Overview
Established in 2001, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) is the country’s leading vocational education and training institution. Through our six institutes in Malta and the Gozo Campus, we offer 185 full-time and over 300 part-time vocational courses ranging from certificates to degrees (MQF Level 1 to Level 6). Our students are prepared for careers in different sectors of the economy or for higher education.
We collaborate closely with local industries to ensure that the knowledge, skills and competencies within our curricula are appropriate and relevant to a dynamic and forward-looking economy. This relationship stimulates the College’s success - our programmes are flexible, relevant and responsive to the aspirations of our students and the needs of industries, which are constantly evolving to meet the challenges of a changing global economy.
New MCAST structure to Benefit Students
MCAST has a wide-ranging and unique remit in the post-secondary sector offering courses ranging from Level 1 to Level 6. Within the Malta Qualifications Framework, MCAST provides Level 1 and 2 Foundation programmes for students who may have left formal schooling without any formal qualifications with the aim of helping them to at least achieve a Level 3 Vocational qualification and possibly even more. MCAST also provides Level 4 courses to students who may wish to enter employment at the technician level or who may aspire to continue their studies at a higher degree level. Finally, MCAST offers courses at Level 5 and 6 in which students aim to achieve a first degree.
All of these different levels are an important and vital part of MCAST’s mission. In order to strengthen each one of these different levels, it has been felt that MCAST’s structure needs to develop further in order to cater in a better manner for the needs of our students at different levels.
MCAST will remain as one organisation incorporating all these levels and emphasising the possibility of one continuous and strong pathway between the different levels. In order to strengthen its focus on the different needs of students at these different levels, MCAST will be introducing three colleges under the MCAST umbrella namely the Foundation College, the Technical College and the University College.
Foundation College
The Foundation College focuses on providing the best curricula and learning pedagogies for candidates following courses at MQF/EQF Levels 1, 2 and 3 by addressing their specific needs and preparing them for further education at the Technical College.
Technical College
The Technical College provides further programmes of study at MQF/EQF Level 4 in close collaboration with industry. The Advanced Diplomas on offer prepares our students with the right knowledge, skills and competencies in order to take up technical positions within industry or progress to the University College should they prefer to do so. Our Level 4 programmes incorporate a wide range of apprenticeships in various fields of studies thus enabling our students to also gain practical work experience while studying.
University College
The University College caters for higher education programmes and vocational degrees while also working in close collaboration with industry in order to provide professionals that are both academically prepared and practically trained to satisfy the needs of the local industry.
The Institutes and Centres provide all the technical and professional expertise towards the delivery of all programmes at MCAST while having the main aim of driving forward all the areas of study under their respective responsibility with an outlook towards the future. This corporate structure enables each College to create focused strategies that address the specific needs of students at each level while maintaining a healthy dialogue with all interested stakeholders in order to provide the best programmes for the needs of the local economy and society.
why MCAST?
- A rewarding career
We don’t just prepare you for examinations.
We collaborate with the leading industry players to give you hands-on training in the latest best practices and technologies. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and put what you learn in the classroom to practice in our workshops, laboratories and in real work settings, through placements and apprenticeships.
Our ultimate goal is to give you the skills and experiences required to help you achieve the thriving career you are aspiring for.
- A world of opportunities
Every year, we provide training opportunities to over 6,000 full-time students.
New programmes are constantly added to our list of courses to give you more new training options to choose from. If you are determined to advance in your career, we have the training programme that's made for you.
- A caring and vibrant Campus
We believe that education is not simply a matter of qualifications and technical skills. We are committed to helping you develop into responsible, enthusiastic adults with strong social values. Beyond the classroom, at MCAST you will be participating in sport, cultural and other fun activities that help you make new friends, gain confidence and improve your teamwork and communication skills.
You will also have opportunities to join national and international competitions and events, as well as to gain invaluable experience through international student exchange programmes. If you are going through a difficult moment in life, we provide you with a wide range of personal care and support services.
- International Centre of Excellence
We were the first educational institution in Europe to be certified as an International Centre of Excellence by the renowned international body EDEXCEL.
Our ongoing commitment to upgrade the quality of all our services and to provide you with an enjoyable learning experience includes the introduction of the latest teaching technologies, the employment of experienced lecturers and administrative staff, as well as extensive investment in state-of-the-art equipment.
We are currently implementing three EU-funded projects, worth over €20 million, to continue upgrading the quality of all our existing programmes, and introduce new ones.