/library/oar/handle/123456789/5524 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:38:59 GMT 2025-11-12T14:38:59Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/7947 Title: Urban morphology : a case study of Å»ejtun, SiÄ¡Ä¡iewi and Għargħur Abstract: This dissertation focuses on the study of urban morphology of three Maltese settlements namely, Å»ejtun, SiÄ¡Ä¡iewi and Għargħur. The study, which covers the period 1900-2008, seeks to identify external factors affecting urban form, and similarities together with differences between the urbanisation of these settlements. A comprehensive literature review of the subject matter and review of the historical development of the three settlements is included. Comparative studies of demographic data analysis, field studies, the creation and analysis of GIS maps will also be considered. Built-up area and distances obtained through GIS will also be used in the comparative study. The findings reveal that there are distinct similarities between the settlements' morphologies. In addition, the topography, a planning law not enacted for almost twenty-three years, the subsequent introduction of an administrative body (MEPA), the provision of Government Estates and the introduction of Home Ownership Schemes had an influence on the form and extent of urban development in the three settlements. Results also show similar population density per built-up area, per capita built-up area increase and Proximity Indices for the three settlements in 2008. This dissertation also highlights recommendations for further studies. Description: B.A.(HONS)GEOGRAPHY Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/7947 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/7256 Title: Spatial distribution of educational achievement : a case study using the catchment area of St Benedict's college Abstract: Academic achievement in the Maltese Islands has always been one of the main foci of the educational establishment as a whole. Great emphasis has recently been placed on changing the educational system in order to allow more students to get the relevant academic accreditations and to allow more students to continue to post-secondary education. Better educational achievement over the whole nation is the key to long term economic growth in view of the need of competing with countries with highly educated and skilled workforces. While we do know that educational attainment in Malta is tied to one’s social class we know very little about the spatial distribution of achievement. The aim of this dissertation is to study the spatial distribution of educational attainment. In order to do this, the catchment area of St. Benedict’s College was chosen as a case study, specifically concerning the Secondary sector of education. The data collected regarded only the Form 1 classes. Each of the settlements in the catchment area was divided into four subdivisions, in order to find educational attainment differences between the various neighborhoods that make up small Maltese rural settlements. The achievement of students residing in each of these subdivisions, and ach settlement was portrayed though Geographical ¸£ÀûÔÚÏßÃâ·Ñ System and analysed through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Studies in Malta have indicated differences across the Census Regions, while there have been no studies at the locality level. The results of this study indicate that boys’ achievement across both Junior Lyceum and Area Secondary schools is tied with locality and subdivision, particularly with the Urban Conservation Area and the Rural Area. Girls on the other hand did not have a general association of achievement with place of residence. There were subdivisions where meaningful statistical differences in achievement were found. Description: M.A.GEOGRAPHY OF CITIES Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/7256 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/7170 Title: The Mgarr area : studies of early modern landscape Abstract: The objective of this dissertation is to illustrate how the data obtained from historical sources (survey sheets, old maps, tenement plans, toponyms and historical documents) can contribute to a better understanding and also help recreate past landscapes by using the retrogressive approach. Retrogressive Analysis starts with the examination of the most recent records which in this case are survey sheets, maps, tenements plans and historical records and moves backwards through a series of earlier documents taking into account the topographical references, the use of toponyms and land use thus providing a temporal analysis of the landscape being studied. The area under investigation is the MÄ¡arr area in Malta in the Early Modern Period (16th to the 19th century). The study will assess the continuous interaction of both the physical and cultural landscape, proposing how these were influenced by the historical events taking place in this area while affecting the people’s perception of this region. The second part of the dissertation deals with the location and analysis of a number of tenements in the MÄ¡arr area belonging to the various Foundations and Institutions that fell under the Order of St. John - the sovereign ruler of the Maltese Islands in the Early Modern Period. These tenements which were found from a number of cabrei have been transcribed on GIS (Geographic ¸£ÀûÔÚÏßÃâ·Ñ System) and analysed in relation to the roads, springs and settlements. The approaches applied here will help the reader understand the varying changes and continuity that have characterised the MÄ¡arr area from the Early Modern Period to modern times. Description: M.A.GEOGRAPHY OF CITIES Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/7170 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/5865 Title: 'New Beginnings' : a case study of the socio-economic aspects of retirement migration in Malta Abstract: The immigration of foreign retirees has been changing considerably throughout the years. The study explored the aspect of retirement migration in Malta. The aim was that of investigating the socio-economic aspect of retirement migration in relation to the decision making process and the personal insights of such migrants. This study reported findings from case studies in both Malta and Gozo, of eight international retirees who have permanently relocated to Malta. A qualitative approach was deemed as ideal. Contrasting perspectives of personal thoughts have emerged from the study. Specifically respondents were asked a series of questions on both social implications and also on economic implications. One of the recurring findings was that foreign retirement migration happens as a process which mostly occurs gradually in a retiree's life. Typically a number of visits in the island beforehand would have occurred, thus foreigners familiarised themselves with Malta and its lifestyle on previous occassions. Pull factors, including climatic conditions, language, Maltese lifestyle and safety,were observed as being the most fundamental issues which foreign retirees take into account prior to relocating. Whereas economic implications were found to be not a strong indicator as to why retirees choose Malta as ideal to their needs. Nevertheless, these migrants benefit from retirement and pension schemes and the favourable cost of living. This study indicates that more research about foreign retirement migration in Malta can help understand the underlying principles in a holistic perspective of such movements and what reasoning lies beneath it. Description: B.A.(HONS)GEOGRAPHY Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/5865 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z