GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR UNIVERSITY POSTGRADUATE AWARDS

SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 327.669

GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR UNIVERSITY

POSTGRADUATE AWARDS

24th September, 2021

LEGAL NOTICE 371 of 2021, as amended by Legal Notices 280 of 2022

and 92 of 2023.

(1)

These regulations may be cited as the General

Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards.

(2)

In these regulations, unless the contrary intention appears,

(a) words importing the masculine gender include the feminine; (b)

words importing the feminine gender include the masculine; and (c)

words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural

include the singular.

(3)

These regulations are to be read in conjunction with all

other Statutes, Regulations and Bye-laws of the University including

in particular the University Assessment Regulations, 2009.

(4)

In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires,

the terms used shall be taken to mean as indicated in the Glossary of

Terms listed hereunder

Glossary of Terms

Term

Explanation

Absence /

May refer to both Absence for any assessment and to non-

Absent

submission of work for assessment

Academic

An Academic Year consisting of two semesters, each

Calendar for

incorporating fourteen weeks of teaching, two weeks of

Postgraduate

recess, and examination periods of up to three weeks and

Awards

up to five weeks at the end of the first and the second

semester respectively. 60 credits are assigned to the

Study-Units that students are expected to complete over

one full-time Academic Year. An Academic Year may be

extended by a summer semester to which 30 credits are

assigned.

Area/s of

A subject or a group of related subjects taken together in

Study

an approved Programme of Study.

Award

The Award Classification Board appointed for each

Classification

Postgraduate Course.

Board

Board

The Board of the University faculty or institute or centre

or school responsible for a particular Postgraduate

Course.

UNIVERSITY POSTGRADUATE AWARDS

Board of

The Board appointed to administer a Programme of Study

Studies

in terms of these Regulations.

Bye-Laws

The Bye-Laws approved by Senate for each Postgraduate

Course.

Department

The department of a Faculty responsible for the

Postgraduate Course.

Dissertation

A written treatment of a subject, normally based on a

research activity that is carried out under supervision in

full or partial fulfilment of a degree programme. The

dissertation may be replaced by other research work as

specified in terms of regulation 60 (1).

Credit/s

The number of credits awarded for successful completion

of each Study-Unit. The allocation of credit to Study-

Units forming part of a Postgraduate Course follows

closely the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation

System (ECTS) proposed by the European Commission.

Faculty

The University faculty/ies or institute/s or centre/s or

school/s under whose auspices the Postgraduate Course is

being offered.

Method of

Assessment of taught Study-Units may be through

Assessment

coursework, assignments, written or oral examinations, or

combinations of these or any other method approved by

Senate, to each of which a percentage of the final marks

shall be assigned. The Method of Assessment shall be

indicated in the description of each Study-Unit.

Portfolio

A student portfolio is a compilation of academic work and

other forms of educational evidence assembled for the

purpose of (1) evaluating coursework quality, learning

progress, and academic achievement; (2) determining

whether students have met learning outcomes or other

academic requirements for course/s; (3) helping students

reflect on their academic goals and progress as learners;

and (4) creating a lasting archive of academic work

products, accomplishments, and other documentation.

Postgraduate

A course of studies leading to a Postgraduate Award,

Course/s

which may be a Postgraduate Certificate or a Postgraduate

Diploma or a Master’s degree.

Programme of

A Programme of Study shall list all the Study-Units

Study

offered in each year of a Postgraduate Course. It shall

indicate which Study-Units are compulsory or elective.

Study-Unit/

A part of a Programme of Study carried out upon a

Unit

syllabus approved by Senate, on the recommendation of

the Board, to which a specified number of credits at an

indicated level is assigned, and which is capable of

separate assessment. Its description shall also include the

methods of teaching and assessment and the name of the

lecturer/s delivering the Unit.

A taught Study-Unit may take the form of a series of

lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical or clinical sessions,

field placements, projects, private study or a combination

of such work, or any other method of teaching. A research

Study-Unit involves the writing of a Dissertation under

supervision.

Compulsory

A Study-Unit which must be followed and passed for the

Study-Unit

purpose of progression or successful completion of the

Postgraduate Course.

Elective Study-

A Study-Unit which must be chosen from a designated list

Unit

of Study-Units indicated in the Programme of Study.

University

University of Malta

Postgraduate

A postgraduate certificate, a postgraduate diploma, or a

Award/s

Master’s degree awarded in terms of these regulations.

These regulations shall be applicable as from October

2021 for all courses leading to University Postgraduate Awards as

indicated in regulation 3 and brought into force as Bye-Laws of these

regulations.

The second cycle Postgraduate Awards governed by these

regulations are the following

(a)

the Postgraduate Certificate;

(b)

the Postgraduate Diploma; and

(c)

the Master’s degree.

(1)

Postgraduate Courses shall be proposed by the

Board duly authorised to offer Postgraduate Courses in that particular

Area of Study and approved by Senate through Bye-Laws for the

purpose.

(2)

Postgraduate Courses may be offered jointly by more than

one Faculty, in which case the Board of Studies appointed by Senate

shall include representation from each Faculty.

Students shall be accepted to register for Master’s degrees

by research after it is ascertained that the Faculty concerned can

make available suitable facilities for the proposed research as well as

supervisors who can provide regular supervision taking account of

their (a) area of academic expertise and (b) other commitments.

(1)

To qualify for any Postgraduate Award, students

must

(a)

be registered as regular students in a Postgraduate

Course;

(b)

complete the Postgraduate Course and satisfy any

other requirements prescribed in these regulations

and in the Bye-Laws for the Postgraduate Course;

(c) satisfy any other requirements prescribed in any other

relevant statutes, regulations and Bye-Laws of the

University, including applicable ethical and health

and safety procedures; and

(d)

obtain not less than the number of credits at not

below the level as indicated hereunder, including all

credits for Compulsory and Elective Study-Units as

specified in the Programme of Study and/or in the

course Bye-Laws

Postgraduate Requirements

Award

P o s t g r a d u a t e 30 credits, of which not less than 25 credits at Level 5 on

Certificate

the University’s System of Assigning Codes.

P o s t g r a d u a t e 60 credits, of which not less than 50 credits at Level 5 on

Diploma

the University’s System of Assigning Codes.

M a s t e r ’s

90 or 120 credits, of which not less than 80 credits at Level

Degree

5 on the University’s System of Assigning Codes, and

including a Dissertation to which not less than 30 credits

are assigned.

(2) Exceptionally, Senate may also approve Master’s

programmes to which 60 credits are assigned if such programmes are

offered in partnership with prestigious higher education institutions

and/or in the framework of international agreements.

