Since its foundation in 1996, the International Institute for Baroque Studies at the University of Malta has been the leading institution concerned with disseminating knowledge, conducting research and instilling an awareness of the rich legacy of the Baroque world in all its multi-faceted aspects.

The investigation of this fascinating world is of special importance to those interested in Maltese and European history. Some of Malta's most formative historical events took place during the rule of the Hospitaller Order of Malta whose presence in Malta coincided with the time when the culture of the Baroque age was dominating every sphere of life in Europe and beyond - the political, the military, the religious, the intellectual, the scientific, the societal and the artistic.

All this took place within a wider European context characterised by periods of major political upheavals, fierce clashes of religious ideas and an unprecedented military revolution brought about by the use of the cannon and the musket.

The Baroque age is also characterised by an intense burst of activity in the scientific and artistic scenarios. It saw the emergence of philosophers, mathematicians and sciences such as Descartes, Kepler and Newton; a new aesthetic sensibility in the fields of building, sculpture and painting was encouraged by the likes of Borromini, Bernini and Caravaggio; and impressive multi-media spectacles were repeatedly created by the great architects and impresarios of the time.

The magical sounds of Vivaldi, Rameau and Lully would have greatly enhanced such experiences - not forgetting that such scenarios of spectacle would have been very incomplete without the frequent use of ephemeral contraptions, fireworks, banquets and fine costumes.

It does become clear from the above that all those who opt to study in depth the Baroque would be departing on an exciting voyage into a very particular component of our past.

The courses offered by the International institute for Baroque Studies at the University of Malta at certificate, diploma, masters and doctoral levels are all concerned with the above-described Baroque world. The academic cohort makes use of images, video clips and site visits in order to better communicate the 'spirit' of the Baroque world in Malta, in Europe and beyond. The lectures of these courses in Baroque Studies are designed to  enhance the appetite of all those who wish to know more about the fascination world of the Baroque.

In October 2015, the International Institute for Baroque Studies will be offering three courses at various levels.

The Pre-tertiary certificate course in Baroque architecture, offered in the Gozo Campus over a period of one year, is intended to provide a broad but thorough understanding of Baroque architecture by reconciling the theoretical aspects of the subject with practical site work. It allows participants to pursue their own specialization or field of interest in greater depth through project work and hands-on experience.

It is designed to help participants develop a clear picture of how different materials within a building interact, how Baroque buildings are constructed and the mechanisms of their building elements. The course also helps participants assimilate the theoretical aspects involved and develop manual skills to carry out conservation works on existing buildings.

The Diploma in Baroque Architecture is taught over two years and promotes an awareness of the architecture of the Baroque world 1560 - 1750; it provides an understanding of the Baroque architectural heritage in all its major dimensions and presents insights into the conservation of Baroque buildings.

The course is designed to guide students into various aspects of the Baroque age and to encourage them to develop skills to understand Baroque architecture. This helps students develop a greater sensitivity for the Baroque built environment and to develop manual skills to carry out sensitive interventions on existing Baroque buildings. Training is provided both through formal lectures and onsite discussions.

The International Institute for Baroque Studies also offers a postgraduate course leading to the award of a Master of Arts in Baroque Studies. This course is geared to disseminate multi-disciplinary knowledge about the wealth of the Baroque legacy of mankind and its conservation for prosperity. 

This interesting day course is held over a period of 3 semesters full-time or 5 semesters  part-time.  Topics such as the political, intellectual, religious, scientific and medical scenarios of Baroque Europe; fortification building, city planning and architecture in the Baroque age; baroque music and theatre; the visual arts and literature, and the conservation of the Baroque heritage as well as others will be covered in the curriculum.

The University will accept online applications at: www.um.edu.mt/apply until the 30 September 2015.  Applications (€23) close on 23 July 2015 with the possibility of Late applications (€58) till 31 August 2015 and Very Late applications (€140) till 30 September 2015. Further information can be obtained from the Institute's website: www.um.edu.mt/iibs or from the administrative office of the Institute on [email protected], 2340 2772 during office hours