Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

6 Semesters

90 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-time Day

Orthotics and prosthetics are a field in medicine, healthcare and/or rehabilitation that combine knowledge of medical and health sciences with engineering and technology to treat a particular medical condition which causes physical dysfunction. The Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and research methodology to become a professional working in the health sciences sector. By the end of the course, you will be able to showcase the knowledge you have gained through the taught study-units in a dissertation, where you will be able to contribute your research to existing literature in the associated field.

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a Bachelor's degree obtained with at least Second Class Honours in an area of study deemed suitable by the Board or
a degree from this or another university which the Board considers as comparable to the degree indicated in paragraph (a).

Applicants may be required to provide evidence of being in possession of the licence to practice in the register of the profession concerned, as kept by the relevant regulatory council.

Applicants may be required to provide evidence of work experience following registration with the relevant regulatory council in the proposed area of study or area of specialisation, if applicable. The minimum number of years of experience required shall be indicated at the time of the call for applications.

The maximum number of students that can be admitted into the course is 8 students.

The selection criteria is available here.

During the first year of the Course, accepted students may be required to undergo an occupational health assessment so as to ascertain that they are fit for the duties related to their proposed studies. Students who do not fulfil this requirement may be barred from progressing with their studies. Failure to disclose information about a physical or mental health problem that could affect patient safety is considered to be a serious breach of the University Suitability to Practise Regulations.

The notice regarding submission of documentation is available here.

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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)

HSC5111	Research Methods for Health Care Professionals	10 ECTS
POD5047	Theory of Orthotic and Prosthetic Science 1	5 ECTS
POD5050	Foundations of Design in Orthotics and Prosthetics 1	5 ECTS
POD5054	Principles of Biomechanics for Orthotics and Prosthetics	5 ECTS


Summer Period

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

POD5048	Orthotic and Prosthetic Science in Practice 1	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)

POD5049	Biomechanics in Orthotic and Prosthetic Practice	5 ECTS
POD5051	Theory of Orthotic and Prosthetic Science 2	5 ECTS
POD5053	Advanced Clinical Studies	5 ECTS
POD5055	Foundations of Design in Orthotics and Prosthetics 2	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)

POD5056	Dissertation	30 ECTS


Semester 1

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

POD5052*	Orthotic and Prosthetic Science in Practice 2	10 ECTS
* POD5052 starts in the Summer Period of academic year 2024-25 and continues in Semester 1 of academic year 2025-26.

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 Science under the auspices of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

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

Develop a vital and critical understanding of prosthetic and orthotic practice and apply it in clinical practice.
Apply detailed biomechanical theory to the provision of protheses and orthoses.
Master the principles behind the design and engineering processes as fundamentals of prosthetic and orthotic practice.
Design and prescribe a variety of orthotic/prosthetic devices.
Critically evaluate the principles governing the practice of prosthetic and orthotic science, including the history, evaluation and development within the field.
Investigate the psychosocial aspects of illness and disability, including managing and dealing with different patients, who may have psychosocial issues, e.g., anxiety and aggressive behaviour.

Subject Knowledge and understanding:

Become fully conversant with the various prosthetic and orthotic devices in the field and how these are used to assist in the rehabilitation of a person with a disability or amputation
Develop a vital and critical understanding of prosthetic and orthotic practice and apply it in clinical practice;
Apply detailed biomechanical theory to the provision of prostheses and orthoses;
Master the principles behind the design and engineering processes as fundamentals of prosthetic and orthotic practice;
Design and prescribe a variety of orthotic/prosthetic devices;
Critically evaluate the principles governing the practice of prosthetic and orthotic science, including the history, evolution and development within the field;
Critically analyse the theory and translate it to clinical practice;
Critically evaluate the effectiveness of orthotic/prosthetic devices;
Critically scrutinize the orthotic/prosthetic service in different local settings; and,
Investigate the psychosocial aspects of illness and disability, including managing and dealing with different patients, who may have psychosocial issues e.g., anxiety and aggressive behaviour.

Intellectual development:

Critically evaluate research in the field of prosthetics/orthotics and rehabilitation;
Critically scrutinize and appraise a detailed literature search and published relevant literature;
Develop and conduct an investigative research project, applying scientific and research principles in the field of orthotic and prosthetic rehabilitation;
Critically evaluate the importance of innovative orthotic/prosthetic devices used in the field of rehabilitation;

Key / Transferable skills:

Crucially apply skills learnt to patient care, i.e., measure for, design, manufacture and fit/deliver prosthetic and orthotic devices to patients, and problem-solving skills, including fine tuning the devices for optimal function;
Crucially apply communication skills, both in working with patients and communication with fellow professionals.

other skills relevant to employability and personal development.

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 13,400
Yr 1: Eur 6,700 - Yr 2: Eur 6,700 - Yr 3: NIL

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This Master's programme will provide expertise in a specialised area in the field of rehabilitation medicine (orthotics & prosthetics) in which there is a lack of available professionals, especially locally but also abroad. As a graduate, you will be able to apply for registration to practise as an orthotic/prosthetic clinician, in both the public and private sectors. Other opportunities may include working as a researcher in the development and/or innovation within the field of medical devices, both locally and abroad. You may also choose to enrol in a doctorate programme either locally or with a foreign institution.

Every effort has been made to provide information that is current and accurate. However, as the content is being constantly updated, users are advised to verify the details contained in these web pages with the relevant University office or authority before making decisions based on the published information.