Civic Life, Governance, and Legal Frameworks
Module Description
This module introduces learners to Malta’s civic and legal framework and how it affects everyday life and work. It explains Malta’s system of government, Malta’s role within the European Union, and the main public institutions and services relevant to residents, including Parliament, public authorities, and local councils. Learners are also introduced to basic rights and responsibilities related to employment, residency, public conduct, and access to services in Malta. The module promotes awareness of respectful participation in Maltese civic, social, and professional life.
Entry Requirement
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry requirements:
(a) Status: Foreigners residing in or planning to reside in Malta, with a valid or pending residence permit, or in the process of applying for a Single Permit or other relevant permit under Maltese and EU law.
(b) Language: Functional proficiency in English since all instruction is delivered in English. No formal English language qualification is required, but applicants are expected to follow and participate in English-medium instruction.
(c) Qualifications: No prior formal qualifications are required. The award is open to adults from all educational backgrounds.
(d) Digital Competences: Basic ability to use a smartphone or computer for communication purposes (e.g., email, messaging, accessing online resources) is desirable but not mandatory. Learners requiring additional digital support will be accommodated.
No prior knowledge of Maltese language, law or culture is assumed or required.
Target Audience
- This award targets foreign individuals who would like to undergo a cultural integration short course.
Career Paths
- This award does not lead to a warranted profession or regulated occupation. It is designed to support the social, civic and professional integration of foreigners residing in or relocating to Malta, and is directly relevant to occupations and roles in which cultural competence, workplace integration and civic awareness are valued. These include, but are not limited to: administrative roles in public and private sector entities employing international staff; community liaison and integration support roles; roles within NGOs, social services and community organisations working with migrant populations; hospitality, tourism and customer-facing roles requiring intercultural communication skills. The award is complementary to, but does not replace, any specific National Occupational Standard (NOS) currently listed on the Malta Qualifications Database (MQD). No specific NOS directly maps to the cultural integration domain at this level; however, the award aligns with the spirit of the European Key Competences framework, particularly in the areas of civic competence, cultural awareness, and personal, social and learning-to-learn competence.
Assessment
Module 3 is assessed through ongoing participation and completion of simple practical activities related to civic life, public services and legal responsibilities in Malta. Assessment tasks may include short quizzes, practical scenario-based activities, group discussions and identification of appropriate public services for everyday situations (e.g. renewing a permit, reporting a problem, seeking legal aid). Assessment focuses on participation, accurate completion of tasks and basic understanding of the module content.
Learning Outcomes
Competences
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Identify public services or institutions for common everyday situations in Malta.
- Participate in guided activities and discussions related to civic life, public services, and legal responsibilities in Malta, life, contributing simple observations under tutor direction.
- Use provided materials to complete simple structured tasks related to civic and legal matters in Malta.
Knowledge
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have been exposed to the following:
- Describe Malta’s system of government as a parliamentary republic and EU member state.
- Outline the basic roles of key public institutions and services in Malta, including the President (Head of State), Prime Minister (Head of Government), Parliament, public authorities, and local councils.
- Familiarise oneself with the names of Malta’s main political parties and understand the fact that political affiliation is considered a private matter.
- Recognise the importance of respectful and appropriate behaviour in civic, workplace and social settings.
- Discuss basic rights and responsibilities related to residency, employment and public conduct in Malta.
- Comprehend the role of the EU in everyday life in Malta, including the Euro, and access to EU-related rights and services.
Skills
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Name and match each main Maltese institution to its basic role using a provided information card.
- Identify, from a list of scenarios, which public service or authority a person should contact for a specific need.
- Recognise appropriate and inappropriate behaviour in civic, social, and workplace settings.
Module-Specific Learner Skills
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to:
- Identify services and authorities relevant to residency, employment, or daily life in Malta.
- Describe simple ways in which EU membership affects daily life in Malta, using examples from class materials.
- Participate appropriately in guided discussions and case study activities related to civic, social, and workplace situations.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to:
- Access online public information and services relevant to daily life in Malta.
- Use the VLE to access module materials and submit simple tasks.
Locate basic online information about rights and public services in Malta.