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B.Sc. (Hons) Earth Systems

University of Malta (Institute of Earth Systems) · Msida, Malta

100% taught in EnglishApply direct to the university, not the CAOGrades-basedTaught in EnglishDirect applicationFieldwork
Duration3 years (180 ECTS)
StartsAutumn 2027
EntryGrades-based
Deadline (EU)Check UM dates page
EU fee 2027/28 (to be confirmed)Check with the university

About the course

An interdisciplinary, practice-oriented degree that takes ‘an integrated and holistic approach to the study of our planet’, combining natural and social sciences. Topics include atmospheric and ocean systems, geology, ecology, climate change, water and waste management, environmental governance and environmental impact assessment, with a focus on Malta and the Mediterranean. Teaching mixes lectures, laboratory sessions, field practicals and seminars, and a Field Techniques unit comes in Year 3. UM states that its language of instruction is English.

Entry requirements for Irish students

  • UM’s Ireland page sets the general entry rule for the Leaving Certificate: ‘6 Higher Level passes are required, including: 2 passes at H2; and 2 passes at H3; and 2 passes at H6’. These must include Higher Level passes in a language, a science and a humanistic subject. Confirm how this applies to you with UM Admissions.
  • Special Course Requirements: an Intermediate Level pass at grade C or better in at least one of Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics (Mechanics), Geography or Sociology. UM treats H6 as equal to an Intermediate grade C, so H6 or better at Higher Level in a subject such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Applied Maths or Geography should meet this. Confirm with UM.
  • English: UM’s Ireland page accepts an Ordinary Level pass at grade 4 or better (O4) in Leaving Cert English. A Secure English Language Test is the other option.

How to apply

  1. Check requirementsRead the course page and UM’s Ireland page, and check that the course is listed for the October 2027 intake.
  2. Apply onlineCreate an account on UM’s online application system and apply before the deadline on UM’s Dates and Deadlines page.
  3. Send resultsSend your Leaving Cert results as soon as they are issued in August 2027 so UM can confirm your place.
  4. Accept and registerAccept your offer, register online and arrange accommodation in Malta before the October start.
Deadline for Irish/EU applicants: UM has not yet published the 2027 dates. For the October 2026 intake, the late application deadline was 15 September 2026 at 14:00. The main 2027 deadline could fall earlier, so take the exact dates from UM’s Dates and Deadlines page and apply as early as you can..

Costs

  • UM’s course page lists a fee of EUR 10,800 a year for non-EU students only. It does not show the EU/EEA fee, so the EU fee for 2027/28 is not confirmed. EU students on a first full-time bachelor’s degree at UM are generally understood to pay no tuition, but check this with UM International Admissions (intadmissions@um.edu.mt).
You apply directly to the University of Malta, not through the CAO. The subject requirement is light. The EU fee and the 2027 deadline still need to be confirmed with UM.

At a glance

CountryMalta
CityMsida
LanguageEnglish
Apply viaUniversity online portal (UM eApplications)
PlacesNot published
EntryGrades-based
Course page (2026/27) ↗UM requirements for Irish applicants ↗UM dates and deadlines ↗← Back to all European courses

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Checked in September 2026 against UM’s 2026/27 course page and its Ireland entry page. The 2027/28 course page and dates are not yet published, so confirm the details for 2027 entry. Always confirm details with the university before applying.