List of Subjects

Accounting is the systematic recording, reporting, and analysis of financial data. It provides essential tools for the efficient management of daily financial activities, whether one is aiming to establish a business or supporting the success of an existing one. A background in accounting is essential to anyone who would like to explore career opportunities in the rapidly expanding financial sector, both local and overseas.

Advanced Level
At Advanced Level, Accounting provides a comprehensive understanding of how businesses document, report, and analyse their financial activities. Students delve into financial and management accounting, learn to prepare and interpret financial statements, and apply accounting methods to practical scenarios. This course strengthens analytical and decision-making abilities, making it ideal for students who would like to pursue a career in business, finance, accounting, or auditing.

Intermediate Level
Intermediate Level Accounting introduces fundamental principles essential for maintaining financial organisation and ensuring business success. Participants will acquire skills in recording transactions, preparing financial statements, and utilising basic management accounting tools. This course provides a solid foundation for advanced study or practical application in finance.

Classical Studies presents an engaging examination of the civilisations of Ancient Greece and Rome, encompassing their history, language, mythology, literature, art and architecture. It analyses the influence of these cultures on subsequent societies, thereby emphasising how the modern world is heavily indebted to ancient Greece and Rome. Furthermore, it provides prospective university students with essential knowledge and skills that are invaluable for their future academic pursuits, particularly in fields such as anthropology, archaeology, arts, classics, history, languages, media, philosophy, public policy, theology, education, law, and even medicine.

Intermediate Level
The syllabus is organised into five modules. The History module delineates significant events and figures from the history of Ancient Greece and Rome whereas the Language module presents fundamental grammatical structures and syntax of Ancient Greek and Latin. The Mythology module explains essential myths, highlighting their role in unfolding human origins, the universe, morality, values, and ethnographic and cultural distinctions. This is complemented by the Literature module, where selected passages from ancient literary works have influence main literary genres. The analysis of designated key works in the Art and Architecture module helps trace the evolution of Greek and Roman artistic heritage.

Economics examines the decision-making processes of individuals, firms, and governments concerning the utilisation of scarce resources. It offers a comprehensive framework for analysing markets, pricing mechanisms, and the impact of governmental policies on daily life. Economics is well suited to anyone with an interest in current affairs, finance, and public policy. The discipline promotes informed, analytic thinking about both local and global economic issues, thereby enhancing awareness of Malta’s position within the European and global economies.

Advanced Level
The MATSEC Advanced Level course examines both microeconomics and macroeconomics, focusing on market operations, national income, employment, price stability, and economic growth. Students study international trade, the European Union, and financial institutions, applying theory to contemporary issues. Emphasis is placed on analysis, evaluation, and the interpretation of economic data in preparation for university-level studies.

Intermediate Level
At Intermediate Level, students learn about demand and supply, opportunity cost, market structures, and the role of government. The course explores how economic policy affects society and business. Students improve their numeracy, reasoning, and problem-solving skills necessary further studies.

Special Considerations
The subject complements Accounting, Business Studies and Mathematics, and provides an excellent foundation for degree programmes in Economics, Commerce, European Studies, or related disciplines offered by the University of Malta.

Geography is the comprehensive study of locations and the dynamic interactions between humans and their environment. It encompasses the investigation of social, cultural, economic, and physical dimensions. Consequently, the discipline adopts a holistic approach, examining local, regional, and global perspectives. Students develop analytical and problem-solving skills that will be valuable for future research and careers. A background in Geography is essential for those who aspire to build their careers in environmental management, spatial and urban planning, transportation, agriculture, fisheries, meteorology, aviation, law enforcement, military service, and tourism.

Advanced Level
The Advanced Level course offers an in-depth exploration of both the physical and human environments, and how they interconnect. Participants study key topics in physical geography including weather and climate, plate tectonics, coastal processes, hydrology, natural hazards, and environmental issues They also delve into human geography topics, including population dynamics, migration, settlement patterns, urbanisation, economic activities, and development impacts. This course also enables students to apply their knowledge through fieldwork investigations.

Intermediate Level
At Intermediate Level, students study physical and human geography processes, such as Earth’s structure, atmospheric behaviour, and the dynamics of human populations. They develop key skills in data collection and interpretation, laying a foundation for future studies in Geography.

Special Considerations
IPAL students, who intend to study Geography at Advanced Level in one year, must be in possession of the two short-term fieldwork reports and the individual fieldwork report.

History studies change, thereby letting students analyse events shaping societies, cultures, and civilisations. By examining evidence from documents and records, they learn to deconstruct narratives and understand historical phenomena. It also helps evaluate landmark events, spot patterns in contemporary contexts, and consider different perspectives to address current and future issues. Careers include teaching, research, diplomacy, the public service, and EU policy.

Advanced Level
At this level, the subject covers topics from Maltese, European and International, and Mediterranean History. In Maltese History, the focus is on Political Development, Church-State Relations, and Socioeconomic Development, starting with the French period until European Integration. European and International History spans from the French Revolution to the European Union Enlargements. Central themes in this section are the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Era, the 1830 and 1840 Revolutions, the Unifications of Italy and Germany, the Russian Revolutions, the Industrial Revolution, the World Wars, and the Cold War. The Mediterranean dimension is addressed by analysing political developments that shifted the balance of power in the region from time to time, including the Eastern Question, the World Wars, Decolonisation, and the Arab-Israeli Conflict.

