Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Earth Systems
University of Malta
Information last verified July 2026
Program Overview
Concern over environmental change has never been greater than at present. It has long been known that the future of the human species is inextricably bound up with the health of the planet on which we live. It is therefore crucial that we gain a clear understanding of planet earth, its systems and their dynamics, if we are to determine the ways in which we should be living and utilizing resources responsibly. The B.Sc. (Hons) in Earth Systems will transcend disciplinary boundaries in order to adopt an integrated and holistic approach to the study of our planet. You will consider the various physical components of the earth system and interactions between these, whilst framing issues of environmental change within a broader context of environmental, social, economic and cultural sustainability. The emphasis is on developing an interdisciplinary and practice-oriented outlook. This programme is a science-based but policy-oriented field. Concern over environmental change has never been greater than at present. It has long been known that the future of the human species is inextricably bound up with the health of the planet on which we live. It is therefore crucial that we gain a clear understanding of planet earth, its systems and their dynamics, if we are to determine the ways in which we should be living and utilizing resources responsibly. The B.Sc. (Hons) in Earth Systems will transcend disciplinary boundaries in order to adopt an integrated and holistic approach to the study of our planet. You will consider the various physical components of the earth system and interactions between these, whilst framing issues of environmental change within a broader context of environmental, social, economic and cultural sustainability. The emphasis is on developing an interdisciplinary and practice-oriented outlook. This programme is a science-based but policy-oriented field. Concern over environmental change has never been greater than at present. It has long been known that th
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of the B.Sc. (Hons) in Earth Systems programme, you will be uniquely furnished with a sound scientific grounding in various aspects of earth systems, together with an understanding of the social, economic, policy and legislative frameworks that are so crucial to environmental management and planning. You will thus be ideally placed to join professional ranks in addressing the management and planning of activities at the human-nature interface, and will bring skills to the job from both the natural and social sciences. Potential employers include Malta's Environment Resources Authority (ERA) and Planning Authority (PA), the Malta Resources Authority (MRA), the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP), the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights (MAFA), Ambjent Malta, Wasteserve Malta Ltd, private-sector industry and environmental appraisal consultancies, the University of Malta and other educational institutions, as well as European and international governmental and non-governmental agencies. Examples of the latter include the European Environment Agency, World Conservation Union (IUCN), Conservation International, the World Wildlife Fund, the World Bank, as well as various UN agencies including FAO, UNESCO, UNEP, UNDP and UNIDO. You will also have the option of pursuing full-time or part-time studies at Master level, either with the University of Malta or at universities abroad. Courses available locally include the IES's own M.Sc. in Natural Environment and Resources Management, as well as the M.Sc. by research in Rural and Environmental Sciences.
Program Curriculum
Year 1 Semester 1 Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s) EMP1013 Introduction to Academic Skills 4 ECTS (NC) EMP1014 Environmental Data Processing 4 ECTS EMP1016 Biology and Chemistry for Earth Systems Science 4 ECTS (NC) EMP1017 Maths for Earth Systems Science 4 ECTS (NC) EMP1018 Introduction to Data Science: Python and SQL 4 ECTS EMP1019 Human-nature Systems 5 ECTS EMP1020 The Mediterranean Basin 5 ECTS Semester 2 Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s) EMP1010 Earth's Living Systems 6 ECTS (NC) EMP1021 Fundamentals of Earth Physics 4 ECTS EMP1022 Introduction to Geological Systems 5 ECTS EMP1023 Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 6 ECTS EMP1024 Essential Soil Science 5 ECTS EMP1025 Geo-spatial Mapping 4 ECTS (NC) Requirement for regular progression to Year 2: 60 ECTS credits Year 2 Semester 1 Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s) EMP2001 Earth's Atmospheric System 5 ECTS EMP2002 Ocean Systems 5 ECTS EMP2010 Environmental Monitoring: Earth Observation Systems 5 ECTS EMP2017 Concepts of Sustainability 5 ECTS EMP2018 Environmental Governance 4 ECTS ISE2105 Energy Resources and Systems 5 ECTS Semester 2 Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s) EMP2020 Statistics for Earth Systems Science 5 ECTS EMP2021 Ecosystem Management for Biodiversity Conservation 6 ECTS EMP2023 Project Management 8 ECTS EMP2024 Research Methods: Theory and Applications 6 ECTS (NC) EMP3029 Geopolitics of Natural Resources 6 ECTS Requirement for regular progression to Year 3: 60 ECTS credits Year 3 In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to register for a minimum of 8 ECTS credits from the study-units indicated with an asterisk and for optional study-units from other Faculties/Institutes/Centres to a total of 60 ECTS credits for the year. Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2) Compulsory Units (All students must register
Admission Requirements
General Entry Requirements Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications Special Course Requirements Intermediate Level pass at grade C or better in at least one of the following subjects: Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics (Mechanics), Geography and Sociology. You are viewing the entry requirements for International applicants. Switch to Local qualifications. You can submit your application online . The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta. You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage . Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements . The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the accommodation website . Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt , and our team will be more than happy to help. After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
Non EU Applicants: Fee per academic year: Eur 10,800 You are viewing the fees for non EU nationals. Switch to EU nationals if you are a national of any country from within the EU/EEA.
About University of Malta
University of Malta
Msida, Malta
TheUniversity of Malta(Maltese:L-Università ta' Malta;UM; formerlyUOM) is apublic research universityin the towns ofMsidaandValletta, Malta. It serves as theflagshipandnational universityof...
University Profile- Start Date October
- Language English
- Duration 3 years
- Credits 180
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