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Island Development
Study fully online or blended for a Master by Research or PhD in Islands and Small States Studies
The Islands and Small States Institute (ISSI) at the University of Malta is offering a fully online or blended Master's by research in Islands and Small States studies (full-time or part-time), as well as a PhD programme.
Access all the details about these opportunities on the Institute's website and on the University’s Course Finder.
Our inter-disciplinary postgraduate courses relate, among others, to economic, social, environmental and political issues associated with islands and small states. The ISSI also offers the opportunity to follow courses online by distance tuition, using secure platforms and dynamic interaction techniques with all academics. You can opt for part-time study if you so wish, which will allow more time for writing your dissertation.
The ISSI is a centre of excellence in teaching and research associated with islands and small states, hosting world-renowned scholars and lecturers, and has been offering the highest academic and professional standards for over thirty years. Watch our promotional video and discover the numerous opportunities that studying with us can offer to your career advancement, personal development and networking.
The Maltese Ministry for Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the University of Malta, is providing scholarships for students who are nationals of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA). For the Academic Year 2026-2027, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs will be offering four scholarships for students reading for a full-time Master of Arts (Research on Islands and Small States). Selection criteria, among others, include past academic achievement and quality of the research proposal. Further information about the scholarships will be made available on this website.
Furthermore, the University of Malta is also offering scholarships for the waiving of tuition fees, including for Doctor in Philosophy (PhD) students: access this link for full details. The deadline for scholarship applications is 30 April 2026. Browse through this website to learn more about entry-level requirements.
The deadline to submit an expression of interest is 30 April 2026, while that for the application is Wednesday, 1 July 2026 at 14:00h CEST. However, we recommend that you contact us at the earliest. We will be happy to discuss your research interests and guide you through the application process.
If you require further information, including guidance for your application or have any questions about our PhD programme or working careers, write to us: islands@um.edu.mt. Our team will be happy to assist you.