Magazine probes value of qualifications on offer

Phase magazine, out with The Times tomorrow, attempts to answer a million dollar question: What is the value of one's qualifications.

Speaking with the Malta Qualifications Council's CEO, James Calleja, Phase discovers that the answers are not as straightforward.

Many private service providers offering educational courses of any sort entered the market since Malta became an EU member. Some offer Masters degrees spread over a much shorter time than the usual course at the University of Malta or Mcast while others accredit people with various qualifications and certificates - from computer skills to beauty and hairdressing.

Moreover, there are also online courses that, too, claim to offer the same qualifications as those available at the University and Mcast.

Phase wanted to find out how valid or, rather, how recognised are all such diplomas and certificates with the ultimate aim of informing and urging readers to check whether the courses they are following or are interested in are recognised by the MQC. Specifically, Phase wanted to understand what the so-called "quality assurance framework" is and how one can check whether one's qualifications are recognised or not.

In a completely different vein, Kristie Tonna and Erin Stewart Tanti have prepared an amusing Dating for Dummies guide.

Giulia Bugeja researched and lists the type of professions one can practise if one decides to study for a BA in English.

In the social section one finds stories dealing with body image and whether that matters to young people in today's society. It also deals with the fashion photography abuses models and photographers should be aware of.

Professional instructor Lawrence Agius offers Phase readers another spread of free workout sessions. Nutrition tips by Caroline Scerri and ITS student Clara Borg Bonaci compliment the fitness section.

www.phase.com.mt, editor@phase.com.mt