Higher steps in education for students

Nearly 400 students have so far benefited from the €6.24 million invested in the STEPS scholarship scheme, which offers bursaries to address areas of national priority.

Data issued by the Directorate for Lifelong Learning show that 394 people have been given financial support to pursue postgraduate studies under the scheme since it was launched in 2009.

The scholarships are part-financed by the EU European Social Fund (ESF) under Optional Programme II – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013, “Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life”.

Postgraduate qualifications are seen as vital for the creation of the knowledge-based economy that Malta is aspiring to become. The scheme aims at promoting specialisation at higher levels of education by filling shortages of expertise in the country’s economy and enhancing research.

With five application calls so far, the scholarships address four focus areas: capacity building in the education system, research and innovation in science and technology, information and communication technology, and skills mismatches.

In 2009, 178 scholarships were granted, out of which 36 were at a doctoral level. The total number rose to 216 for the third and fourth call, after which 37 applicants furthered their studies at a doctoral level. The fifth call for applicants closed on January 17.

One of the scholarship beneficiaries was Sarah Carabott, a reporter for The Times who recently completed a Master’s degree in journalism (international) at the University of Westminster, London, after being awarded a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in communications at the University of Malta.

The MA programme revolved around innovative and investigative research which is the cutting edge in today’s research industry. The studies in journalism and social sciences focus on increasing research quality to benefit society with ethically sound material. This is seen as imperative especially as individuals within society are increasingly being exposed to information passing through media channels.

Ms Carabott’s final research was an array of articles exploring how Malta continues to grow by exploiting its resources, selling its expertise and promoting its assets to attract potential investors and tourists.

Looking at the island as a developing hub of enterprise, the project focused on Malta’s strategic position and geography, its unique heritage and Mediterranean climate which make it a thriving country.

All information was gained through primary research by employing the tools acquired during her postgraduate studies.