L.S. 327.519 Ordinamenti għall- Grad ta’ Master in Teaching and Learning - MTL - taħt il-patroċinju tal-Fakultà tal-Edukazzjoni

(1)The title of these bye-laws is the Bye-Laws for the Degree of Master in Teaching and Learning - MTL - under the auspices of the Faculty of Education.

(2)In these bye-laws, unless the context otherwise requires - “the Board” means the Board of the Faculty of Education; “the Board of Studies” means the Board of Studies appointed by Senate for the Course, on the recommendation of the Board; Citation and interpretation. Applicability. Amended by: L.N.183 of 2017; L.N. 262 of 2019; L.N. 176 of 2021. “the Course” means the programme of study leading to the degree of Master in Teaching and Learning - MTL; “the Degree” means the degree of Master in Teaching and Learning - MTL - in the relevant area; “the Faculty” means the Faculty of Education; “the Postgraduate Certificate” means the Postgraduate Certificate in Education Sciences (P.G. Cert.); “the Postgraduate Diploma” means the Postgraduate Diploma in Education Sciences (P.G. Dip.); and “the Principal Regulations” means the General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2008. 2. These bye-laws shall be commencing in October 2021 or later. applicable for courses 3. The Degree shall be awarded under the auspices of the Faculty in the following areas: Applicability Amended by: L.N.183 of 2017; L.N. 135 of 2018; L.N. 55 of 2019; L.N. 262 of 2019; L.N. 266 of 2020; L.N. 393 of 2020; L.N. 176 of 2021. Areas of study. (

