National reform programme 2008-2010 Malta - European Commission

This sector is witnessing ongoing changes in response to changes both in the underlying
school system and national curriculum as well as the evolving shape of higher education and
the respective entry requirements to a growing range of programmes. This section outlines
some of the key developments within this sector.
Expansion of the Junior College
The University of Malta has just been granted funding to extend the facilities of the Junior
College 55 to address the acute space problems experienced in the past few years in the wake
of the growing number of students. Moreover, it is envisaged that within the next two years
the Junior College will upgrade of ICT facilities for staff and students as well as refurbish and
upgrade laboratories and sports facilities.
Ongoing developments within the Institute for Tourism Studies
The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) recognises the fact that human resources are the most
important factor in addressing the new challenges within the tourism sector in Malta. The
current and future workforce in the sector require further training to use the newest electronic
technologies and must be increasingly motivated to deal with new markets and multicultural
backgrounds.
In this respect ITS has invested heavily in its eLearning capacity and adoption of IT in its
pedagogies. Additionally, ITS is constantly seeking opportunities to collaborate and
participate actively in various EU or international projects which invariably enrich the
development of the ITS in all aspects of its mission.
In recent years ITS has been working on offering programmes which lead to degrees from
foreign Universities, including programmes leading towards a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality
Management and a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts. Both programmes contain an
element of work-based practice and consequently are a good fit with the current portfolio of
programmes offered at ITS.
Malta College for Arts, Science and Technology Master Plan 2008-2013
During the last seven years, MCAST has been the primary further education and training
institution contributing to a substantial increase in the overall number of students continuing
with their studies beyond compulsory education age. MCAST is open to both young students
who intend to continue with their studies beyond compulsory education age as well as adults,
whether already working or considering joining the labour market.
MCAST has raised the status and attractiveness of vocational and professional education and
training. It is an inclusive education and training institution open to young people and adults
with varying educational attainment and certification. It currently offers four main levels of
programmes. It is envisaged that within the next two years MCAST will start offering the first
degree level programmes. Moreover, MCAST provides different entry and exit points,
depending on the individual’s aspirations and potential. Over 120 courses are currently being
offered, and these satisfy most of the existing demands by young people, adults as well as
industry. According to current estimates the number of full-time students will rise from 4,537
in 2007/08 to 5,000 in 2008/09, to 5,500 in 2009/10.
Government will continue to sustain higher rates of educational attainment. Within this
context, MCAST will be investing in a staff Continuous Development Programme through topup
degrees offered in collaboration with reputable Universities to develop academic and
administrative staff for the improvement of courses offered and for the launch of new ones.
55 Junior College is a college specifically designed to prepare students for University.
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