a variety of contexts and texts and Special Subject Course Requirements including, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Studies, Biology, Chemistry and Economics.
Optional study-units are offered to provide students with other basic skills necessary for taking up undergraduate courses at the University of Malta. They include study-units on Study Skills, Mediterranean History and Culture and the Maltese Language.
A wide range of overseas qualifications is accepted as satisfying the entry requirements. Each application is treated on its own merits but, as a general rule, students should be in possession of qualifications that give access to universities in their home country.
In order to be eligible for the award of the Certificate in Foundation Studies, students must obtain a minimum of 48 ECTS: at least 24 ECTS in study-units in English, and at least 24 ECTS in the subjects required as special course requirements, or in optional study-units, according to the students' original choice.
Students who obtain an overall grade 'C' or better and, where applicable, the appropriate grade in the subjects required as special course requirements for the undergraduate course being applied for, shall be eligible for admission to a University undergraduate course.
The attention of all students is drawn to the special entry requirements for the various undergraduate courses at the University of Malta. For admission to a degree course following successful completion of the Foundation Studies Course, candidates are required to submit application forms and undergo the usual selection process.
The award of the certificate in Foundation Studies does not automatically qualify you for entry into courses which have specific entry requirements (such as Engineering, Architecture, Medicine and Pharmacy). More details regarding entry to such courses are available from the International Admissions Office.