BYE-LAWS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DIGITAL HEALTH - M.SC. - UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE FACULTY OF HEALTH

SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 327.668

BYE-LAWS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF

SCIENCE IN DIGITAL HEALTH - M.SC. - UNDER

THE AUSPICES OF THE FACULTY OF HEALTH

SCIENCES AND THE FACULTY OF INFORMATION

AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

24th September, 2021

LEGAL NOTICE 370 of 2021.

(1)

These bye-laws may be cited as the Bye-Laws for

the Degree of Master of Science in Digital Health - M.Sc. - under the

auspices of the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of

Information and Communication Technology.

(2)

In these bye-laws, unless the context otherwise requires -

“the Boards” means the Board of the Faculty of Health Sciences

and the Board of the Faculty of Information and Communication

Technology;

“the Board of Studies” means the Board of Studies appointed by

Senate for the Course on the recommendations of the Boards of the

Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Information and

Communication Technology;

“the Course” means the programme of study leading to the

degree of Master of Science in Digital Health- M.Sc.;

“the Degree” means the degree of Master of Science in Digital

Health - M.Sc.;

“the Postgraduate Diploma” means the Postgraduate Diploma in

Digital Health - P.G. Dip.; and

“the Principal Regulations” means the General Regulations for

University Postgraduate Awards, 2021.

These bye-laws shall be

applicable

for

courses

commencing in October 2021 or later.

(1)

The Course shall be open to applicants in

possession of a Bachelor’s degree pegged at least at Level 6 on the

Malta Qualifications Framework, in an area of study related to health

care, ICT or any other area deemed suitable by the Board, awarded

by this University or any other higher education institution

recognized by Senate. Applicants in possession of a degree

classified with Third Class Honours or Category III may also be

admitted provided they satisfy the Board of Studies that they are in

possession of other qualifications, or relevant work experience,

obtained following their first cycle degree.

(2)

The admission of applicants may be made conditional on

the results of an interview conducted for the purpose.

(3)

Interviews, when necessary, shall be conducted by a board

composed of at least three members.

The Course shall extend over three semesters of full-time

study or the equivalent in part-time study.

(1)

The academic administration of the Course shall be

entrusted to a Board of Studies appointed for the purpose.

(2)

The Board of Studies, which shall be appointed for a

period of one academic year, shall be composed as follows

(a)

the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and the

Dean of the Faculty of Information and

Communication Technology, or their respective

delegate, one of whom shall be appointed

Chairperson on the joint recommendation of the

two Faculties;

(b)

at least two academic members of staff from each

of the two Faculties; and

(c)

two students elected from amongst the students

registered on the Course.

(1)

The programme of study shall comprise study-units

to which a total of 90 ECTS credits are assigned, of which 60 ECTS

credits are assigned to taught study-units and 30 ECTS credits are

assigned to a dissertation study-unit.

(2)

Depending on the qualification presented for entry into

the Course, students shall be required to register for and obtain credit

for the study-units indicated in the programme of study for the

Course.

Students who obtain the 60 ECTS credits assigned to the

taught study-units with an average mark of at least 50% and do not

proceed with the Course, or having proceeded do not successfully

complete the dissertation, shall be eligible for the award of the

Postgraduate Diploma.

Students shall be eligible for the award of the Degree if

they obtain the 90 ECTS credits as outlined in the programme of

study for the Course with an average mark of at least 50%.

The programme of study shall be published after approval

by Senate, normally not less than eight months prior to the

commencement of the Course.

(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, if following the Course full-time,

or 10 ECTS credits if following the Course part-time, shall be given

the opportunity to re-sit the failed assessments during the September

supplementary examination session.

(3)

Students who fail in more than the number of credits

permitted under paragraph (2) of this bye-law or students who after

re-assessment fail to obtain credit for any study-unit shall be required

to withdraw from the Course.

(1)

Students shall be required to submit an individual

dissertation of approximately 15,000 to 20,000 words in accordance

with the guidelines issued by the Board of Studies.

(2)

Work on the dissertation shall be undertaken during the

final two semesters of the Course. Each student shall be assigned a

supervisor who shall provide guidance and advice on a regular basis

during the period of study.

(3)

A provisional title for the dissertation and a detailed

research proposal shall be submitted to the Board of Studies for

approval by the end of the third semester.

(1)

Students shall be required to have regular contact

with their supervisor.

(2)

Supervisors shall submit to the Board of Studies progress

reports for each student under their supervision at the end of each

semester of studies. Such reports may include recommendations to

either (a) extend the period of study in order to enable the student to

complete the dissertation; or (b) terminate studies prematurely if the

supervisor deems this to be proper in the circumstances, provided

that

(i)

the extension of the study period referred to in (a)

shall be in accordance with the provisions of the

Principal Regulations; and

(ii)

the Board of Studies may not terminate studies

prematurely according to (b) until it has first given

the student a chance to be heard.

The Final Weighted Average Mark for the purpose of the

classification of the Postgraduate Diploma and of the Degree shall be

based on the results obtained in all the components of the programme

of study, all credits being weighted equally.

The provisions of the foregoing bye-laws shall apply

mutatis mutandis for 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.