Higher Diploma in Psychology

Course Title

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

1 Year

60 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time

Information for International applicants

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

a Bachelor degree in Psychology obtained with at least Category II or
a Bachelor degree with Psychology as a main area of study obtained with at least Category II and a minimum average mark of 60% in the Psychology area of study, provided that at least 70 ECTS credits in Psychology include those study-units indicated in the programme of study as compulsory for entry into the Course.

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Applications for our February and October intakes have been officially open since the third week in November. 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 accommodation website.

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.

The Higher Diploma in Psychology is a full-time course that is open for you if you do not possess a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree. Together with your first degree, this qualification is considered to be equivalent to a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), and enables you as a graduate to apply for a professional training Masters course in Psychology, both in Malta and abroad, provided that other requirements are also satisfied. By the end of the course, you will be able to demonstrate your newfound and acquired knowledge of psychology through a research-based dissertation and by applying the concepts and theories into a practical unit.

In addition to the 50 ECTS compulsory study-units, students are required to register for 10 ECTS from the elective study-units on offer. Students who have successfully completed any of the compulsory study-units during a previous course of studies shall be required to choose the equivalent number of credits in ECTS from the electives listed in the programme. In both instances, students should opt for the 'strongly recommended' electives.


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)

PSY3641	Dissertation	12 ECTS	(NC)

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

PSY2643	Practical Psychology	4 ECTS
PSY3605	Practicum	4 ECTS


Semester 1

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

PSY2628	Quantitative Research Methods and Data Analysis	4 ECTS	(NC)
PSY2629	Qualitative Research Methods and Data Analysis	4 ECTS	(NC)
PSY2641	Psychology of Helping	4 ECTS	(NC)
PSY3504	Psychotherapeutic Methods 1: Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and the Humanistic Existential Approaches	4 ECTS	(NC)
PSY3644	Child and Adolescent Psychopathology	6 ECTS	(NC)
PSY3656	Psychometrics and Psychological Assessment	4 ECTS	(NC)

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

COU3301	Career Education and Guidance	4 ECTS
INE2601	Inclusive Communities and Schooling	4 ECTS
PSY1628	Introduction to the Psychology Profession	4 ECTS
PSY1658	Academic Writing and Presentation in Psychology	4 ECTS
PSY2640*	Forensic and Criminal Psychology	4 ECTS
PSY3130	Psychology of Adjustment	2 ECTS
PSY3630*	Ethical and Professional Issues	4 ECTS
PSY3643	Cognitive Neuroscience	6 ECTS
PSY3647	Selected Topics in Organisational Psychology	4 ECTS
PSY3651	Introduction to Critical Psychology	4 ECTS
PSY3655	Neurodiverse Profiles	4 ECTS
* Study-units PSY2640 and PSY3630 are highly recommended.

Semester 2

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

PSY1618	Biological Psychology 2	4 ECTS	(NC)
PSY3505	Psychotherapeutic Methods 2: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Systemic Family Therapy	4 ECTS	(NC)
PSY3662	Neuropsychology	4 ECTS	(NC)

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

PSY2626	Psychology of Sexuality	2 ECTS
PSY3159	Addictive Behaviour	4 ECTS
PSY3609	Psychology of Small Groups	4 ECTS
PSY3613	Environmental Psychology	2 ECTS
PSY3616	Psychology of Ageing	4 ECTS
PSY3654	Aviation Psychology	4 ECTS

Requirement for successful completion of Higher Diploma in Psychology: 60 ECTS credits.

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of the Higher Diploma in Psychology under the auspices of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing.

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

Recall and describe major psychological concepts and psychologistsҠcontributions to their respective field in the subject-matter.
Carry out independent research through the appropriate use of methodology dependent on the research subject and aim.
Apply psychological concepts in real-life and contribute to lively interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary discussions.
Communicate effectively psychological terms.
Empathise with people who have mental health issues and destigmatise the negative associations related with mental health through your awareness and knowledge on the subject.

Non EU Applicants:

Fee per academic year: Eur 8,500

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As a holder of the Higher Diploma in Psychology degree, you would have the foundational knowledge to pursue further postgraduate studies, usually by reading for an MA offered by the University of Malta or foreign institutions, to specialise in a specific area. By furthering your specialisation studies, you will be able to choose from a variety of careers. Some of these include the role of a Clinical, counselling, educational, forensic, health, occupational, organisational and sport psychologist. The degree is also a pediment that allows you to become a therapist. If you would like to pursue a career as a researcher or academic, the option of gaining your doctorate is also available.

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.

https://www.um.edu.mt/courses/overview/uhdpsyft-2024-5-o/