(3)

In accordance with the provisions of Statute 3, where the

University, with the approval of Senate, enters into an agreement

with other universities for the granting of a joint or dual/double

Postgraduate Award, then the Postgraduate Award may be given

(a)

in the case of a joint Postgraduate Award, jointly on

one certificate by all the partner universities and

shall be conferred at one of the partner universities

as agreed among them; or

(b)

in the case of a dual/double Postgraduate Award,

separately by each partner university, in which

case, the award certificate and transcript shall

include reference to the dual nature of the award

and to the other awarding partner university

provided that, if the partner university is unable to grant

its separate award, the University may nonetheless grant its award to

the student, if the student has successfully fulfilled all of the

requirements for such award. In such cases, the University shall not

m ake reference to the partner university or the dual nature of the

degree in the qualification awarded.

(4)

Senate may also approve interfaculty awards which may

be offered jointly by two or more entities of the University.

(1)

A Master’s course may lead to three types of

comparable awards as follows

(a)

a Master’s degree obtained on successful

completion of a Programme of Study that builds

upon academic preparation obtained in a first cycle

degree, normally designated as Master of Arts or

Master of Science;

(b)

a Professional Master’s degree, usually designated

as Master of (subject) or Master in (subject),

obtained on successful completion of a Programme

of Study that imparts specific professional

competencies and normally leads to an award that

gives access to a regulated profession; and

(c)

a Master of Fine Arts degree, usually designated as

Master of Fine Arts in (subject) obtained on

successful completion of a Programme of Study

that involves practice-based research.

(2)

A Master of Arts or a Master of Science degree or a

Master of Fine Arts degree course may be either mainly taught or

mainly by research; a Professional Master’s course shall be mainly

taught. In all cases, the research component may involve practice-

based research.

(3)

(a)

All taught Master’s courses shall provide that

students be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in a specified area on

successful completion of taught Study-Units to which 60 credits are

assigned if the students either opt not to proceed with the

Postgraduate Course, or having proceeded, do not successfully

complete the Master ’s Course. The classification of such a

postgraduate diploma shall be based on all the successfully

completed Study-Units.

(b)

In exceptional circumstances, Senate may approve

Bye-Laws which do not provide for the award of a

Postgraduate Diploma in a specified area. In such

cases, students who are so eligible shall be entitled

to the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in General

Studies (PG. Dip. Gen. St.) as provided for in

regulation 73 (2) of these regulations.

(4) Bye-Laws may further provide for the award of a

Postgraduate Certificate in a specified area on successful completion

of a prescribed set of Study-Units totalling 30 credits, provided that

the learning outcomes achieved through the completion of such

Study-Units warrant the granting of such a qualification.

(1)

(a) Admission to any Master’s course may be

through possession of a first cycle degree classified at least at Second

Class Honours or Category II obtained from this University, or from

any other higher education institution approved by Senate for this

purpose, and any additional requirements (which may include a

preparatory programme) as specified in the Bye-Laws for the Course.

(b)

Bye-Laws may provide that

(i)

if the course includes a taught component of

at least 30 credits, applicants with at least

Third Class Honours or Category III may be

admitted if they are in possession of other

qualifications or relevant work experience.

Such applicants may be required to fulfil

additional requirements (such as the

successful completion of a preparatory

programme) as specified in the Bye-Laws

for the Course; or

(ii)

if the course is mainly by research,

applicants with at least Third Class Honours

or Category III be admitted into a

Preparatory Programme and they shall

become eligible to join the Master’s course

on successful completion of the Preparatory

Programme if an average mark of at least

55% is obtained.

(2)

Admission to a postgraduate certificate or diploma course

may be through possession of a Third Class Honours or Category III

first cycle degree, provided that if the course is later upgraded to a

Master’s degree, access to the research component shall be subject to

obtaining an average mark of at least 55% in the taught component.

The Admissions Board through the Faculty Admissions

Committee shall also consider applicants in possession of a

qualification which is offered at a higher level than that specified in

the bye-laws for the course, provided it is in an area of study deemed

suitable by the Faculty Admissions Board on the recommendation of

the Faculty Admissions Committee.

The Faculty Admissions Committee may, after thorough

examination of documents submitted in support of the qualifications

presented and following an interview, recommend the admission of

applicants applying for admission in terms of the University’s Policy

for the Recognition and Accreditation of Prior Learning (RPL) who

are in possession of other academic or professional qualifications and

documented experience if these are deemed to be comparable to the

qualification required by the Bye-Laws of the course applied for.

The admission of such applicants may be made subject to those

conditions that may be imposed to address any lacunae in their

academic preparation. Conditions imposed may include the

satisfactory completion of a preparatory programme with an average

mark of at least 55%, or specific supplementary Study-Units, to be

followed prior to or concurrent with the course.

All applicants shall be required to demonstrate that their

standard of English is satisfactory, unless teaching, research and

assessment are done in another language. The Admissions Board

may, from time to time, publish the qualifications that are acceptable

for each level of University awards, including the level and grades

required in the English proficiency qualification. The offer of a place

on a Postgraduate Course may be made subject to the applicants

obtaining such proficiency qualifications prior to the commencement

of their studies.

In cases where applicants lack essential knowledge in

particular areas not covered in their first degree the admission of

such applicants may be made subject to their following and passing

supplementary Study-Units at level 4 or lower to which not more

than 12 ECTS credits are assigned. Such Study-Units shall be

followed concurrently with the prescribed Study-Units of the course,

as directed by the Board of Studies.

(1)

Preparatory programmes, when prescribed, shall be

approved by the Board and must include Study-Units to which not

less than 30 credits and not more than 60 credits are assigned for

higher level undergraduate work in areas which are directly relevant

to the Area of Study of the Master’s course.

(2)

Preparatory programmes and supplementary study-units,

shall be governed by the General Regulations for University

Undergraduate Awards, 2019, provided that students shall not be

allowed to register on the Master’s course before they successfully

complete the preparatory programme.

Applications for taught Postgraduate Courses shall be

made on the prescribed form and within the time specified by the

Office of the Registrar.

For a Master’s degree mainly by research, applications

may be submitted at any time of the year but enrolment shall be with

effect from one of the following dates: 1 October, 1 December, 1

February, 1 April and 1 June.

Applications for a Master’s degree mainly by research

shall be approved by the Board and shall include the following

details

(a)

a provisional title for the Dissertation;

(b)

a research proposal of at least 300 words to be

submitted at the time of application or by a

deadline established by the Board of Studies for the

course after discussing it with the Faculty and with

an academic member of staff who eventually will

be proposed as the supervisor; and

(c)

a statement on whether the studies will be

undertaken on a full-time or a part-time basis, and,

in the latter case, the number of hours that shall be

dedicated to this research work.

