Maltese Language Courses
Maltese Language Courses provided by Queen Mary University of London, Malta Campus
The official languages of Malta are Maltese and English, both of which are spoken fluently by the majority of the population. Both in the hospital and primary care setting, our students find that some patients feel more comfortable speaking in Maltese.
We believe that it is beneficial for all students to learn a basic level of Maltese. This will help with interactions and communication with patients. The University has developed three qualifications in Maltese that are accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). These are:
- An Award in Maltese as a Foreign Language, which was designed for students to obtain the four basic skills of the Maltese Language (reading, writing, speaking, listening) and to understand Maltese culture
- An Award in Medical Maltese (Part 1), which helps students acquire the basic skills in medical Maltese to communicate with patients and interact with colleagues in medical settings
- An Award in Medical Maltese (Part 2), which helps students acquire further skills in medical Maltese to communicate with patients and interact with colleagues in medical settings
See our page on full course descriptions and learning outcomes for these courses. Specific learning objectives and other learning resources are also available on QMPlus.
"Medical Maltese enhances the educational experience from clinical placements. From knowing key phrases, one can overcome the initial barriers to approaching non-English speaking patients, maximising opportunities even when a translator is unavailable. Learning Maltese also enables one to observe cultural nuances in ways people interact with healthcare, an experience reflecting the increasingly diverse settings doctors currently work in. Learning a new language is tough, but it will be worth it when one realises how much this helps build rapport with patients and colleagues encountered in the clinical years."— Gan Weng Liang, MBBS Malta Year 5 , Obtained Medical Maltese qualification in December 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maltese compulsory?
Yes. From the September 2027 intake, Maltese language will be compulsory and your achievements in the subject will be included in your degree transcript. You will also receive a separate certificate on completion of the Maltese course. The course has been made compulsory in view of the benefit that students with a knowledge of Maltese have whilst on clinical placement.
If a student wants to apply for foundation training in Malta (FY1 & FY2), they would need to pass all parts of this course. The Award in Maltese provided by the medical school is accepted by the Medical Council of Malta, making students eligible to apply for foundation training in Malta.
How are the Maltese qualifications assessed?
Your progress will primarily be monitored through your attendance and participation in class assignments (60%), with a final exam at the end of the year (40%).
Do I need to complete all the qualifications?
Yes. Each part builds on the next and after completing each of the three qualifications, the entire Maltese course will be complete.
How many hours per week will be included in the curriculum?
The curriculum typically includes 2 hours of face-to-face teaching per week. Students will be required to perform independent study but most of this can be included in interactions with patients, Maltese academic and clinical staff, or whilst out and about in the community.
How is Maltese taught?
The Maltese courses are taught through a mixture of lectures, workshops and practical sessions. Learning approaches include role play, quizzes, learning in the community and whilst on placements, with guidance from Maltese language teachers and local clinicians.
Is it possible to take the Queen Mary Maltese course at a later stage?
No, the courses have been designed to align with your medical studies. Thus, they must be completed as scheduled in the timetable and students should attain a level of Maltese before entering Phase 2.
In Phase 2, students will be attending clinical attachments in Malta and will not be able to attend all of the face-to-face sessions which will be held in Gozo. Medical Maltese lessons in years 1 and 2 are delivered via face-to-face teaching.
Face to face or online?
The courses in years 1 and 2 are delivered face-to-face. However, for additional personal study and review, there is the option to also follow the recording which is made available to students following each lecture.
Provisions are made for students in year 3 that are on placement in Malta to attend online during that time.
What additional resources are available to students to facilitate learning of the Maltese language?
The University provides Maltese language books. It also provides online resources and videos, including e-learning videos about the Maltese language. Local academic staff and clinicians are fluent and well-versed in Maltese and are very enthusiastic about knowledge sharing and teaching the language, providing a great resource for students when they are completing the Maltese language courses.
Studying medicine can be challenging. Will I have time to study a new language at the same time?
The University has incorporated the Maltese language courses in the academic timetable and allocated sufficient time for your studies within the working day. The courses are basic and assessment is primarily formative and attendance-based. Instead of a focus on the final exams, we place more emphasis on gradually building your competency through practical exercises. The knowledge acquired from the Maltese language courses will be relevant and practical whilst on placement, as it will support the students' overall experience during their placement.
