Since research-based programmes are primarily dedicated to tutored investigations (80 ECTS credits) and taught study-units (10 ECTS credits), one expects a student to have acquired a solid framework in the area of study together with a focused research direction evidenced by a dissertation proposal at the time of application. Students intending to undertake this path of further studies are encouraged to contact members of the Faculty before they make a formal presentation of their proposal.
This dual degree program combines the faculties of two renowned educational institutions: George Mason’s Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, the oldest and largest programme of graduate conflict studies in the United States, and the University of Malta’s Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, which has been offering advanced degrees in diplomacy and building bridges between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East for the past twenty years. ICAR and MEDAC will share teaching responsibilities in this program.
The course is intended to give students an opportunity to develop into mature researchers in a specific area in Dance Studies. They will be assisted in creating research questions, pursuing and documenting them through an extensive piece of academic writing, and in specific cases, illuminated through artistic practice.
The MA in Digital Arts by Research therefore offers the opportunity to pursue independent research in the area of Digital Arts supported by expert supervision. The course is open to Hons. Graduates as well as those in professional practice who possess the stipulated academic requirements. The degree provides students with an opportunity to research an area of interest and offers a taste for what PhD study might entail. It also gives students the opportunity to understand and appreciate study by research.
The M.A. programme aims at providing advanced instruction in Diplomatic History, International Relations, International Economics, International Law and Diplomacy. The programme provides the students with both theoretical perspectives and practical work in the diplomatic field, concentrating mainly on the 20th century diplomatic history and international affairs. Students are familiarized with the major diplomatic and military events including World War I, World War II and the Cold War which are all discussed from a general and a Mediterranean perspective.
The degree programme combines both a taught element and research. During the course, students will follow two courses, one on political science and economics and one on research methodology. The student must pass these compulsory credits. At the same time, the student will be working on his/her dissertation which will be submitted at the end of the third semester.
The programme aims to provide students with knowledge that will range over the understanding of the relevant Treaty provisions and the laws and other acts adopted under them through study and critical analysis of the academic literature as well as the case law of the Court of Justice of the Union. Reference will also be made to relevant Member State legislation and court judgments. Practice is not forgotten and practitioners’ journals are frequently referred to in many of the courses. This approach develops interpretational and applicational skills against the backdrop of sound theoretical knowledge and understanding. The knowledge and skills acquired are applicable in law practice, in adjudication, and in further studies to Ph.D. level should the student wish to pursue an academic career in Malta or abroad.
The MA in European, Economics and Law provides a strong foundation in European Studies. It includes compulsory study-units in these subject areas and a wide range of elective study-units on key topics, including lobbying in the EU, EU treaties and laws, the politics and economics of European Integration, the EU’s external relations, EU cohesion policy, climate change and current political and economic developments.
The programme includes study-units dedicated to specific areas of financial services; particularly banking, insurance and securities, and investment funds business. These sectors are all undergoing regular developments involving new EU directives and regulations resulting from the various crises and difficulties in which the sector has found itself in, particularly outside Malta.
The course is offered in areas of study in which the Faculty of Arts can offer expert guidance and supervision and subject to the availability of resources as determined by the Faculty Board of Arts. Students are required to write a dissertation based on work of an advanced or original nature undertaken by them during the course and to present their findings and conclusions in a scholarly manner in a dissertation carrying 80 ECTS credits.