In the case of applicants from outside Malta, funding and

visa requirements shall be taken into consideration when the

application and research proposal are being considered.

(1)

The duration of Postgraduate Courses shall be

specified in the Bye-Laws for each course but shall extend over the

following periods of full-time study

(a)

one semester for courses leading to a postgraduate

certificate;

(b)

two semesters for courses leading to a postgraduate

diploma; and

(c)

between three and four semesters for courses

leading to a Master’s degree.

(2) Applicants engaged in full-time employment shall not be

permitted to register as full-time students, except in circumstances

where applicants provide evidence to show that their employer is

willing to grant sufficient time off from work to allow them to

engage in full-time study. Students engaged in part-time employment

must inform the University about the extent of their employment

commitment and require permission from the Faculty Admissions

Committee to register as full-time students.

(1)

The Board may grant students registered on

Postgraduate Courses an extension of up to six months in order to

enable them to complete their studies, irrespective of whether they

are registered on a full-time or a part-time basis.

(2)

In special circumstances and on the recommendation of

the Board, Senate may grant students a further extension of up to two

years in order to enable them to complete their studies, irrespective

of whether they are registered on a full-time or a part-time basis.

(1)

The Board may allow students, for a good and

sufficient reason, to suspend their studies for a maximum period of

twelve months, irrespective of whether they are registered on a full-

time or a part-time basis. In such cases, the period of suspension of

studies shall not be taken into consideration for calculating the period

of registration in the Postgraduate Course in terms of the duration

requirement.

(2)

In exceptional or personal circumstances constitute,

Senate on the recommendation of the Board, may grant a further

period of suspension of studies.

(3)

A student who is on suspension of studies shall not follow

any Study-Unit, sit for any assessment, or work on the Dissertation.

(1)

The academic calendar for Postgraduate Courses is

as defined in the Glossary of Terms, provided that when the academic

year of a programme is extended by a summer semester, the summer

recess may be shortened to two weeks in August.

(2)

Supplementary examinations shall be held either in

September or, in exceptional circumstances, at the next scheduled

session of examinations.

(1)

Unless otherwise specified in the Bye-Laws of a

Postgraduate Course, or expressly stated in the description of a

Study-Unit as published in the catalogue of Study-Units, attendance

for lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical or clinical sessions or work

placements, fieldwork and any other teaching session in whatever

mode is obligatory. On the basis of documented evidence, a lecturer

may bar a student whose attendance in a Study-Unit is not

satisfactory from being assessed in that Study-Unit. In such cases, a 0

mark and an F grade shall be assigned and recorded.

(2)

The University will not excuse students from missing

lectures or other teaching activities, and neither will it tolerate late

submission of assignments or any defaults in coursework due to work

or unauthorised commitments. No rescheduling of teaching activities

or any assessments will be approved to accommodate such

commitments.

Boards of Studies for all courses shall be appointed by

Senate by September for a period of one Academic Year.

Each Faculty shall recommend to Senate the appointment

of Boards of Studies for courses run under the auspices of that

Faculty. In doing so, the Board shall aim to achieve an optimal

arrangement for the appointment of a Board of Studies for one or

more courses run under its auspices.

Senate may approve the appointment of any of the

following

(a)

a Board of Studies for one Area of Study for a

course, where such a course consists only of one

Area of Study;

(b)

a Board of Studies for a course consisting of more

than one Area of Study offered together in that

course;

(c)

a single Board of Studies for such number of

courses offered under the auspices of a Faculty,

where such an arrangement is the most appropriate;

(d)

the designation of a Board to carry out the

functions of a Board of Studies; and

(e)

any combination of the above which Senate may

approve from time to time for courses offered under

the auspices of a Faculty.

(1)

Boards of Studies shall be composed as follows

(a)

in the case of regulation 25 (a), the Board of

Studies shall be composed of: (i) the head of the

department responsible for the Area of Study or his

delegate as chair; (ii) at least two other academic

members; and (iii) two students elected from

amongst the students registered on the Course;

(b)

in the case of regulation 25 (b), the Board of

Studies shall be composed of: (i) the heads of the

departments responsible for the Areas of Study

concerned, or their delegates, one of whom shall be

appointed chair; (ii) at least one other academic

member from each of the departments concerned;

and (iii) two students elected from amongst the

students registered on the Course;

(c)

in the case of regulation 25 (c), the Board of

Studies shall be composed of

(i)

the Course coordinators for a number of

Courses offered under the auspices of a

Faculty, or their delegates; one Course

coordinator shall be appointed chair;

(ii)

at least one other academic member teaching

on each of the Courses concerned; and

(iii)

two students elected from amongst the

students registered on the Courses; and

(d)

in the case of regulation 25 (d), the Board shall be

designated by Senate to perform the functions of a

Board of Studies.

(2)

In the case of a Course offered by two or more Faculties,

Senate may appoint, on the joint recommendation of the Faculties

concerned, an inter-Faculty Board of Studies. Such a Board of

Studies shall consist of

(i)

the Dean or his delegate of each Faculty

concerned;

(ii)

at least two other academic members from

each Faculty; and

(iii)

two students elected from amongst the

students registered on the Course. One of the

Deans shall be appointed chair. The terms of

reference of such a Board of Studies is to

ensure better coordination of programmes of

study where Study-Units are offered by

different Faculties.

(3)

Faculties may include as members on all Boards of

Studies up to two stakeholders in the areas of expertise covered by

the relevant programme.

(4)

Administrators from the respective Faculty/ies shall

attend meetings of the Board of Studies.

The functions of Boards of Studies shall include the

following

(a)

implementing the regulations and Bye-Laws

governing the Programme of Study, subject to the

general directions given by the Board concerned;

(b)

monitoring and evaluating the Programme/s of

Study;

(c)

making proposals to the Board for the revision of

the Programme/s of Study; and

(d)

monitoring the assessments and the procedures

used in the assessment of the performance of the

students.

(1)

Programmes of Study shall be proposed by one or

more than one Department jointly, and shall be approved by Senate,

on the recommendation of the Board.

(2)

The Board shall appoint a head of department or another

academic member of staff as the co-ordinator for a programme of

study of a course.

Programmes of Study shall be published before the

commencement of each Postgraduate Course, normally not less than

8 months before its commencement. Programmes of Study shall

include all the Study-Units, indicating which Study-Units are

Compulsory or Elective, and the order in which the Units shall be

followed.

The University shall make every effort to ensure that the

published Programmes of Study are complete and up-to date, but

reserves the right to make changes on the recommendation of the

relevant Board.

Study-Units shall be proposed by the Department or a

number of Departments responsible for the teaching of the Area/

Areas of Study in the Postgraduate Course and approved by Senate,

on the recommendation of the Board.

