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Strengthening blue economy education through SeaBluE

SeaBluE, the Joint Bachelor's Degree in Sustainable Blue Economy, is the first SEA-EU joint undergraduate degree and represents an important milestone in transnational higher education.

The programme brings together several SEA-EU partner universities, including the University of Malta, and offers students an international and multidisciplinary learning experience focused on the sustainable blue economy, marine conservation, coastal planning, maritime policy, and related fields. Information about the joint undergraduate course and the official handbook can be accessed .

Prof. Alfred Micallef and Prof. Adam Gauci from the Department of Geosciences and Prof. Rose Marie Azzopardi from the Department of Economics attended the staff week held at the Parthenope University of Naples from 24 to 26 June 2026.

This brought together academic staff and programme coordinators involved in the delivery, coordination, and quality assurance of the SeaBluE undergraduate joint degree.

The meeting focused on reviewing the first year of implementation of the programme, discussing achievements, challenges and lessons learned, and identifying the way forward for the second year of delivery.

During the sessions, participants reflected on study units and discussed course alignment across partner institutions, teaching methodologies, student engagement, assessment methods, workload balance, and feedback practices.

Prof. Micallef presented his experience in lecturing SBE103, Applied Mathematics, while Prof. Azzopardi presented her experience in lecturing SBE104, Foundations of Economics, at the University of Cadiz. The programme also included action-planning sessions aimed at defining corrective measures, responsibilities, timelines, and priorities for the continued improvement of the course.

The participation of the University of Malta forms part of its broader engagement within the SEA-EU Alliance. Prof. Alan Deidun serves as the Rector's Delegate, supporting the University's continued involvement in this European University Alliance and its joint educational initiatives. Prof. Adam Gauci serves as the local coordinator of the SeaBluE joint undergraduate degree and is a member of its Academic Committee.

Through its contribution to SeaBluE, the University of Malta continues to strengthen its role in international collaboration, blue economy education, and the development of innovative joint programmes in higher education.

This participation was supported through mobility funding provided by the SEA-EU Office at the University of Malta.