1. a)Early Childhood and Primary Education, or (
2. b)Secondary Education, which shall be offered either in one main teaching area and an education-related area; or in one main teaching area; or in one main teaching area and a subsidiary teaching area; or (
3. c)Primary and Secondary Education, which shall be offered in one teaching area. 4. The Board shall announce the teaching areas offered within the Secondary Education area as well as within the Primary and Teaching areas. 2 [ S.L.327.519 DEGREE OF MASTER IN TEACHING AND LEARNING - MTL UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION Secondary Education area as approved by Senate, at the time of the call for applications. Requirements for admission. Amended by: L.N. 23 of 2017. Substituted by: L.N.183 of 2017. 5. Apart from being in possession of a first cycle degree obtained with at least Second Class Honours or Category II as indicated for each area in bye-law 6, applicants shall: (
4. a)submit a Police Good Conduct Certificate issued by the Commissioner of Police in terms of the Conduct Certificates Ordinance; and (
5. b)not be included in the Register established under the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act. Other requirements. Amended by: L.N.183 of 2017; L.N.135 of 2018; L.N. 55 of 2019; L.N. 266 of 2020; L.N. 172 of 2022; L.N. 123 of 2025. 6. (
6. a)applicants choosing the area of Early Childhood and Primary Education shall be in possession of one of the following qualifications: (
7. i)the first cycle degree in Early Childhood Education and Care; or (
8. ii)a first cycle degree with a main area of study that is a subject directly related to at least one subject taught as part of the Primary Education Curriculum; or (iii) a first cycle degree with a main area of study in an area related to human/child development or childhood; (
9. b)applicants choosing the area of Secondary Education in the following teaching area/s shall be in possession of the following: (
10. i)for Arabic: a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in Arabic; (
11. ii)for Business Education: a first-cycle degree with at least 16 ECTS credits in Accountancy, 16 ECTS credits in Economics, and 38 ECTS credits in areas considered relevant by the Board of Studies; (iii) for Computing (including Information Technology and Vocational Education & Training IT): a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in Computer Science, Information Systems or Computer/Communications Engineering, which must include study-units in the following areas to ensure a sufficiently broad knowledge base in the subject: Programming beyond an introductory level in any high-level programming language, Computer Logic and Organisation, Database Management Systems, Systems Analysis and Design, Data Structures and Algorithms, and Operating Systems, provided that applicants who have not completed study-units in all of these areas but who have successfully completed study-units in at least four of the areas may also be admitted to the Course but shall be required to follow supplementary study-units as indicated in bye-law 7 in areas not covered in their previous DEGREE OF MASTER IN TEACHING AND LEARNING - MTL UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION [ S.L.327.519 degree; (
12. iv)for Dance: a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in Dance Studies or related area of study, together with two recommendation letters from professionals in the field of dance. Applicants in possession of a first cycle degree in any area of study, together with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in performance, teaching, or community dance, certified through a portfolio and at least two recommendation letters from professionals in the field of dance may also be considered, provided that such applicants may be requested to sit for an interview and to provide more information about their artistic background and interest in the teaching profession; (
13. v)for Design and Technology: a first cycle degree in Technical Design and Technology OR a first cycle degree in Engineering. Applicants with a degree in Engineering may be requested to sit for an interview and to provide more information about their technical knowledge, technological background and interest in the teaching profession. In cases where applicant lack essential knowledge in particular areas not covered in their first degree, the Board, on the recommendation of the Board of Studies, may require the applicant to follow and successfully complete a preparatory programme or supplementary study-units as indicated in bye-law 7; (
14. vi)for English: a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in English, which must include a minimum of 25 ECTS credits in taught studyunits in English language and linguistics, and 25 ECTS credits in English literature, provided that for courses commencing in October 2016 only, the degree must include a minimum of 20 ECTS credits in taught studyunits in English language and linguistics, and 20 ECTS credits in English literature; (vii) for European Studies: a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in European Studies; (viii) for French: a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in French and/or Linguistics relevant to French; or, for applicants who would have obtained the Diplôme du Baccalauréat Général or the Option Internationale du Baccalauréat (or equivalent) attesting the successful completion of schooling in French at 18 years of age (or over), a first cycle degree in any area of study; (
15. ix)for German: a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in German and/or Linguistics relevant to German; or, for applicants who would have obtained the Zeugnis der Allgemeinen 3 4 [ S.L.327.519 DEGREE OF MASTER IN TEACHING AND LEARNING - MTL UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION Hochschulreife / Abitur (or equivalent) attesting the successful completion of schooling in German at 18 years of age (or over), a first cycle degree in any area of study; (
16. x)for Geography: a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in Geography; (
17. xi)for Home Economics: a first cycle degree in Home Economics; (xii) for Italian: a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in Italian and/or Linguistics relevant to Italian; or, for applicants who would have obtained the Diploma di Maturità / Diploma di Esame di Stato (or equivalent) attesting the successful completion of schooling in Italian at 18 years of age (or over), a first cycle degree in any area of study; (xiii) for History: a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in History; (xiv) for Maltese: a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in Maltese, which must include a minimum of 25 ECTS credits in taught studyunits in Maltese language and linguistics, and 25 ECTS credits in Maltese literature, provided that for courses commencing in October 2016 only, the degree must include a minimum of 20 ECTS credits in taught studyunits in Maltese language and linguistics, and 20 ECTS credits in Maltese literature; (
18. xv)for Mathematics: a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in Mathematics; (xvi) for Religious Education: a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in Theology or in an area considered relevant by the Board of Studies. (xvii) for Science: a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in the Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry or Physics); (xviii) for Social Studies: a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in Sociology or Social Studies; and (xix) for Spanish: a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in Spanish and/or Linguistics relevant to Spanish; or, for applicants who would have obtained the Título de Bachiller (or equivalent) attesting the successful completion of schooling in Spanish at 18 years of age (or over), a first cycle degree in any area of study; and; (
19. xx)for Vocational Education and Training in Engineering Technology, Hospitality, Health and Social Care, Agribusiness, Textiles and Fashion, Hairdressing and Beauty, Media Literacy, Artisanship, Construction, or Retailing: a first DEGREE OF MASTER IN TEACHING AND LEARNING - MTL UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION [ S.L.327.519 5 cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in a relevant area of study. (
20. c)applicants choosing the area of Primary and Secondary Education in the following teaching areas shall be in possession of the following: (
21. i)for Art: a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in Fine Art or in a related area of study; all such applicants are required to also present a detailed portfolio showing a diversity of their recent artistic practice in different media; applicants may be requested to sit for an interview and to provide more information about their artistic background and interest in the teaching profession; (
22. ii)for Drama: a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in Theatre Studies; (iii) for Ethics Education: a first cycle degree in any area; (
23. iv)for Music: a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in Music; (
24. v)for Personal, Social and Career Development: (
25. a)a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in Psychology or Youth Studies or Social Work; OR (
26. b)a first cycle degree with a minimum of 35 ECTS credits in Psychology together with a minimum of 35 ECTS credits in either Anthropology, Philosophy or Sociology; (
27. vi)for Physical Education: a first cycle degree with at least 70 ECTS credits in sport and/or physical education, which must include a minimum of 10 ECTS credits in taught study-units in Physical Education curricular practical content covering the following areas: individual sports, team sports and fundamental motor skills. (
28. d)For the Secondary Education, or the Primary and Secondary Education teaching areas, the requirements listed in paragraphs (
29. b)and (
30. c)may be fulfilled through presentation of qualifications the content of which is deemed to be comparable to said requirements by the University Admissions Board on the recommendation of the Faculty Admissions Committee. Added by: L.N.183 of 2017. 7.