Intermediate Level
At this level, the subject covers Maltese and European History from 1789 to 1921, when Malta gained its first self-governing constitution. Maltese History emphasises Fortress Politics and Economics, including Political, Constitutional, Socioeconomic, and Strategic development. European History focuses on Revolutions and Nationalism, highlighting how these transformations shaped modern nation states.

Marketing is significantly influenced by social and technological transformations. It is rooted in researching consumer needs, market segmentation, the analysis of purchasing behaviours, and the implementation of marketing tools. These include product development, pricing strategies, distribution channels, and communication methodologies to effectively meet customer demands. Marketing cultivates practical skills in analysis, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. It thereby enhances employability in sectors such as digital marketing, communications, media, advertising, content creation, research, and web design. Executive and managerial positions increasingly prioritise candidates who possess a robust academic foundation in the subject.

Advanced Level
This course covers key marketing areas, including customer value, market environment and research, buyer behaviour, and product development and branding. Pricing, distribution, promotion and global marketing will also be addressed. By analysing case studies, completing assignments, engaging in group activities and discussions, and gaining insights from presentations by marketing professionals, students will be in a better position to appreciate how the theoretical background can be applied to real-world situations.

Intermediate Level
At this level, the subject offers a basic understanding of several key marketing areas through practical examples. These include creating and capturing customer value and behaviour, the marketing environment, segmentation, targeting, as well as strategies for product pricing, distribution, and promotion.

Philosophy is the rigorous investigation of fundamental questions concerning existence, knowledge, and ethics. It aims to comprehend the nature of reality and the role of humanity within it through critical analysis and reasoned argument. Philosophy promotes the exploration of diverse viewpoints to enrich our understanding of the universe and ourselves. By scrutinising the rationale behind our beliefs, philosophy offers a structured approach to address some of the most intricate enigmas in life.

Advanced Level
At Advanced Level, students engage with questions relating to Existence, Epistemology (the theory of knowledge), Ethics, Personhood, Logic, and Philosophy of Language. At this level, students are given the skills for independent and reasoned thought, thereby going beyond the study of philosophers’ teachings. Students are taught to contemplate the nature of truth, develop clear reasoning, spot weak arguments and confidently express their own ideas and opinions.

Intermediate Level
At the Intermediate level, the focus will be on Logic and Ethics. Students will study formal and informal logic, as well as ethical theories and practical issues such as life and death, and online privacy. The course aims at enabling students to construct solid arguments and think critically and clearly about real‑life situations that often require decision-making and wise choices.

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour, exploring how people think, feel, and act in different situations. It studies topics such as cognition, development, personality, and social interaction. Through research, psychology aims to understand the processes that influence behaviour and the application of this knowledge to improve well-being and support positive change. Studying psychology, helps students develop analytical, research, and communication skills whilst providing insight into the critical interpretation of information. Psychology is valuable for careers in health, education, research, human resources, and other fields.

Intermediate Level
The course covers major psychological perspectives, including biological, cognitive, humanistic, and psychoanalytic approaches. It explains how each theoretical perspective interprets thought, emotion, and behaviour. Students learn how the brain, nervous system, and hormones shape behaviour. Cognitive processes such as memory and perception are also examined. Topics in social behaviour include conformity and obedience, communication, gender development, and stereotypes. Students also study personality differences, stress and coping strategies, and gain an overview of psychological disorders and mental health issues.

The subject examines in detail how religion profoundly influences individuals’ beliefs and behaviours, shapes societal norms and institutions, impacts political systems and policies, and contributes to the development and diversity of cultures worldwide.

Advanced Level
Religious Knowledge covers four core areas: The Bible, The Creed, Liturgy and Sacraments, and Christian Morality. These are taught through instruction and discussion. Students critically analyse key themes like the existence of God, faith and reason, tradition, the historical context of the Gospels, the Old and New Testaments, and a detailed study of the Gospel according to Saint John. Topics include life, death, eternal life, and the nature and mission of the Church. Religious Knowledge also examines the importance of Liturgy and Sacraments, and discusses contemporary issues such as euthanasia, abortion, human dignity, family, sexuality, prayer, environmental sustainability, the role of the Church in contemporary society, and the Beatitudes.

Intermediate Level
At Intermediate Level, the subject is similarly structured into four components: The Creed, Liturgy and Sacraments, Christian Morality, and Christian Prayer. These components are examined in less detail than at Advanced Level, yet the course continues to emphasise discussion and active participation. The learning approach is student-centred, promoting engagement, reflection, and personal development.

Sociology is the scientific discipline dedicated to the study of society and social behaviour. It encompasses the analysis of social relationships, institutions, culture, inequality, and social change. The subject fosters critical understanding of contemporary social phenomena and promotes responsible citizenship.

Advanced Level
A thorough and critical exploration of key sociological theories and concepts examines how social structures, power relations, and institutions influence human behaviour and social outcomes. The course analyses culture, identity, and socialisation alongside patterns of social stratification, inequality, and exclusion. It critically engages with theories of crime and deviance, welfare, family life, race, ethnicity, migration, and the information society. It also evaluates the impact of globalisation on social, economic, and environmental processes. Emphasis is given to applying, comparing, and evaluating classical and contemporary sociological perspectives through coherent, evidence-based argumentation.

Intermediate Level
At Intermediate Level, the subject introduces important sociological concepts about society’s organisation and structure. It examines social institutions like family, education, religion, and media, emphasising their roles in maintaining social order. The process of socialisation is analysed to show how individuals learn norms, values, and behaviours. Sociology also explores social inequality, focusing on how social class, gender, ethnicity, and age can cause disparities in access to power, resources, and opportunities.