MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology)

Mission Statement

To provide universally accessible vocational and professional education and training with an international dimension, responsive to the needs of the individual and the economy.

National Role

Established in 2001, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) is the country’s leading vocational education and training institution.  It collaborates with various national stakeholders and industry partners.  MCAST offers over 190 full-time courses and over 300 part-time vocational courses ranging from certificates to Doctoral level (MQF Level 1 to Level 8).

The six (6) MCAST Institutes provide all the technical and professional expertise towards the delivery of VET programmes.  They also maintain the aim of driving forward all the areas of study under their respective responsibility.  This corporate structure enables focused strategies, which 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.

This relationship with industry stimulates MCAST’s success.  Programmes are flexible, relevant and responsive to the aspirations of the students and to the needs of industries, which are constantly evolving to meet the challenges of a changing global economy.  For this reason, programmes are cyclically reviewed by engaging stakeholders (i.e. industry, teachers, learners), to challenge content and practice, and to support learning in a more proactive manner.

Presently, thirteen (13) degree programmes are offered at the MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts (ICA), and students can follow different progression routes to achieve their area of preference.

Work-based (and lifelong) learning is the foremost asset of learning experience at MCAST.  The College ensures that all qualifications are relevant to both the changing skills and competencies required by industries today, as well as traditional jobs, thereby linking talent to the needs of the labour market.

MCAST also supports small and medium-sized enterprises through a multidisciplinary approach.  This encompasses work-based learning through apprenticeship programmes, various entrepreneurship initiatives, and through the MG2i services (MCAST’s commercial arm), providing tailor-made training courses.  The College is focusing on increasing the portfolio of MG2i by developing new programmes in life-long learning, accrediting new programmes at different levels (including Masters degrees), and the introduction of other professional development programmes.  It is working on the internationalisation of MG2i through the Training and Professional Development Programmes and joint venture opportunities in different vocational areas.

Main Focus

Post-Secondary Vocational Education & Training (VET), EQF Levels 1 to 7 in the creative arts, journalism, and cultural heritage