Study-Units shall be assigned a code by the Office of the

Registrar in accordance with the principles listed in Schedule 1 -

System of Assigning Codes for Study-Units – attached to the General

Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019.

Study-Units in all Postgraduate Courses shall normally be

offered at UM level five. Each taught Study-Unit shall normally be

assigned not less than five credits and not more than 30 credits,

preferably in multiples of five credits.

All Study-Units shall be assigned a credit value in terms

of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System and

credits shall be awarded to students who pass the assessment for the

Unit.

The Method of Assessment for each Study-Unit shall be

indicated in the Study-Unit description and published in the

catalogue of Study-Units. If the Method of Assessment comprises

more than one assessment component, the % weighting of each

component shall be given. Students shall be awarded the credits for a

Unit if they obtain an overall pass mark for the Unit as a whole

provided that Senate may, in the case of Study-Units

comprising a practical component, approve that a minimum mark of

45% must be obtained in that component for students to be awarded a

pass mark in the Study-Unit.

The same Study-Units cannot be counted towards two

separate awards unless one qualification is considered by Senate to

be an interim qualification in the normal progression to the other,

higher level, qualification

provided that a Board of Studies may exempt a student

from the attendance requirement of a Compulsory Study-Unit credit

which was obtained towards another award, although such a student

shall still be required to be assessed in the Unit.

Credits awarded for Study-Units may not be used towards

an award after seven years have elapsed from the successful

completion of the Unit

provided that when credit for more than one Study-Unit is

being transferred to another course, then the seven years shall

commence from the date of the last credit awarded.

Subject to the provisions outlined in regulations 36 and

37, students who obtained credit when registered at other recognised

institutions of higher education may have their credits accepted by

the Board of Studies for transfer towards a specific Programme of

Study except to a Programme leading to a University Certificate

provided that any award of the University shall be subject

to not less than half of the credits of the course programme being

awarded by the University. In such cases, the classification of the

award shall be calculated only on the credits obtained from the

University. This provision does not apply to students who participate

in periods of study abroad approved by the University.

Students shall register for the Study-Units prescribed in

their Programme of Study within the time specified by the Office of

the Registrar. They shall not be considered as students on a Study-

Unit unless they have so registered.

Taught Study-Units shall be examined by a Board of

Examiners composed of not less than 3 persons, including a chair

who shall not be teaching the Unit, and the lecturer/s teaching the

Unit.

The Master’s degree obtained mainly by research shall

require students to register for at least two Study-Units, one of which

a Study-Unit consisting of supervised research work leading to the

writing of a Dissertation, to which not less than 60 credits are

assigned.

Students registered for Master’s degrees mainly by

research may be allowed to participate in joint research projects

where data generated jointly by a group of researchers is used for the

writing of a Dissertation, provided that each student writes a separate

Dissertation.

The language of instruction and assessment shall be

English, except that for Areas of Study involving a language,

teaching and assessment may be in that language. Senate may also

approve the delivery of any Study-Unit in Maltese or in any other

language.

Examiners shall express the students’ performance in the

assessment of all Study-Units, including the Dissertation, as a

percentage mark and grade as indicated in the table below. Both the

percentage mark and the letter grade shall be recorded in the

students’ academic record. The percentage mark only is used for the

purpose of calculating the students’ progress and for the award

classification.

Descriptor

Mark

Grade

Range

Work of excellent quality

80% -

A

Superior performance showing a comprehensive and

100%

critical understanding and application of the subject

matter. Evidence of extensive additional reading/

research/work.

Work of very good quality

70%

-

B

Performance showing a very good working knowledge

79%

of the subject matter. Evidence of a considerable

amount of additional reading/ research/work.

Work of average quality

55%**-

C

Average performance, showing a good working

69%

knowledge of the subject matter. Evidence of sufficient

reading/research/work.

Work of fair but below average quality

50%

-

D

Performance showing considerable but incomplete

54%

understanding of the subject matter. Evidence of a fair

amount of reading/research/work.

Work of marginal quality

45%

-

E

Performance showing minimal understanding of the

49%

subject matter, with no evidence of additional reading/

research/work, which must be compensated by higher

marks in other Units in order to be eligible for the

Postgraduate Award.

Unsatisfactory, failing work in any Study-Unit other

0%

-

F

than a Dissertation.

44%

Unsatisfactory, poor work in the Dissertation Study-

0%

-

F

Unit.

49%*

Unsatisfactory, failing work in a practicum Study-

0%-

F

Unit, where such is indicated in the course Bye-Laws.

54%**

Unjustified Absence for an assessment, or failure to

0%

F

hand in assigned work in time, or ineligibility to take

assessment due to unapproved Absence from

lectures shall be considered as F with 0 marks in the

calculation of the average mark.

* The minimum pass mark for Dissertations is 50%.

** The minimum pass mark for practicums, where such is indicated in the course Bye-

Laws, is 55%.

The following grades when assigned to Study-Units shall

not be taken into consideration for the purpose of computing a

student’s progress or the award classification, but shall form part of

the student’s academic record

Grade

Descriptor

P

Pass - when assessment is based on a Pass/Fail basis only.

I

Temporary grade for (a) Incomplete work due to justifiable

reasons (illness, approved Absence, etc.) for which the assessment

date has been postponed or the deadline for submission of work

has been extended; or (b) work which is being considered in terms

of the disciplinary procedures stipulated in the University

Assessment Regulations, 2009.

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.

(1)

A failed taught Study-Unit may be re-assessed

once only, except that, if a student, having sat for all the assessments

and permitted re-assessments of all the taught study-units in the

programme of studies, lacks a pass grade in either

(i)

only one taught compulsory study-unit; or

(ii)

only one taught elective study-unit that cannot be

substituted by an alternative study-unit in terms of

regulation 50 (1),the student shall be allowed to

refer that one taught study-unit to the following

year or to an additional year of study,

provided that a study-unit involving the assessment of

professional practice, such as work placement or practicum shall not

be deemed to be a taught study-unit for the purpose of this regulation.

(2) The maximum mark/grade that can be awarded in the re-

assessment of any study-unit shall be 45% / Grade E. The maximum

mark/grade that may be awarded to a referred Study-Unit is 45%/

Grade E, both at the first attempt or at an eventual re-assessment..

Students who in any academic year fail taught study-units

to which more than 20 credits are assigned shall not be entitled to be

re-assessed in the failed study-units and shall be required to

withdraw from the course.

Students who after re-assessment, either fail in a number of

Elective Study-Units to which more than 12 credits are assigned, or

subject to the exceptions laid down in paragraph (1) of regulation 47,

fail in any Compulsory Study-Unit, shall be required to withdraw from

the course.

