• Duration: One year full-time
• Mode of Delivery: Face-to-face learning
• Awarding Institution: GBS HE Malta
• Awarded Qualification: Award in Information Technology and Study Skills; Pre-Tertiary Certificate in Information Technology and Study Skills
• Level: MQF Level 4 (UK Level 3)
• MQRIC Accredited Status: Accredited
• Locations: Malta
• Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme
• Language of Instruction: English

The Award in Information Technology and Study Skills provides an academic and professional foundation to students in all aspects of digital society, internet technology and the WWW, and in computer hardware and software.

In addition, the Award covers academic writing, communication and digital skills together with effective study practice and career planning. Students will also be encouraged to develop a career plan and will be supported in their aspirations.

The Award in essential areas of information technology is supplemented with broader based knowledge and skills to enable students to proceed towards studying information technology and/or related areas at higher education levels (MQF/EQF Levels 5 and 6) and so pursue a career in information technology.

Our Award in Information Technology and Study Skills are assessed and accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) and aligned with the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF).

Our programme is approved under the Malta Get Qualified Scheme, which allows students to claim back up to 70% of their tuition fees as tax credits after graduation. This government-backed initiative applies to programmes recognised at MQF Level 3 or higher. To be eligible for the refund, graduates must live and work in Malta for at least two years following the completion of their studies. This makes higher education in Malta both more affordable and financially rewarding.

Credits needed to earn the degree:

• ECTS Credits: 60 ECTS
• UK Credits: 120 Credits

The Award in Information Technology and Study Skills consists of six compulsory 10 ECTS modules as follows:

• Developing Academic Skills
• The Digital Society
• Communication and Digital Literacy Skills
• Internet Technology and the WWW
• Effective Study and Career Planning
• Introduction to Computer Hardware and Software

Assessment will be through a range of different types of coursework, including essays, case studies, group and individual presentations, posters, teamwork, project proposals and project reports.

Continual and final approaches to assessment will be employed. Continual assessment tasks will be set for all modules and will be aimed at supporting students in understanding and preparing for their finals. In this way, students with different learning styles and abilities will be able to gain a good understanding of the assessment requirements and confidently move forward on their journey to submitting their final assignments. 

Final assignment briefs will set out the learning outcomes being assessed and the appropriate material, context, etc. required. Suggested reading will include book chapters, published articles, weblinks to companies, and case studies, as appropriate. Each brief will include marking/grading criteria so that participants have a clear understanding of what is required to pass the assessment and what is required to achieve higher grades. Grading of a participant’s assessment will be made using the pass, merit, distinction and fail criteria common to MQF/EQF Level 4 programmes.

Feedback will be provided to each student on their assessed work identifying both areas of strength and areas that could be improved. Where a fail grade is awarded, the student will receive detailed feedback including advice on the areas for improvement.

The learner will be able to:

1. Describe what is meant by the term ‘digital society’ and its impact on society as a whole.
2. Understand internet technology, including related concepts and terminology.
3. Describe and understand modern computer systems and respective components.
4. Describe software architecture and different operating systems.
5. Understand, demonstrate and improve upon a range of academic and writing skills necessary to study effectively in higher education.
6. Identify study practices, personal qualities and attributes, self-awareness and the reflection necessary for progression to higher education.
7. Identify career aspirations and develop a draft career plan.
8. Understand the importance of communication and digital skills to support studies and learning in education.

• Prospective students who can demonstrate prior appropriate experience may also be admitted.
• Prospective students should also be able to demonstrate a suitable level of English language to be able to study and successfully complete this programme.
• Prospective students should possess at least the appropriate MQF/EQF Level 2 or equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements: In addition, to be offered a place, students would be required to meet English language requirements of a minimum IELTS score of 5.0 overall or equivalent English language abilities at this level.

The Award in information Technology and Study Skills aims to provide students with knowledge, understanding, some critical appreciation and practical skills in information technology to prepare them for study at undergraduate degree level (MQF/EQF Levels 5 and 6) in core and related areas.

This Award will also provide students with the essential academic, communication and digital skills to help prepare them to progress academically and professionally. Students will also be supported in their career aspirations and career planning. 

By studying key areas of information technology, including digital society, internet technology and the WWW as well as computer hardware and software, students will be prepared to go on to study further or enter the career of their choice once they have successfully completed the course and achieved the award of an MQF Level 4 Award in Information Technology and Study Skills.