Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Care

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

6 Semesters

90 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-time Evening

The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Care (MA ECEC) is a three-year, part-time postgraduate programme designed to deepen your understanding of early years pedagogy, policy, and research. Delivered primarily online and structured for working professionals, you will explore contemporary perspectives on childhood, participatory research, curriculum design, and inclusive practices. In your final year, you will undertake a research-based dissertation with one-to-one supervisory support.

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Applicants must be in possession of:

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

A Bachelor鈥檚 degree, pegged at Level 6 on the Malta Qualifications Framework and obtained with at least Second Class (Honours) or Category II classification, in an area of study related to Education (with a specialisation in early childhood or primary education), or any other area deemed relevant by the Board. Applicants in possession a degree classified with Third Class (Honours) or Category III may also be admitted provided they satisfy the Board that they are in possession of other qualifications, or relevant work experience, obtained following their first cycle degree.

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鈥檚 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 qualifications referred to in the above paragraph. The admission of such applicants may be made subject to those conditions that may be imposed to address any lacunae in the applicants鈥� academic preparation. Conditions imposed may include the satisfactory completion of a preparatory programme, or the requirement to follow and pass supplementary study-units, up to a maximum of 12 ECTS credits, in addition to the programme of study.

The admission of applicants may be made conditional on the result of an interview conducted by an interviewing board composed of at least three members, appointed by the Board for the purpose.

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You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the .

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

EPE5020	The Professional Educator - Reflective Practice 1	5 ECTS


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

EPE5015	Participatory Methods with Children: Enabling Children's Voice in Research	5 ECTS
EPE5022	Play, Observation and Assessment in the Early Years	5 ECTS


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

EPE5021	Children's Rights Policy and Advocacy	5 ECTS
EPE5023	Advanced Curricular and Pedagogical Approaches in the Early Years	5 ECTS
EPE5024	Contemporary and Critical Issues in Early Childhood Education and Care	5 ECTS


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

EPE5026	The Professionalisation of the Early Childhood Education and Care - Reflective Practice 2	5 ECTS


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

EPE5027	Research Methods in the Early Years	5 ECTS
EPE5028	Ethical Issues in Early Years Research	5 ECTS


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

EPE5029	Family and Community Engagement in Early Childhood Education and Care	5 ECTS
EPE5030	Adopting Inclusive Practices in the Early Years	5 ECTS
EPE5031	Approaches to Leadership and Management in ECEC	5 ECTS


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

EPE5032	Dissertation	30 ECTS

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Care - M.A. - under the auspices of the Faculty of Education.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

Analyse contemporary theories and approaches in early childhood education and care.
Apply ethical and participatory research methods in early years contexts.
Evaluate inclusive and culturally responsive pedagogical practices.
Design and critique early years curricula informed by current research.
Reflect critically on your professional identity and practice.
Communicate research findings effectively in written and oral form.

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 10,800
Yr 1: Eur 5,400 - Yr 2: Eur 5,400 - Yr 3: NIL

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Graduates may pursue roles in leadership, educational consultancy, curriculum development, training, or early years policy advocacy. The course also supports progression to doctoral studies.