(1)

In the case of taught elective Study-Units failed

after re-assessment, the Board, after consultation with the head of

department and/or the Board of Studies, may allow students to

register for alternative elective study-units (if available) to which not

more than 12 credits are assigned from the list of elective Study-

Units in the students’ Programme of Study. If alternative study-units

are not available, the student shall be required to withdraw from the

course.

(2)

The Board may allow a student to register for alternative

Study-Units in terms of paragraph (1) of this regulation either in an

additional year of study or in the following year of the course to be

assessed in addition to the Study-Units of that year.

(3)

The maximum mark/grade that may be awarded to a

Study-Unit registered as an alternative to a failed elective Study-Unit

is 45%/Grade E, both at the first attempt and at an eventual re-

assessment.

(4)

Students, who after re-assessment fail in a Study-Unit

registered as an alternative to a failed elective Study-Unit shall be

required to withdraw from the course.

Students who fail the assessment of a Study-Unit

involving a work placement, clinical practice or any other Unit when

it is not practicable or possible for the Unit to be re-assessed during

the current year shall not have the right to a supplementary

assessment in the same Academic Year and shall be required to

either

(i)

refer the Study-Unit to the following year if with its

inclusion in the following year's study programme

the total number of credits does not exceed 72

credits;

or

(ii)

re-do the Unit during an additional year, which

shall not be taken into account for the purpose of

course duration.

The conditions for the re-assessment of such Study-Units shall

be indicated in the particular Study-Unit description and in the Bye-

Laws for the Course.

If a student fails in a Dissertation, the maximum grade/

mark that can be awarded after re-assessment shall be 50%/Grade D.

If a student fails in a practicum whose minimum pass

mark is indicated in the course Bye-Laws as 55%, the maximum

grade/mark that can be awarded after re-assessment, shall be 55%/

Grade C.

Students shall not be allowed to be re-assessed in any

Study-Unit if they have already been awarded credit for it.

If a student is Absent for a reason considered valid by

Senate, the student shall be allowed to take the assessment at the next

available opportunity, if necessary referring the assessment to the

following year or to an additional year, provided that, a student

who after the September assessment session lacks more than 12

credits to complete the year, including credits for alternative elective

study-units, shall be required to complete the previous year ’s

requirements in an additional year of study.

If after an additional year, the programme of study for the

subsequent year in the course plan is not on offer, the University shall

not be obliged to provide the programme for such students who shall

either need to suspend their studies until the year of the programme is

next offered, or transfer their studies to another course if possible or

withdraw and receive any award to which they may be eligible.

Any matter concerning the assessment of Study-Units not

dealt with by these regulations shall be governed by the University

Assessment Regulations, 2009.

Students registered on taught programmes extending over

more than one Academic Year may only be allowed to refer Study-

Units to a subsequent year as provided for in regulations 47 (1), 50 (1),

51 and 55. Such students shall be considered to have progressed

conditionally.

(1)

Students are required to enrol at the

commencement of the Postgraduate course and at the beginning of

each Academic Year throughout their period of study, whether they

are following a mainly taught programme or a programme mainly by

research.

(2)

Students registered on programmes mainly by research

shall be allowed to enrol for the following year subject to a

satisfactory progress report from their Principal supervisor.

(1)

All Master’s programmes shall include the

submission of a Dissertation, to which not less than 30 credits shall

be assigned, provided that when the nature of the study so requires,

Senate may approve that the Dissertation is replaced by a

documented activity related to practice (portfolio), or a project

report, or one such activity together with a written submission based

on practice-based research or research related to practice. Such

study-units in replacement of the dissertation requirement must be

assigned not less than 30 credits in total.

(2)

The supervision of students for the Dissertation shall be

regulated by the provisions of regulations 63 and 64.

(3)

Dissertations shall be assessed according to the provisions

of regulations 65 and 66.

(4)

Before graduating, and where applicable, students shall

present one electronic copy of their Dissertation to the University

Library. Students shall also present copies of their Dissertation to the

Faculty as indicated in the course Bye-Laws or Faculty guidelines.

The electronic version must conform to the standards set by the

University Library. The University reserves the right of prohibiting

students who do not submit the required hard and electronic copies

from graduating.

(5)

When submitting the Dissertation for examination,

students shall submit to the Faculty a signed declaration of

authenticity, confirming also that they have abided by the

University’s Research Ethics Review Procedures, where applicable.

Students shall be further expected to confirm that the work has been

submitted through a plagiarism detection software that is approved

by the University.

(6)

Students following a programme mainly by research shall

not be allowed to submit the Dissertation before completing all taught

Study-Units in the respective programme.

All students shall abide by the University’s Research

Code of Practice and shall follow the University’s Research Ethics

Review Procedures.

(1)

Dissertations for all Postgraduate Awards shall be

written in English, except that when the Area of Study of the

Dissertation is a language, the Board may require or permit the

student to write the Dissertation in that language.

(2)

However, following approval by Senate, a Board may

allow particular students, for just and sufficient reasons, to write their

Dissertation in any other language, provided that the Board has

ascertained, to the satisfaction of Senate, that the University has the

necessary expertise to supervise and examine the work. In such

cases, students shall be required to include an extended summary of

the Dissertation (approximately 2000 words) written in English.

(1)

In Master’s degrees, the Board shall appoint a

principal supervisor for each student.

(2)

If the nature/topic of research requires the input of another

specialist, the Board may appoint a co-supervisor, in which case the

two supervisors shall meet the student together to decide how they

will divide their responsibility for advice and how future meetings

are to be arranged.

(3)

When a co-supervisor is appointed, the Principal

supervisor shall retain the ultimate responsibility of leadership in

supervision.

(4)

A principal supervisor or co-supervisor shall not be

related to a student by consanguinity or by affinity to the third degree

inclusive or have a dual relationship with the student as defined in

the document entitled “Consanguinity/Affinity/Dual Relationship

Policy in relation to Examiners/Supervisors and Students” approved

by Senate.

(5)

Principal supervisors shall be responsible for providing

guidance to students under their care in the following areas

(a)

assisting students to select and elaborate a research

problem and to formulate a written proposal for

their Dissertation;

(b)

offering ideas and providing guidance and

encouragement on the planning and progress of

research, submission of the Dissertation, and

publication of results;

(c)

providing or arranging instruction in research

methodology, including use of information

technology and the use of plagiarism detection

software;

(d)

guiding students in acquiring and improving

appropriate generic skills, including written and

oral communication, numeracy, decision-taking

and organisational and management skills;

(e)

ensuring that the students are aware of the manner

in which research results are reported and that they

understand the implications of plagiarism and other

unbecoming academic practices; and

(f)

any other matters which require the attention of the

Board or Senate.

(6)

Principal supervisors shall meet students regularly to

review progress. Meetings may be substituted by other verifiable

means of communication.

(7)

Principal supervisors and co-supervisors are neither

responsible for proof-reading Dissertations nor for ensuring that

Dissertations do not contain plagiarised parts.

(8)

If supervisors detect plagiarism in drafts of a Dissertation

prior to formal submission, they shall demand corrective action.

(9)

For work submitted in replacement of a dissertation in

terms of regulation 60 (1), supervision of the work shall be governed

by the guidelines issued by the Board.

(1)

Bye-Laws shall establish methods and stipulate

procedures for the effective monitoring of students’ progress

throughout their studies. These shall include measures to ensure that

written progress reports are submitted regularly by Principal

supervisors to an appropriate faculty/departmental committee or

panels of supervision for individual students or groups of students.

Such reports may include a recommendation to either (i) grant an

extension of the study period in order to enable the students to

complete the Dissertation; or (ii) to terminate the studies prematurely

if the relevant faculty/departmental committee deems this to be

proper in the circumstances; provided that for (i), the period of

extension of studies shall be according to regulation 19; and for (ii),

the student may appeal his case before Senate within 15 days from

the notice of termination;

(2)

Boards shall ensure that

(a)

substantial modification of title or content of the

Dissertation, and/or requests for extension of

studies or suspension of studies are considered and

decided upon expeditiously;

(b)

students’ research is not hindered in unforeseeable

circumstances, such as when a supervisor is absent

for a long period; and

(c)

requests by students about matters relating to their

studies (including a request to change their

Principal supervisor if there are serious reasons) are

adequately considered.

(1)

Dissertations presented for a Master’s degree shall

(a)

be work of an advanced or original nature in the

Area of Study;

(b)

satisfy the Board of Examiners as regards content

and presentation; and

(c)

fulfil the requirements as provided by relevant Bye-

Laws and guidelines as regards format and length.

(2)

For Dissertations assigned 60 ECTS credits or more, the

Board of Examiners, after reading and marking the dissertation shall

call the student to an oral examination, except when the Board of

Examiners agrees that the Dissertation is of poor quality, in which

case a failing mark and grade shall be published. A second oral

examination may be held at the discretion of the Board of Examiners

in cases of resubmission of Dissertations following major corrections

or re-examination of failed Dissertations. In cases of poor quality

Dissertations where a failing mark and grade have been published,

without the student having been called to an oral examination, the

Board of Examiners shall hold the oral examination in the re-

assessment;

(3)

For Dissertations assigned less than 60 ECTS credits

(i)

an oral examination shall be held if it is

indicated in the Method of Assessment of the

Dissertation Study-Unit. A second oral

examination may be held at the discretion of

the Board of Examiners in cases of

resubmission of Dissertations following

major corrections or resubmission of failed

Dissertations;

(ii)

if an oral examination is not indicated in the

Method of Assessment of the Dissertation

Study-Unit it may be held in cases of

borderline Dissertations verging on a fail, in

cases

of

re-examination

of

failed

Dissertations, or in cases where there is lack

of consensus among the Board of Examiners.

(4)

For any other work submitted or carried out in

replacement of the Dissertation requirement, students shall be guided

by the guidelines issued by the Board or as detailed in the course

Bye-Laws.

(5)

Principal supervisors shall, after confirming with the

Faculty administrator that the student is eligible to submit the

dissertation in terms of regulation 60 (6), signify in writing, on the

appropriate form, that they are aware that the student is submitting

his/her Dissertation for examination by the Board of Examiners.

(6)

The supervisory role of Principal supervisors and co-

supervisors shall cease when the Dissertation is submitted for

examination. The role may be re-assumed, on the advice of the Board

of Examiners, in order to provide guidance to students whose

Dissertation is referred back for significant correction pending final

acceptance.

(7)

No Dissertation shall be accepted which is identical in

substance to a document already submitted for a degree in this or any

other university or to any other published material. Students shall

not, however, be precluded from incorporating such previous work as

may be necessary to the presentation and fuller understanding of their

exposition, provided that the nature and extent of such incorporation

are clearly indicated in the Dissertation itself.

(1)

For Dissertations assigned 60 credits or more, the

Board of Examiners after reading and marking the Dissertation, and

after the oral examination is held in terms of regulation 65 (2), shall

either

(a)

award an overall pass to the Dissertation

unconditionally or subject to minor corrections

which shall be submitted within a time established

by the Board of Examiners and to the satisfaction

of the Chair of the Board of Examiners in

consultation with the supervisor. If the changes are

not effected properly, the Board of Examiners shall

award a mark and grade for the original version; or

(b)

approve the oral performance and advise major

corrections to the Dissertation, which although not

of a failing standard nevertheless needs significant

improvement. The resubmitted Dissertation, which

shall be presented within a time established by the

Board of Examiners, shall be reviewed by the chair

in consultation with the supervisor to examine

whether the changes were effected as directed and

then report to the Board of Examiners who shall

proceed to agree on a final mark that shall not be

greater than 10 percentage points of the preliminary

mark for the original submission; or

(c)

in the case of a borderline quality Dissertation

verging on a fail, advise major corrections to the

Dissertation in order to qualify for the minimum

pass mark and grade (i.e. 50%/Grade D), which

shall be submitted within a time established by the

Board of Examiners. The resubmitted Dissertation

is reviewed by the chair who, after consultation

with the supervisor, shall report to the Board of

Examiners whether the changes were effected

satisfactorily. The Board of Examiners shall then

either agree to award the minimum pass mark and

grade, 50%/Grade D or a failing mark and grade

with the possibility of a re-assessment if eligible in

terms of these regulations; or

(d)

in cases of poor quality Dissertations, declare the

student to have failed with the possibility of a re-

assessment if eligible in terms of these regulations.

(2)

For Dissertations assigned less than 60 credits, when an

oral examination is indicated in the Method of Assessment in terms

of regulation 65 (3) (i), the Board of Examiners after reading and

marking the Dissertation, and after the oral examination. shall either

(a)

award an overall pass to the Dissertation

unconditionally or subject to minor corrections

which shall be submitted within a time established

by the Board of Examiners and to the satisfaction

of the chair of the Board of Examiners in

consultation with the supervisor. If the changes are

not effected properly the Board of Examiners shall

award a mark and grade for the original version; or

(b)

in the case of borderline quality Dissertation

verging on a fail, advise major corrections to the

Dissertation in order to qualify for the minimum

pass mark and grade (i.e. 50%/Grade D), which

shall be submitted within a time established by the

Board of Examiners. The resubmitted Dissertation

is reviewed by the chair who, after consultation

with the supervisor, shall report to the Board of

Examiners whether the changes were effected

satisfactorily. The Board of Examiners shall then

either agree to award the minimum pass mark and

grade, 50%/ Grade D or a failing mark and grade

with the possibility of a re-assessment if eligible in

terms of these regulations; or

(c)

in cases of poor quality Dissertations, declare the

student to have failed with the possibility of a re-

assessment if eligible in terms of these regulations.