(1)In cases where applicants lack essential knowledge in particular areas not covered in his/her first degree, the Board, on t h e r e c o m m e n d a t i o n o f t h e B o a r d o f St u d i e s , m a y r e q u i r e applicants to follow and pass supplementary study-units at level 4 or lower to which not more than 12 ECTS credits are assigned. Supplementary Study-Units and Preparatory Programmes. Substituted by: L.N.183 of 2017. Amended by: L.N. 393 of 2020.

(2)Applicants with a first cycle degree or a diploma who do not fully meet the requirements for admission specified in bye-laws 5 and 6 (a), (

1. b)and (c), shall be required to demonstrate the learning achieved through prior experience and certification through the evaluation 6 [ S.L.327.519 DEGREE OF MASTER IN TEACHING AND LEARNING - MTL UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION procedures established by the University Policy for the Recognition and Accreditation of Prior Learning. The Board may then recommend to the University Admissions Board to either (
2. i)admit the applicant to the Course; or (
3. ii)admit the applicant to the Course subject to the successful completion of a Preparatory Programme as directed by the Board, comprising not more than 60 ECTS credits. Selection of applicants. 8.

(1)The Board shall recommend to Senate the number of applicants that may be allowed to register for the course, depending on the availability of human resources and the number of suitable classes available for the field placement component. The Board shall announce the number of available places in each area of study and/or teaching area at the time of the call for applications.

(2)If there are more eligible applicants than the number of places available, applicants shall be selected according to the following criteria: 1st Category: Holders of a first cycle degree in the relevant subject area indicated in bye-law 6, together with a Doctoral degree and a Master degree in the same or a closely related subject area 2nd Category: Holders of a first cycle degree in the relevant subject area indicated in bye-law 6 together with a Doctoral degree in the same or a closely related subject area 3rd Category: Holders of a first cycle degree in the relevant subject area indicated in bye-law 6 together with a Master degree in the same or a closely related subject area 4th Category: Holders of a first cycle degree in the relevant subject area indicated in bye-law 6 and a Postgraduate Diploma in the same or a closely related subject area 5th Category: Holders of a first cycle degree in the relevant subject area indicated in bye-law 6 obtained with First Class Honours or Category I 6th Category: Holders of a first cycle degree in the relevant subject area indicated in bye-law 6 obtained with Seco nd Class Hon ours (Upp er Division) or Category IIA 7th Category: Holders of a first cycle degree in the relevant subject area indicated in bye-law 6 obtained with Second Class Honours (Lower Division) or with Category IIB, provided that for the purpose of selection, applicants who fully satisfy the requirements for admission by 31st August preceding the commencement of the Course shall be considered first.

