Masters course in STEM Education and Engagement launched

The Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) and the Institute for Education (IfE) have come together to set up a Masters course in STEM Education and Engagement.

The initiative was taken in response to the growing demand of educational institutions, entities and business organizations for people to communicate and engage with audiences in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In a press conference held jointly by the Ministry for Research, Innovation and the Coordination of the Post Covid-19 Strategy and the Ministry for Education at Esplora, details were given about this course.

In October 2021, seven candidates will be starting their MSc in STEM Education and Engagement. This course at MQF Level 7, carrying 90 ECT’s will be offered this year for the very first time in Malta. It will be delivered by the Institute for Education and some parts will be delivered at Esplora Interactive Science Centre, Kalkara. The course will run for 3 years on a part-time basis.

Through this agreement the MCST and IfE will be jointly sponsoring the tuition fees of the chosen candidates for the total course duration. The candidates will be nominated by the MCST and will follow the admissions process and requirements set up by the IfE.

This Masters programme will be offered through a combination of online learning and weekend workshops to provide the eligible candidates with tools and strategies relevant to the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Minister for Education Justyne Caruana said that “the Government and the Ministry for Education are committed to strengthen STEM education on a National level. We are committed to further strengthen this sector on various levels, by reforming the STEM related curricula, supporting all educators in their professional development, and also through the popularization of STEM subjects”. Minister Caruana said that the strengthening of this educational sector is also brought about by collaborations as was done with this agreement between the Institute for Education and the Malta Council for Science and Technology. This is an agreement continues to give importance to this area of education through the synergy between the Ministry and the social partners.

Minister Owen Bonnici stated that “it is of great satisfaction for us to see Maltese academics get ahead in these areas of education, which are so important for research and innovation in our country. That is why it is imperative for us to keep encouraging these academics, even through investments such as the one we’re marking today, investments that keep fuelling more learning opportunities.”

The minister went on to explain how important it is for research and education to go hand in hand, so as to provide new solutions we can all benefit from.

MCST Executive Chairman Dr Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando said, “The Malta Council for Science and Technology and the Institute for Education already collaborate on a number of initiatives, most notably on the work related to the National STEM Engagement Group – which is chaired by Esplora. We are now pleased to announce a notable achievement, which is a result of our collaborative efforts: a formal qualification at Master’s level which focuses on STEM education and engagement.”

IfE CEO, Joanne Grima said, “The collaboration between our institutions created this Master degree which promotes interest and engagement in the key subjects referred to collectively as STEM. It is our duty and obligation to create and propagate an interest in this area. We must remember that everyone lives science and uses technology, and thus everyone can thrive in it.”