An agreement has been reached to allow students who start studying nursing at Mcast to complete them at the University of Malta. The agreement, which comes into effect from this September’s intake, opens the door for hundreds of students to further specialise their skills at the University in the field of nursing, while avoiding replication of courses.
The University will start accepting graduates of the Mcast level 4 extended diploma in health and social care (health studies) to follow either of the following two options: they may either join a one-year preparatory course leading to the University’s two-year higher diploma programme in nursing, which leads to the role of State Registered Nurse (SRN); alternatively they may enter the University’s BSc (Hons) programme in nursing, provided that they have obtained an Mcast level 5 award in life sciences. This also leads to the role of SRN.
Since the Mcast extended diploma is a MQF level 4 course, applicants do not need to have a Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) certificate in English language, Maltese and Maths.
Institute of Applied Sciences director Alex Rizzo said: “This will provide students with an ideal blend of both theoretical and practical knowledge and skills that the nursing profession requires. Nursing is in very high demand in Malta and in Europe.
“It is a profession that is challenging, fulfilling, and very stable. Registered nurses find that their profession is immensely rewarding, and allows them to contribute significantly to the health and well-being of their fellow citizens.”
President of the Mcast board of governors Silvio De Bono said that the agreement was a very important milestone and had also opened doors for other potential agreements in other fields of study.
He added that through its University College, Mcast would also continue to offer degree programmes in different fields, complementing those offered by the University.
Applications for Mcast courses
The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (Mcast) will start receiving applications from new students for its full-time courses as from this week, from 8.30am to 12 noon, as follows:
• Tomorrow for applicants whose surname starts with the letter A;
• On Tuesday for applicants whose surname starts with the letter B;
• On Wednesday for applicants whose surname starts with the letter C;
• On Thursday for applicants whose surname starts with the letters D, E, F;
• On Friday for applicants whose surname starts with the letters G,H, I, J, K and L;
• On July 27 for applicants whose surname starts with the letter M;
• On July 28 for applicants whose surname starts with the letters N, O, P, Q, R, S;
• On July 29 for applicants whose surname starts with the letters T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z.
Applicants who cannot submit their application on these dates may do so on July 30 or 31 from 8.30am to 12 noon.
Students are to submit their application at the respective institute whose courses they are applying for. Many of these are located at the main campus in Paola.
The Centre for Agriculture, Aquatics and Animal Sciences of the Institute of Applied Sciences is in Qormi; the Institute for Creative Arts is in Tarġa Gap, Mosta; the Institute of Engineering and Transport is in Naxxar and the Institute of Engineering and Transport is in Kalkara.
Students applying for the Pathway to Independent Living programme are to submit their application at the main campus.
Applicants in Gozo may present their application at the Gozo Campus in Għajnsielem.
The college’s career advisors at the main campus will be available to assist prospective applicants without the need of an appointment during the application dates, from 8.30am to 1.30pm.
The college’s Inclusive Education Unit will hold a meeting with students with disabilities or learning difficulties.
For further information e-mail career.guidance@mcast.edu.mt or call 2398 7310/135.