(3)If, after the rank order is established as indicated above, there is a tie for any one or more places: (

1. a)the final average mark obtained by the student in his/her Master or Bachelor degree shall be considered, and (
2. b)if there is a further tie, the applicants shall DEGREE OF MASTER IN TEACHING AND LEARNING - MTL UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION [ S.L.327.519 7 be interviewed.

(4)The Board may also require applicants to sit for an interview during which their ability to successfully complete the Course with profit shall be assessed.

(5)The Interviewing Board shall be composed of at least three members.

1. The Course shall extend over four semesters of full-time study or the equivalent in part-time study. Course Duration Substituted by: L.N.183 of
2. 10.

(1)The programmes of study shall comprise study-units to which a total of 120 ECTS credits are assigned, of which: Course duProgramme of study. Amended by: L.N.183 of 2017; L.N. 176 of 2021; L.N. 123 of 2025. (

1. a)70 ECTS credits are assigned to an Education and Pedagogy taught component, which shall include 40 ECTS credits assigned to study-units in Pedagogy and 30 ECTS credits assigned to Education core studyunits; (
2. b)20 ECTS credits are assigned to two field placement study-units; and (
3. c)30 ECTS credits are assigned to the Research and Inquiry component, which shall include a research and inquiry study-unit (10 ECTS credits) and a written dissertation (20 ECTS credits).

(2)Students following the area of study of Early Childhood and Primary Education shall be required to: (

1. a)sit for a Maltese Proficiency Test - ‘Test ta’ Profiċjenza fil-Malti’ at the beginning of the Course: provided that applicants in possession of a pass in Maltese at Intermediate or Advanced Matriculation Level at Grade C or higher, or qualifications deemed to be equivalent by the Board, shall be exempt from this requirement. Students who fail the Maltese proficiency test shall be required to follow and successfully pass a proficiency course in Maltese approved by the Board before the end of the third semester of the Course. Students who do not satisfy the Maltese proficiency requirement by this period shall be required to interrupt their studies for up to a maximum of twelve months during which time they are expected to obtain this requirement. Students shall only be eligible to proceed with their studies if they comply with this requirement; and (
2. b)follow and successfully pass a proficiency course in English approved by the Board before the end of the third semester of the Course. Students who do not satisfy the English proficiency requirement by this period shall be required to interrupt their studies for up to a maximum of twelve months during which time they are expected to obtain this requirement. Students shall only be eligible to proceed with their studies if they comply with this requirement. Students who on admission into the Course are in possession of a pass in English at Intermediate or Advanced Matriculation Level at Grade C or higher, or qualifications deemed to be equivalent by the Board, shall be exempt from the English proficiency requirement.. 8 [ S.L.327.519 DEGREE OF MASTER IN TEACHING AND LEARNING - MTL UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION

(3)Students following the area of study of Secondary Education, or Primary and Secondary Education, shall be required to: (

1. a)sit for a Maltese Proficiency Test - ‘Test ta’ Profiċjenza fil-Malti’ at the beginning of the Course: provided that applicants in possession of a pass in Maltese at Secondary Education Certificate level at Grade 3 or higher, or at Intermediate or Advanced Matriculation Level at Grade C or higher, or qualifications deemed to be equivalent by the Board, shall be exempt from this requirement. Students who fail the Maltese proficiency test shall be required to follow and successfully pass a proficiency course in Maltese approved by the Board before the end of the third semester of the Course. Students who do not satisfy the Maltese proficiency requirement by this period shall be required to interrupt their studies for up to a maximum of twelve months during which time they are expected to obtain this requirement. Students shall only be eligible to proceed with their studies if they comply with this requirement; and (
2. b)follow and successfully pass a proficiency course in English approved by the Board before the end of the third semester of the Course. Students who do not satisfy the English proficiency requirement by this period shall be required to interrupt their studies for up to a maximum of twelve months during which time they are expected to obtain this requirement. Students shall only be eligible to proceed with their studies if they comply with this requirement. Students who on admission into the Course are in possession of a pass in English at Secondary Education Certificate level at Grade 3 or higher, or at Intermediate or Advanced Matriculation Level at Grade C or higher, or qualifications deemed to be equivalent by the Board, shall be exempt from the English proficiency requirement.