(3)

For Dissertations assigned less than 60 credits, when an

oral examination is not indicated in the Method of Assessment in

terms of regulation 65 (3) (ii), after reading and marking the

Dissertation, the Board of Examiners shall either

(a)

award a pass to the Dissertation unconditionally or

subject to minor corrections which shall be

submitted within a time established by the Board of

Examiners and to the satisfaction of the chair of the

Board of Examiners in consultation with the

supervisor. If the changes are not effected properly,

the Board of Examiners shall award a mark and

grade for the original version; or

(b)

in the case of borderline Dissertations verging on a

fail, the Board of Examiners may

either (i) refer the Dissertation back to the student

for major corrections in order to qualify for a

minimum pass mark and grade (ie 50%,

grade D), which shall be submitted within a

time established by the Board of Examiners.

The resubmitted Dissertation is reviewed by

the chair who, after consultation with the

supervisor, shall report to the Board of

Examiners whether the changes were

effected satisfactorily. The Board of

Examiners shall then either agree to award

the minimum pass mark and grade, 50%/

Grade D or a failing mark and grade with the

possibility of a re-assessment if eligible in

terms of these regulations;

or (ii) call the student for an oral examination

before deciding if the Dissertation should be

referred back to the student for major

corrections or if the Dissertation shall be

declared as fail with the possibility of a re-

assessment if eligible in terms of these

regulations; or

(c)

in cases of poor quality Dissertations, declare the

student to have failed with the possibility of a re-

assessment if eligible in terms of these regulations.

(4)

When a Board of Examiners fails to reach consensus

about the final mark/grade they shall proceed according to the

University Assessment Regulations, 2009.

(5)

A Board of Examiners shall not allow a period longer than

three months for major corrections, in cases of borderline Dissertations

verging on a fail, and not longer than six months for resubmission of

failed Dissertations, irrespective of whether the student is registered on

a full-time or a part-time basis, unless there are valid reasons which

shall be recorded in the report of the Board of Examiners.

(6) Major corrections to borderline Dissertations verging on a

fail, as required by the Board of Examiners, may be submitted once

only.

(7)

In case of a Fail, students may submit a Dissertation for

re-assessment once only.

(1)

Dissertations submitted for the award of a Master’s

Degree shall be assessed by a Board of Examiners appointed by

Senate for the purpose, on the recommendation of the Board.

(2)

(a)

For dissertations assigned 30 credits, the Board of

Examiners shall be composed of at least three members, one of

whom may be an external examiner from an overseas institution

normally appointed on a non-visiting basis;

(b)

For dissertations assigned more than 30 credits, the

Board of Examiners shall be composed of at least

three members and shall normally include an

external examiner from an overseas institution;

provided that

(i)

where oral examinations shall be held and

external examiners are appointed on a non-

visiting basis, the Board of Examiners shall

be composed of at least four members so that

the oral examination is conducted by three

examiners. External Examiners shall be

appointed as stipulated in regulation 21 of

the University Assessment Regulations,

2009; and

(ii)

when an external examiner is not present at

the oral examination, the other examiners

conducting the oral examination shall take

into consideration any comments and

suggestions made by the external examiner.

(3)

Principal supervisors and co-supervisors shall not be

members of the Board of Examiners but the Principal supervisor

shall be invited to attend as an observer during the oral examination.

The Principal supervisor may contribute if invited to do so by the

members of the Board of Examiners but must withdraw prior to the

final deliberations of the Board of Examiners. However, a Board may

request special permission from Senate to allow a Principal

supervisor to form part of the Board of Examiners for justified

reasons. If circumstances require it, the chair may invite also the co-

supervisor to attend as an observer.

(4)

The Board of Examiners shall follow the procedures for

the assessment of Dissertations for Master’s degrees that the Senate

may set from time to time.

There shall be an Award Classification Board for each

Postgraduate Course.

(1)

For mainly taught programmes, the Award

Classification Board shall be composed of at least three members,

including the Dean/Director, or delegate, as chair, the course co-

ordinator, and at least one other member appointed by the Board.

(2)

In the case of programmes mainly by research, the Board

of Examiners appointed as in regulation 67 (2) (b) shall act as the

Award Classification Board.

(1)

Postgraduate

certificates

shall

be

awarded

unclassified.

(2)

Postgraduate diplomas and Master’s degrees may be

awarded in any of the following classifications

Pass with Distinction (Summa Cum Laude)

Pass with Merit (Magna Cum Laude)

Pass (Bene Probatus).

The classification of Postgraduate Awards shall be

determined by the Award Classification Board on the basis of a Final

Weighted Average Mark obtained by calculating the average of the

individual marks obtained in each Study-Unit, each mark weighted

by the credit value of the corresponding Study-Units, provided that

Bye-Laws may allow for the credits assigned to the Dissertation to be

weighted by a factor of not more than 1.5. The Final Weighted Mark

thus obtained shall be recorded correct to the nearest whole number.

(1)

The Award Classification Board shall consult the

following guidelines when deciding upon the final classification of

Postgraduate Diplomas and Master’s degrees

Final Weighted

Average Mark Classification

80 - 100%

Pass with Distinction

70 - 79%

Pass with Merit

50 - 69%

Pass.

(2)

Students whose Final Average Weighted Mark is between

0 and 49% shall be considered to have failed to qualify for any

Postgraduate Award.

(3)

The Award Classification Board, at its own discretion,

may award the Postgraduate Award with a higher classification than

that indicated in paragraph (1) of this regulation to students whose

Final Weighted Average Mark is up to five marks less than the

minimum for the classification, provided that all students who obtain

the same or a higher Final Weighted Average Mark within that

category/class shall be awarded the higher classification In such

cases, the Award Classification Board is required to minute the

decision and the justification for it.

(4)

The Award Classification Board, at its own discretion,

may also award a Postgraduate Award with a lower classification

than that indicated in paragraph (1) of this regulation, provided that

all students who obtain the same or a lower Final Weighted Average

Mark within that category/class shall be awarded the lower

classification, and provided that no student shall be awarded the

degree with a final weighted mark that is less than 50%. In such

cases, the Award Classification Board is required to obtain the

authorisation of the Board that shall minute the decision and the

justification for it. The students concerned may appeal to Senate

against the decision within 15 days of the publication of the

classification.

