Dr Galea said that 4,300 students had completed secondary school this year and many of them would waiting for their exam results before deciding on their future education.
Mcast, said Dr Galea, offered more than 100 full-time, part-time and evening courses and Higher National Diploma courses. He said many of Mcast’s courses are recognised internationally and the European Union recently recognised Mcast as an institution of higher education with the bestowal of the Erasmus University Charter.
Dr Galea said Mcast had widened out to offer the best possible choice for students. Even when it came to academic levels, the college offers four different levels of courses. However, he said that while results were promising, Malta had not yet reached the levels of some EU countries. He said by 2010, Malta should be in line with the criteria of the Lisbon Agenda, having 85 per cent of students completing a post-secondary education course.
The education minister said Mcast’s growth rate was very satisfactory, however, there was still much to be done for it to reach its full potential.
He said Mcast needed to work with other institutions to create as many learning opportunities as possible for all students. Dr Galea also said the government was going to continue investing in the college.
In addition to new courses being offered, Mcast was also going to start a new personal development course for students to develop as young adults. He said: “The world of employment does not only require competent and qualified workers, it also needs people who have a good and positive outlook on life in general.”
The new programme also offers students extra-curricular activities, such as sport, community work, cultural, artistic and spiritual experiences – all of which will result in credits being awarded to students.
Applications will be processed on the following dates:
Surnames beginning A to C – 26 July; surnames D to M – 27 July and surnames N to Z – 28 July. Those who cannot make it on those days can apply on 29 and 30 July. The Ministry advised that while a representative can be sent in an applicant’s stead, it was always advisable to pick up applications personally. If a representative is sent, he or she must ensure that all documents are signed by the applicant and their identity card must also be produced.
Most applications are being accepted at Mcast’s main campus in Kordin, however, it is up to the applicants to make sure that they apply for their course in the right institute. Gozitan applicants may apply at Mcast’s Gozo Centre.
The scholastic year 2004-05 will be the fourth in Mcast’s history since it was opened in 2001. Dr Galea said courses as well as standards have increased since then. Last year, new institutes were opened including the Mechanical Engineering Institute, the Community Care Institute and the Agro-Commerce Institute. Mcast has a 370-strong staff complement with about 3,700 full-time students attending 65 different courses and 1,100 part-time students attending 102 courses.
Last year, Mcast also began to offer Higher National Diploma courses that are only one level short of university grade. Mcast said anyone interested in reading one of the courses should obtain a copy of the prospectus and attend information meetings between 6 and 14 July. The prospectus gives information about when and where meetings will be held.
Although the prospectus will be sent to all secondary school leavers, anyone wishing to obtain a copy can do so by calling 2180-6440 or emailing information@ mcast.edu.mt.
The college also offers a guidance and counselling service to assist students who are not yet sure of their choice of education. More information can be obtained from www.mcast.edu.mt.