Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing (Elderly Care)

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

2 to 3 Years

not less than 80 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-time Evening Blended

With an ageing population, qualified nurses in health and social care settings are required to be adequately prepared to provide high quality care for older adults. This course provides qualified nurses, with specific competencies and skills in the care of older adults as well as more general competencies, that will contribute towards their academic and professional development. The programme spans across preventive, medical, rehabilitative and palliative aspects of care across a range of settings, including community, hospital and long-term settings. Relevant topics such as dementia, nutrition and pharmacology are addressed.

The programme of study shall consist of study-units to which not less than 80 ECTS credits shall be assigned, provided that depending on the qualification presented for admission into the Course, students may be required by the Board to follow and complete additional study-units to be eligible for the award of the Degree.

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福利在线免费 for International applicants

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

the Higher Diploma in Health Science (Nursing Studies) or the Diploma in Health Science (Nursing Studies) awarded by the University of Malta, or
a professional qualification deemed by Senate to be comparable to the qualifications indicated in paragraph (a).

Applicants may be required to provide evidence of being in possession of a registration to practice the nursing profession, as kept by the relevant regulatory council.

The notice regarding submission of supporting documents for the course 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.

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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.

Students must register for not more than 40 ECTS credits per year and shall be directed by the Board on the number of credits they shall be required to register for during each year of the Course.


Semester 1

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

NUR3113	Health Promotion, Rehabilitation and Active Ageing	10 ECTS
NUR3114	Medical Management of Geriatric Patients	10 ECTS	(NC)
NUR4410	Community Care of the Elderly	6 ECTS


Semester 2

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

NUR1112	Searching Evidence in Practice	2 ECTS	(NC)
NUR3116	Nutrition in Old Age	6 ECTS
NUR4420	Advanced Communication Skills	6 ECTS	(NC)


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)

NUR3155	Applying Evidence in the Clinical Setting	2 ECTS


Semester 1

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

NUR4145*	Leading and Managing 福利在线免费 in the Care of Older Adults	10 ECTS
NUR4146	Pharmacotherapeutic Aspects in Old Age	10 ECTS	(NC)
* Study-unit NUR4145 is compulsory only for students requiring 90ECTS.

Semester 2

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

NUR3115	Dementia Care	8 ECTS	(NC)
NUR4147**	Ethical Issues in the Care of Older Adults	10 ECTS
** Study-unit NUR4147 can be taken in Year 3 for students opting to finish the programme over three years.


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)

NUR3600*	Dissertation in Nursing Studies	10 ECTS	(NC)
* Study-unit NUR3600 can be taken in Year 2 for students requiring 80 ECTS credits.

Semester 2

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

NUR4147**	Ethical Issues in the Care of Older Adults	10 ECTS
** Study-unit NUR4147 is for students opting to finish the programme over three years.

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of Bachelor of Science (Honours) - B.Sc. (Hons) - under the auspices of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Subject Knowledge and Understanding
The study-units will equip students with the knowledge related to the care of older adults. The topics covered in the proposed programme span across multiple perspectives of gerontology, encompassing both health and social care issues. Students will be able to describe the role of the nurse in primary, secondary and tertiary prevention in order to maintain wellbeing and quality of life in old age irrespective of the care setting. Moreover, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of key topics relevant to the care of older adults such as the assessment and management of common geriatric syndromes, dementia care and nutritional, ethical and pharmacotherapeutic issues in old age. Students will also be able to describe theoretical principles of effective communication and leadership that are fundamental in any service provided to older persons. Although the programme will cover topics that are applicable to any health and social care setting, specific focus will be channeled to the care of older adults in the community where the majority of older adults currently reside.
Intellectual Development
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to critically reflect on the current care given to older persons and develop analytical and intellectual tools associated with change and development practices in care settings. Critical appraisal of the available literature on a range of related topics would be the cornerstone of this developmental process.
Key/Transferable skills
Students will develop skills which will enable them to search, critically appraise and apply evidence in clinical practice with a specific focus on the care of older adults. Upon completion of the course, students will also be able to demonstrate appropriate communication skills so that they can be able to therapeutically engage with older adults. Moreover, they will be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills by engaging in discussion on how the knowledge obtained during the programme can be applied in practice, particularly on how to apply the acquired leadership and communication skills to implement and sustain change. Finally, students will demonstrate improved academic writing and presentation skills.

Non EU Applicants:

Tuition Fees charged by study unit
2 ECTS credits: Eur 360 - 6 ECTS credits: Eur 1,080 -
8 ECTS credits: Eur 1,440 - 10 ECTS credits: Eur 1,800

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Graduates of the programme will obtain a degree qualification and a specialization in elderly care nursing. The programme will prepare candidates to assume roles in the care of older adults that are living in the community, are in-patients in acute or rehabilitation hospitals or are residing in residential/nursing homes, by caring for their biopsychosocial needs to improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life. In terms of career prospects this programme gives graduates the opportunity to further their studies and proceed to a Masters degree.