Distance learning is rapidly becoming a preferred alternative to conventional study for students in Malta if the numbers of enquiry to the University of London External Programme is anything to go by.

Postgraduate students are looking for flexibility and the opportunity to study while they stay in work to pursue their careers and maintain family life. Studying at a distance also opens up international choice as students no longer have to settle for a course offered by a local institution or be restricted by local quotas. In addition, savings in physical infrastructure are often passed on making courses more affordable.

Susan Gidman, international development adviser of the University of London External Programme, along with academic colleagues Chris Dewberry, Birkbeck College, and Chris Howorth, Royal Holloway College, will be in Malta to run a series of information seminars on Monday and Tuesday at 6 p.m. Although specifically aimed at enquirers, registered students have also been invited to share their experience of studying as a University of London external student.

The seminar will focus on postgraduate study opportunities in the areas of business, health, finance, information security, law, education, and dentistry. In addition, a course-specific seminar will run following this seminar - on Monday, Dr Dewberry will focus on organisational psychology and human resource management, and on Tuesday Mr Howorth will focus on the newly AMBA accredited MBA in international management.

The University of London External Programme is already well known in Malta. Many undergraduate students have taken the opportunity to study locally at St Martin's Institute of IT and have performed exceptionally well in their examinations. Charles Theuma, principal and chief executive officer of St Martin's, has recently expanded his facilities to incorporate a new resource centre which he is making available to all London external students, undergraduate and postgraduate, as a place to meet and study together.

Places at the seminar can be booked and confirmed by calling 2123 5451 or e-mailing infodesk@stmartins.edu in Malta or by e-mailing susan.gidman@lon.ac.uk in the UK.