European Studies

General information on this subject:

European Studies will give the students the opportunity to learn and consequently understand Europe and the world we live in today. With special focus on the European Union and how it helps to provide a better living to Europeans, European Studies gives knowledge about how the EU operates and how people in different countries live, think, and work together even when they have different cultures, languages, religions, and traditions.

Students will learn how Malta is connected to the European Union and how the latter is connected to the other various EU Member States and other International players and organisations.

Special importance is given on how decisions are made in the European Union and how these decisions can affect our everyday lives, such as travelling, the availability of products, jobs, prices, and the environment.

Students will also delve into the historical aspect of how Europe and the European Union evolved to what it is today, and how Human Rights became a cornerstone of today’s society.

To conclude, European Studies helps students become curious, respectful, and informed citizens, ready to understand current events and to take part in discussions about society, both in Malta and beyond, whilst embracing the rights, freedoms, and responsibilities that come with it.

Topics Studied:

Year 9: 

  • History of Europe and the European Union;
  • Democracy, Law and Government;
  • Human Rights;
  • EU Institutions.

Year 10:

  • Culture and Arts in Europe;
  • Sectors of the Economy and Trade;
  • Education and Healthcare;
  • Social Aspects and Poverty.

Year 11:

  • Population Data and Movement, Tourism and Industrialisation;
  • Multiculturalism and Sustainable Development.

Class Activities Involved:

  • Discussions and Debates;
  • Case Studies;
  • Research;
  • Field Work;
  • School Outings to Local Institutions;
  • Possibility of Abroad Educational Travels;
  • Video/Visual Teaching/Documentation;
  • Reading of Maps, Data and Statistics.

Homework Assigned:

  • Essay Tasks;
  • Presentations;
  • Research;
  • Opinion/Reflection Tasks;
  • Posters or Mini Video creations.

Assessments Given:

  • Essays;
  • Power Point Presentations;
  • Open Book/ Closed Book Tests;
  • Group Work Tasks;
  • Quizzes;
  • Class Participation.

Skills Acquired whilst Studying the Subject:

  • Writing Techniques and Ability to Explain Arguments;
  • Discussion Techniques;
  • Ability to Adapt, Respect and Understand different Perspectives/Arguments;
  • Critical Thinking;
  • Teamwork;
  • Confidence.

Skills Required to Study the Subject:

  • Knowledge of English;
  • Ability to Construct/Explain Arguments;
  • Positive Attitude;
  • Curiosity and willing to Learn;
  • Tolerance and Acceptance of somebody’s else Opinion;

Educational/Academical Progression:

The Institute of European Studies at the University of Malta offers various University Qualifications, both at Bachelor’s Degree Level and Master’s Degree Level, such as:

  • Bachelor of Arts in European Studies;
  • Master of Arts in European Integration Studies;
  • Master of Arts in European Politics, Economics and Law.

This Subject can lead you to the following Career Paths:

  • Jobs with various Government Entities;
  • Jobs with various EU Institutions or International Institutions;
  • Politics;
  • Tourism Industry;
  • EU Project Manager/Co-Ordinator;
  • Lawyer;
  • Notary;
  • Teaching Profession;
  • Translator;
  • Diplomat;
  • Human Rights Officer;
  • Migration and Asylum Support Worker;
  • Journalist;
  • Political Analyst;
  • NGO and Community Worker;
  • Environmental Officer;
  • Security and International Protection Officer;

Known Maltese Individuals who studied European Studies at University Level in Malta:

  • Dr. Miriam Dalli, Masters of Arts Eur. Studies;
  • Dr. Joseph Muscat, Masters of Arts Eur. Studies;
  • Keith Demicoli, Masters in European Economics, Law & Politics;