(4)In exceptional circumstances, the Faculty may exempt a student from following the additional requirements mentioned in paragraphs

(2)and

(3)of this bye-law, provided that in such instances the student shall be required to fulfill other requirements as determined by the Board. Postgraduate Diploma. Substituted by: L.N. 176 of 2021. Amended by: L.N. 123 of 2025. 11.

(1)Students who obtain the 60 ECTS credits for the study-units included in the programme of study for the first year of the full-time course with an average mark of at least 50% and who opt not to proceed with the Course, or having proceeded do not successfully complete the Course, shall be eligible for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma.

(2)Students who obtain 30 ECTS credits with an average mark of at least 50% and who do not successfully complete the Course, shall be eligible for the award of the Postgraduate Certificate. Assessment and progress. Amended by: L.N.183 of 2017. 12.

(1)The assessment of each taught study-unit shall be completed by the end of the semester in which the teaching of the study-unit is held.

(2)Students who in any academic year fail in the assessment of not more than 20 ECTS credits for taught study-units, if following the full- DEGREE OF MASTER IN TEACHING AND LEARNING - MTL UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION [ S.L.327.519 9 time Course, or not more than 10 ECTS credits if following the parttime Course, shall be given the opportunity to re-sit the failed assessments during the September supplementary examination session.

(3)Students who fail more than the number of credits permitted under paragraph

(2)of these bye-laws or students who after re-assessment fail to obtain credit for any study-unit, shall be deemed to have failed the course. 13.

(1)There shall be a field placement, comprising a period of observation and teaching in schools and/or other educational settings, under supervision, as determined by the Board in each of the two years of the course.

(2)The Board shall appoint a field placement Board of Examiners for each of the following areas (

1. i)Early Childhood and Primary Education, (
2. ii)Secondary Education (Humanities subjects), (iii) Secondary Education (Science and Technical subjects), (
3. iv)Primary and Secondary Education and (
4. v)Vocational Education & Training with Science and Technical subjects.

(3)Each student shall be assessed by at least two examiners as provided for by the University Assessment Regulations. The number of assessment visits shall be stated in the Faculty guidelines but examiners may increase assessment visits as they deem fit.

(4)Each field placement Board of Examiners shall follow the University Assessment Regulations and any other procedure that the Board may determine for the purpose of field placement, provided that such procedures are in conformity with the University Assessment Regulations.

(5)The Board may assign a field placement Mentor to each student. The mentor shall not be responsible for assessing the student but may be consulted by the field placement Board of Examiners to assist it in the assessment process and deliberation. Other roles and duties of the mentor shall be determined by the Board.

(6)Students are required to conduct a minimum of 210 hours of supervised observations per academic year.

(7)(

1. a)Students are also required to take on full teaching responsibilities under supervision for a minimum of 24 scholastic days per year. (
2. b)Students who, for health reasons, fail to attend for up to four days should present a medical certificate within 24 hours to the Faculty Office. The medical certificate, drawn up by a medical doctor, should clearly state the ailment which is preventing the student from attending school and should include the name, signature and the medical registration number of the medical doctor. (
3. c)Where students are away from school for up to four days for health reasons or for any other reason which the Board considers valid, as well as in special circumstances for which prior approval would have been given by their field placement Board of Field placement. Amended by: L.N. 262 of 2019; L.N. 149 of 2022; L.N. 146 of 2024. 10 [ S.L.327.519 DEGREE OF MASTER IN TEACHING AND LEARNING - MTL UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION Examiners, they may be required to make up for any missed teaching duties as directed by the Board. (
4. d)Students who fail to attend five days or more shall either be required to repeat the whole field placement in an additional year or, at the discretion of the Board, may be required to carry out additional days of supervised practice during the same academic year as directed by the Board.

