Semester 1
This course explores the development of the notion of human freedom through the works of ancient Greek and Roman authors. By visiting selected texts, the course will engage into critical discussion that helps the student to analyse various notions of human freedom against the literary, cultural and anthropological milieu of a particular era in antiquity as well as assess the organic development of the notion across different classical periods. Beginning from the Greek myths, it weaves its way through various ancient schools of thought leading to the works of St Augustine of Hippo, who provides the most consequential account of human freedom for modern Western thought.
Semester 1
Despite its small size, Malta occupies a strategic position along one of the world’s major migratory flyways, hosting a remarkable diversity of bird species throughout the year. From seabirds breeding on coastal cliffs to migrants crossing the Mediterranean between Europe and Africa, birds provide a unique opportunity to explore the natural world and the environmental challenges it faces.
Drawing on the expertise and practical experience of BirdLife Malta’s ornithologists and conservationists, this study-unit introduces students to the fascinating world of birds and birdwatching, exploring bird identification, behaviour, ecology, migration, and conservation while providing an accessible introduction to ornithology. Students will gain an understanding of the diversity of birds and habitats found in the Maltese Islands, with particular emphasis on Malta’s importance as a migratory crossroads in the Mediterranean.
Semester 1, Semester 2
This unit provides students with a unique hands-on learning experience focused on the upkeep and management of the green roof at the Faculty for the Built Environment. Framed as a living laboratory, it combines practical gardening activities with guided reflection on the role of green infrastructure in urban environments.
Through active participation, students will develop a sense of ownership and belonging within the University while gaining practical skills in horticulture, plant management, and seasonal maintenance. The module also introduces key concepts related to urban greening, including environmental performance, biodiversity, and the contribution of green spaces to human well-being.
The unit emphasises learning through experience, peer collaboration, and environmental awareness. Assessment is based on active participation and attendance.
Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer
Throughout these sessions, you will analyse the influence of Ancient Greek and Roman literature on the visual arts of the Neoclassical, Romantic, and Modern movements. You will delve into the works of foundational authors, from the epic traditions of Greece to the heights of the Roman Empire, exploring themes such as patriotic propaganda, pastoral imagery, and romance.
Semester 1, Semester 2
This eight-week course will introduce students to the realm of Ancient Greek Mythology.
Throughout the study-unit we shall discuss the impact that these myths had on Ancient Greek civilisation and how these myths affected the culture and society of the people that believed in them.
Students will be also introduced to mythology through ancient literary sources such as Homer and Hesiod, as well as through ancient drama such as the tragedies of Euripides.
Semester 2
A mixed-focus Thematic Approach which seeks to explore elements of Greek and Roman history through a thematic rather than chronological approach that puts the emphasis on these themes rather than on the narrative.
Semester 1, Semester 2
The term ‘Renaissance’ derives from the Latin verb renascor, which means ‘to be reborn’. This notion of ‘rebirth’ is applied broadly to a historical period between the 14 th and 16 th centuries CE, during which Europe witnessed a rebirth of the Classics, i.e. the ancient Greek and Roman world. The art, history, literature, mysticism, philosophy, and rhetoric of the classical world became catalysts for innovative thought among Renaissance thinkers, artists, and patrons alike.
The powerhouse of the Italian Renaissance was the Italian city of Florence, where this new movement flourished under the patronage of the house of Medici, an influential family of bankers. Through the Medici’s patronage, some of the most important figures in European history emerged, including Cristoforo Landino, Marsilio Ficino, Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, among many others.
The aim of this study-unit is to explore how the Classics (re)emerged as the foundation for the Italian Renaissance. Each lecture will delve into a particular theme from the classical world by considering a variety of textual and artistic sources from the Italian Renaissance. Throughout this study-unit, participants will be able to reflect on how the Classics continue to be received well beyond the ancient world, including in our own contemporary societies.
Semester 1
This study unit examines the threatened legacy of modernist architecture, especially in Malta and Gozo, exploring how post-war buildings, often
unprotected by heritage legislation, are documented, interpreted, and advocated for within contemporary preservation discourse. It introduces the historical development, key characteristics, and current challenges surrounding modernist architecture, situating these buildings within Malta’s evolving built environment and debates on heritage, policy, and sustainability.
Semester 1
In this course, students will learn about the foundations of UNSCR 1325 and its related
resolutions. This course will unpack the gendered differences, both theoretically and
practically, of conflict analysis, violent conflict, security, climate change, humanitarian law,
peacekeeping, reconstruction and relief & recovery. Via specific case studies, students will
be able to identify the fundamental elements of the WPS agenda, how and why it matters,
and what major challenges the agenda is facing. Over nine sessions, students will hear from
researchers, academics, practitioners and policy writers, covering the following topics: