Malta
University:
- Post-secondary level (16-18 years-olds): Students study for an Intermediate Level (IM) or an Advanced Level (AM) qualification in Home Economics and Human Ecology.
The IM course is designed to provide a brief review of fundamental nutrition, health, family, and consumer aspects and is assessed by one examination paper covering The Family in Society, Food Science and Nutrition, and Consumer Issues and Concerns.
The Advanced Level Home Economics and Human Ecology Examination is assessed through two examination papers focusing on Food, Nutrition and Health and The Family, Home and Society, as well as coursework involving experimental and investigative research.
Both courses run for 2 years. The AM qualification is required for entry into B.Ed. (Hons) Nutrition, Family & Consumer Studies (ex-Home Economics) course and is a preferred subject for entry into courses such as BA Social Work, B.Sc. Nursing and other allied health courses, as well as Hospitality Management and Catering courses at the Institute of Tourism Studies. - At tertiary level, further study in Home Economics is offered as the B.Ed. (Hons) Nutrition, Family & Consumer Studies (NFCS) course within the Faculty of Education, University of Malta. Thus the main goal is teacher training. The B.Ed. (Hons) NFCS is a 4-year course focusing on Home Economics and Textiles Studies subject content and teaching methodology. Students can also do some basic courses in teaching Food or Textiles Technology.
- At a post graduate level students can do a M.Ed. in Health, Family & Consumer Studies (HFCS). The M.Ed. HFCS offers an advanced level, multi-disciplinary programme which is targeted at "educators" seeking to:
a) upgrade their knowledge in the fields of health, nutrition, consumer and sustainability issues;
b) improve their pedagogical and communication skills;
c) familiarise themselves with the process of policy development and;
d) develop and practise programme planning, implementation and evaluation. - The local professional organisation "Home Economists in Action" regularly offers continuing professional development activities for its members (see http://www.wix.com/heiamalta/home).
Fields of business activities:
Graduates of the B.Ed (Hons) NFCS programme generally find jobs teaching Home Economics, Textiles Studies, Food and Textiles Technology in Secondary schools, or facilitating a variety of workshops for school children and their parents organised by a special state-run Home Economics Seminar Centre.
Graduates are also engaged to lecture at other state higher educational institutions, or in private professional development institutions on courses related to child and elderly care, hospitality and hairdressing and beauty therapy. A few graduates also produce and present Home Economics related TV and radio programmes; though mainly on a part-time basis. Some start their own business, very often in the catering sector.
Contact person IFHE: Suzanne Piscopo, University of Malta - Faculty of Education
Website: https://secure.um.edu.mt/educ/mste/nfcs
If further, more detailed information is required or you wish to contribute relevant up dated information for Home Economics Education courses in Malta, please submit it to the IFHE webmaster at office@
ifhe.org