(1)

When a student withdraws from a course either by

choice or because ineligible to proceed further in terms of these

regulations, and unless the Bye-Laws for the course provide for the

granting of an award in a specified area, if at least 30 credits for

taught Study-Units have been obtained, the student shall be granted

the Postgraduate Certificate in General Studies (PG. Cert. Gen. St.).

(2)

When a student withdraws from a course either by choice

or because ineligible to proceed further in terms of these regulations,

and unless the Bye-Laws for the course provide for the granting of an

award in a specified area, if at least 60 credits of taught Study-Units

have been obtained, the student shall be granted the Postgraduate

Diploma in General Studies (PG. Dip. Gen. St.).

(3)

Students who partially completed degree programmes prior

to October 2021 and who satisfy this regulation, shall have the right to

request to be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate in General Studies

or the Postgraduate Diploma in General Studies, as applicable, ex

gratia, provided that these awards shall not be granted retroactively.

Students may only be allowed to re-join a Course as

stipulated in the Admissions Regulations, 2016. On re-joining the

Course, students shall be required to follow the Programme of Study

that is applicable for that year. Students who re-join after definitively

failing the course shall be required to follow all Study-Units,

including those they may have successfully completed during the

failed course.

(1)

Students registered for a Master’s degree mainly by

research may be required to assist lecturing staff in the Faculty’s

teaching activities for up to a maximum of 100 hours a year, provided

that these duties do not conflict with their research work.

(2)

The criteria used in assigning such duties to students shall

be equitable and transparent.

(3)

Students involved in teaching shall be assigned an

academic mentor to whom they may turn for advice. They shall also

be provided with advice and facilities to ensure that they may teach

effectively. Students involved in such teaching activities shall be

provided with instruction and guidance, including relevant health and

safety training.

(4)

For such work, students shall be remunerated at standard

rates as approved by the University.

Students must abide by the University of Malta

Intellectual Property Policy.

In line with the University of Malta’s Open Access Policy,

the University Library shall provide in open access the electronic

copies of Master’s Dissertations which are awarded a grade A and

shall make them publicly available on the Institutional Repository of

the University.

(1)

Confidential information includes, but is not

limited to, training know-how, information, methodologies and

manuals; workbooks; statements of operating practice;

specifications; drawings; designs; formulae; discoveries; inventions;

technical information; know-how generally; lab notebooks;

manuscript papers; software; information about the methods,

concepts and techniques on which software is based; samples;

fina nces; fi na nci al m o del s; p ri cin g an d oth er com m ercial

information; business plans; marketing plans; and any information

considered to be sensitive by the University Research Ethics

Committee

(a)

provided that the following information shall not be

considered as confidential information if

(b)

it was already known to the student and it was not

subject to any obligation of confidentiality by the

student to the University;

(c)

it is or becomes publicly known without an act or

omission of the student;

(d)

it is obtained by the student from a third party with

a right to disclose such confidential information,

provided that said third party is not under a

confidentiality obligation to the University;

(e)

it is approved for release in writing by an

authorised representative of the University; or

(f)

the student is specifically required to disclose such

information pursuant to a law or order of any Court

of competent jurisdiction.

(2)

Personal data that may come into students' possession

and/or that students may be exposed to and/or that students may have

access to in carrying out work placements and/or clinical practice in

furtherance of their studies at the University shall also be considered

as confidential information. Students are bound not to disclose such

confidential information. Furthermore, students may be asked by the

University to sign specific confidentiality agreements should it be

deemed necessary.

(1)

Where the student considers that assessable student

work should remain confidential during or after completion of the

Programme of Study or research, a request for it to be embargoed

must be made to the Library Committee. The Library Committee

shall consult with the Faculty concerned before taking a decision.

The period of confidentiality approved shall not normally exceed two

years from final submission of such work to the University. However,

in cases where publication of the assessable student work would

prove detrimental to the student or the University or the sponsor or

the funding body or the persons referred to in such work, a further

period may be approved.

(2)

In any case and without prejudice to paragraph (1) of this

regulation, the University retains the right to embargo of assessable

student work. In the event that assessable student work is embargoed,

the student shall be bound to treat the contents of such work as

confidential. Prior to any publication, the provisions about

publication and exploitation, as detailed in the University of Malta

Intellectual Property Policy shall apply in every case.

A student having unfulfilled obligations to the University

or who is in debt to the University, shall not be permitted to re-

register in any succeeding sessions, nor shall a postgraduate award be

conferred upon a student in debt or having unfulfilled obligations,

except by special permission of the Rector.

(1)

In the case of students following courses which

involve work with vulnerable persons, the University may at any

time suspend or preclude from further studies any student who,

following appropriate investigatory procedures that Senate may

establish for such cases, is deemed to have acted or be acting in a

manner which jeopardises the welfare of the subject (whether patient,

pupil, or client) or which contravenes the relevant professional codes

of conduct (i.e. professional misconduct), or whose behaviour is

deemed to be incompatible with that required by the profession (i.e.

professional unsuitability).

(2) The University may request a Police Good Conduct

Certificate of its students. Students shall inform the University if the

declaration on their certificate changes during their registration on a

University course, in which case this declaration shall be considered

by a sub-committee of the Admissions Board appointed by Senate for

the purpose.

(1)

Students shall abide by all applicable data

protection policies and/or regulations of the University that may be

in force from time to time.

(2)

Students shall only process personal data that may come

into their possession and/or that they may be exposed to and/or that

they may have access to in carrying out any work placements and/or

clinical practice in furtherance of their studies at the University

(a)

as required for the purposes of the relevant work

placement and/or clinical practice; and

(b)

in accordance with all instructions issued by the

University and/or the relevant external placement

agency/entity in this regard.

(3)

The terms 'personal data' and 'processing (of personal

data)' shall have the meanings assigned to them in the General Data

Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679).

(1)

A Board may, from time to time, offer students the

opportunity to follow a Postgraduate Course on a part-time basis.

(2)

The provisions of the foregoing regulations shall apply

mutatis mutandis to courses followed on a part-time basis, and

subject to such changes as may reasonably be deemed by the relevant

Board as necessary due to the part-time nature of the Course.

(3)

Students may be allowed to follow a course on a part-time

basis, in which case the time spent in part-time study shall, unless

otherwise stated in the Bye-Laws for the course or unless in special

circumstances specific arrangements are agreed in writing by the

Board with the student, count as half that required in the case of full-

time study.

Wherever in any Course Regulations or Bye-Laws made

under the Education Act (Cap. 327) there is a reference to “General

Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2008”, that

reference shall be substituted by the words “General Regulations for

University Postgraduate Awards, 2021”.