Getting a taste of specialised academic disciplines like forensic pathology and nuclear physics without enrolling in a university course is now possible as a number of faculties are granting public access to selected courses.
The prospectus includes courses from 13 faculties and institutes and covers arts, science, economics, management and accountancy, engineering, information and communication technology, theology, and European studies.
Now in its fourth edition, this initiative which started off in 2011 is attracting some 100 applicants each year, mainly people aged 40 years and over. While some of them might be testing the waters before taking up a full-time course as mature students, others including pensioners do it for the sake of deepening their general knowledge.
Anthropological sciences professor Paul Sant Cassia, who is the promoter of this initiative, told the Times of Malta that the idea has its roots in France, during the rule of Louis XIV in the 17th century. Having established the College de France, the French monarch wanted to open up this research institution to the public, Prof. Sant Cassia said.
“In our case we wanted to make University of Malta courses accessible to the public wherever possible,” he added.
Prof. Sant Cassia noted how the dropout rate among participants was very low, while acknowledging that applicants more often than not had a sound academic background.
“In addition they seem to grasp certain concepts much faster than younger students,” he remarked.
As for the most popular courses, he said that arts and theology topped the list. Nevertheless he pointed out that applicants need not be discouraged from applying for other courses on subjects like insurance, media studies and addictive behaviour.
“Our aim is to fight the perception that university is some sort of ivory tower,” the anthropologist said.
The regulations state that those attending these courses will not be assessed and no certification will be issued. Availability is limited and registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. While attendance is free of charge, participants will be required to abide by departmental rules and policies.
Applications close on January 28, and can be downloaded from the university website on www.um.edu.mt/registrar/public.