(8)Students who fail the first year field placement shall be allowed to refer the field placement once only to the following year of study. Such students shall then be required to undertake the final year field placement during an additional year of study, under those conditions established by the Board, provided that: (

1. i)students whose field placement includes the teaching of two teaching areas and who fail to satisfy the examiners in the teaching of one of the teaching areas shall be considered to have failed the field placement but may be allowed to repeat the field placement in the failed teaching area only, if eligible in terms of the Principal Regulations and of these bye-laws, and (
2. ii)students shall only be allowed to repeat one of the two field placements.

(9)Students shall only be declared to have passed the field placement by the field placement Board of Examiners. The academic and professional judgement of the field placement Board of Examiners is not reviewable. Dissertation. 14.

(1)Students shall be required to submit an individual dissertation of approximately 25,000 words, provided that, in specific areas approved by the Board where the nature of the study requires this, students may submit a combination of an activity or project and a project report of not less than 10,000 words and not more than 15,000 words, in accordance with the relevant Principal Regulations and any further guidelines that may be issued by the Board.

(2)A provisional title for the dissertation and a detailed r e s e a r c h p r o p o s a l s h a l l b e s u bm i tt e d f o r t he a pp r o v a l of a Dissertation Committee appointed by the Board by not later than the end of the second semester of the course.

(3)Each student shall be assigned a supervisor, who shall provide guidance and advice on a regular basis during the period of study.

(4)Students shall be required to have regular contact with their supervisor.

(5)Supervisors shall submit to the Board progress reports for each student under their supervision at the end of each semester of studies. Such reports may include a recommendation to either (

1. a)extend the period of study in order to enable the student to complete the dissertation; or (
2. b)terminate studies prematurely if the supervisor deems this to be proper in the circumstances, DEGREE OF MASTER IN TEACHING AND LEARNING - MTL UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION [ S.L.327.519 11 provided that: (
3. i)the extension of the study period referred to in (
4. a)shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Principal Regulations; and (
5. ii)the Board may not terminate studies prematurely according to (
6. b)until it has first given the student a chance to be heard. 15. The Dean of the Faculty may at any time suspend or preclude from the field placement any student who, following appropriate investigatory procedures that the Board may establish for such cases, is deemed to have acted or be acting in a manner which jeopardises the welfare of pupils or which contravenes the relevant professional code of conduct (i.e. professional misconduct), or whose behaviour is deemed to be incompatible with that required by the profession (i.e. professional unsuitability). Professional misconduct or unsuitability. 16. The Final Weighted Average Mark for the purpose of the classification of the Postgraduate Diploma and the Degree shall be based on the results obtained in all components of the programme of study, all credits being weighted equally. Classification of the Awards. 17. For courses commencing in October 2016 only, (
7. i)applicants who present a first cycle degree with a Third Class Honours, and (
8. ii)applicants who present a first cycle degree with 60 ECTS credits instead of 70 ECTS credits in the main area/s of study as specified in bye-law 6, may be considered for admission by the Board. Transitory provision. Renumbered by: L.N. 55 of 2019; L.N. 146 of 2024. 18. The provisions of the foregoing bye-laws shall apply mutatis mutandis to courses followed on a part-time basis, and subject to such changes as may reasonably be deemed by the Board as necessary due to the part-time nature of the Course. Special Provisions for Part-Time Courses. Added by: L.N.183 of 2017. Renumbered by: L.N. 55 of 2019; L.N. 146 of 2024.