GUIDELINES FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS AND STUDENTS OF PSYCHOLOGY WANTING TO COME TO MALTA TO STUDY OR TO WORK
1 . Where is it possible to study psychology as major in Malta?
There is only one University in Malta which offers the possibility to study psychology. The address of the university is: The University of Malta, TalQroqq, Msida, MSD 06, Malta.
Detailed information about the courses offered may be obtained by writing to the Students Affairs Unit at the above address.
2. What preriquisites must be fulfilled for enrolment?
Qualifications required are 3 examinations at advanced level or equivalent. Students who show that their qualifications have been accepted at other recognised universities for admission into that university will also be considered.
Who should you talk/write to?
The International Office, University of Malta.
3 . What is the duration of the programme and what is tbe curriculum involved?
a) 6 semesters / 3 years at degree for Bachelor of Psychology General
or
8 semesters / 4 years at degree. for Bachelor of Psychology Honours
b) The first two years (Part l) are compulsory to all stadents following both courses. These will include courses in General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Introductions to Clinical and Counselling Psychology, Research Methodology and Statisties for Psychology, Educational Psychology and other courses offered by the departmment according to availability of academia staff.
After Part 1 of the course students may opt to either to continue for a further 1 year in which they will continue to read a number of generic and applied psychology topics or else opt for a further 2 years during which more specialised courses are followed by the students. A student is expected to hand in at the end of the two year Part II programme an original piece of work which may be of an empirical nature and under the supervision of a member of staff
4. What degree is awarded at the end of the programme?
Bachelor of Psvchology (B.Psv) degree after 3 years.
Bachelor of Psychology Honorus (B.Psy(Hons.)) degree after 4 years
5. Is it possible to transfer from a foreign university to the University of Malta in the field of Psychology?
a) from an EU member country yes
b) from any other European Country - yes
c) from a countrv world wide - yes
6. Will credit be given for the previous semeters of study and who should you talk to/write to concerning recognition of previous studies?
Previous studies in any foreign universíty must be recognised by the University of Malta before recognition is given. From the international office or from the faculty or department concerned.
7. What options exist in Malta for acquiring practical experience in the field of psychology?
Currently there are no openings in any of the fields in order to get experience in the various fiellds of psychology except very rarely. During the course the student may opt to do a number of supervised practicums in different areas so that some experience is gained, but excluding these no other possibilities hardly exist.
II. Psychologist coming to Malta.
1 . Can you use the title of "Psychologist" in Malta based on a foreign degree, or do special prerequisites have to be fulfilled for this? Do any law exist on this?
The title of "Psychologist" is not protected by law, in Malta, although a law, protecting it is expected to pass from parliament by the end of this year (1994) or the beginnig, of the next (1995). Currently there exist a Register of Psychologists, administered bv the Malta Union of Professional Psychologists MUPP), Which although has no legal weighting, is given a substancial amount of importance by the general public. Regulations for listing and further information may be obtained from The MUPP, P.O. Box 341, Valletta, Malta.
2. Does a degree in psychology obtained abroad have to be recognised in order to be able to work in Malta as a psychologist? Are there any law on it?
a) for EU foreign
As there is no existing law for now on this issue practising as a psychologist in Malta is relatively easy. Yet the degree obtained has to be recognised in order for one to practice.
b) for non-EU foreigners
The same applies as above, Malta is not yet a member of EU.
3. How is an academic training and a degree in psychology obtained abroad recognised in Malta and by whom?
There is no vetting agency which recognises or disqualifies in psychology degree or training in Malta. Yet goverment departments have there own boards which recognise such degrees e.g. in the health departments there is the Board for Professions Supplementary to Medicine and often this also depends in which department one will be working. Yet very often these do not do a very good job as psychologists are not invited to participase in these exercises. The Malta Union of Professional Psychologists has its owm criteria (the swne in line with The European Federation of Professional Psychologists Associations) for recognising such degrees and training.
4. Has Malta implemented ELT Directive 89/48 and what examinations or supplementary courses need to be taken?
Malta has not yet implemented the EU Directive 89/48. After graduation with the Bachelor, of Psychology degree from the University of Malta one is expected to further his/her studies by reading, for a futher degree at post- graduate level
5. What practical training or observer-status opportunities exist in Malta for psychologists who wish to accumulate experience for a limited period of time?
There are no opportunities in Malta for psychologists to receive practical training or observer-status for any period of time
6. Additional qualifications:
a) What post-graduate in psychology exist in Malta?
In Malta there are no post-graduate courses offered in psychologv. It is hoped that post-graduate programes leading to a Masters degree will soon be available in clinical/counselling psychology and educational psychology.
b) Who offers them?
These programmes will be offered by the Department of Psychology, University of Malta.
c) What importance do they have?
Like elsewhere in Europe post-graduate programmes in psychology will have particular importance when they will be offered. They will surely be required to be able to practice as a psychologist.
d) In What field are post-graduate qualifications necessary.?
They are necessary in all fields.
7. What are work opportunities like for psychologists in Malta?
Currently there exists a considerable shortage of qualified psychologist in Malta. Thus for the next 3 to 5 years job prospects are quite good.
8. What services does the Malta Union of Professional Psychologists offer its members?
Together with the normal services offered by a trade union to its members under Maltese law, the Malta Union of Professional Psychologists has a Register of Psychologists, numerous contacts with other foreign bodies, affiliations in local, European and intemational organisations, contacts and contracts with testing agencies and other services ,Which are approved by the general council of the union. For more information one is encouraged to contact the union.
9. Who can you talk to/write to if you have any further questions?