MQF Level 1 Award in Maltese as a Foreign Language

Overall Course Description

The MQF Level 1 Award in Maltese as a Foreign Language is an introductory programme designed for learners who have little or no previous knowledge of the Maltese language and would like to develop the basic communication skills required for everyday life in Malta.

The programme introduces learners to Maltese at CEFR Level A1 and focuses on practical communication in familiar, everyday situations. Learners will develop the ability to understand and use simple words, phrases and expressions, introduce themselves and others, ask and answer basic questions, and communicate immediate needs using elementary Maltese.

Particular emphasis is placed on developing the four fundamental language skills of speaking, listening, reading and basic written communication, together with an introduction to essential Maltese grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.

The course adopts a practical and communicative approach to language learning. Learners participate in guided conversations, pronunciation activities, role-play, listening exercises, reading activities, vocabulary-building tasks and other interactive exercises designed to build confidence in using Maltese.

Upon successful completion of the programme, learners will have acquired a foundation in Maltese which can support everyday communication and provide a progression route towards further study of Maltese at higher MQF and CEFR levels.

Target Audience

This programme is designed for beginners aged 16 and over with no prior knowledge of Maltese, particularly foreign nationals and residents of Malta. It develops practical communication skills for everyday situations, including social interaction, shopping, requesting information and workplace communication, helping learners use Maltese more confidently in daily and community life.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the programme, learners will have developed basic Maltese language competence at MQF Level 1 and CEFR Level A1. They will be able to understand and use simple everyday words, phrases and greetings, communicate basic needs, introduce themselves and others, ask and answer simple questions, and participate in familiar social interactions. Learners will also be able to understand slow and clearly spoken Maltese and use digital language-learning resources to support further independent learning.

Programme Structure

The programme consists of four compulsory modules carrying a total of 6 ECTS.

D.1 Basic Maltese Communication – 1 ECTS | MQF Level 1

This module introduces learners to the Maltese alphabet, sounds, pronunciation and essential everyday vocabulary.

Learners begin developing the ability to participate in simple interactions using basic greetings, introductions and familiar expressions. Emphasis is placed on building confidence in recognising and using frequently encountered Maltese words and phrases.

The module provides the fundamental vocabulary and communication skills required for progression through the remainder of the programme.

Assessment: Continuous Assessment and Final Assessment.

D.2 Listening and Reading – 2 ECTS | MQF Level 1

This module develops learners’ ability to understand simple spoken and written Maltese in familiar contexts.

Learners engage with short listening exercises, basic conversations and simple written texts in order to recognise key words, familiar expressions and essential information.

Activities are designed to develop listening comprehension and reading skills gradually, using language delivered clearly and at an appropriate pace for beginner learners.

Assessment: Continuous Assessment and Final Assessment.

D.3 Grammar – 1 ECTS | MQF Level 1

This module introduces learners to basic Maltese grammatical structures required to form simple words, phrases and sentences.

Learners practise elementary sentence formation and apply basic grammatical forms through structured exercises, guided practice and practical language activities.

The module is designed to provide learners with sufficient grammatical awareness to support basic spoken and written communication rather than advanced theoretical knowledge of grammar.

Assessment: Continuous Assessment and Final Assessment.

D.4 Spoken Maltese – 2 ECTS | MQF Level 1

This module develops learners’ confidence and ability to communicate orally in simple everyday situations.

Through guided conversations, role-play, pronunciation exercises and question-and-answer activities, learners practise the language required for situations such as introducing themselves, requesting information, making purchases, asking for directions and participating in everyday social interactions.

Emphasis is placed on understandable pronunciation, appropriate vocabulary and the ability to communicate basic messages effectively.

Assessment: Continuous Assessment and Final Assessment.

Programme Structure

Total ECTS for Programme Completion: 6 ECTS

Exit Awards / Qualifications: MQF Level 1 Award in Maltese as a Foreign Language – 6 ECTS. No intermediate exit awards.

Structure of Programme: One semester; four compulsory study units; 6 ECTS; 150 total learning hours.

Hours of Total Learning

The programme carries 6 ECTS, equivalent to 150 total learning hours, based on the principle that 1 ECTS is equivalent to 25 hours of learning.

The total learning hours comprise 30 contact hours, 110 hours of self-study and 10 assessment hours. There is no supervised placement or practice requirement for this programme.

Overall Programme

Breakdown by Module

There is no practice placement or work-based learning requirement for this programme.

Progression

Successful completion of this programme provides learners with an introductory foundation in Maltese and may support progression to further Maltese-language study at a higher level.

Learners wishing to continue developing their Maltese language proficiency may progress to an appropriate MQF Level 2 Maltese as a Foreign Language programme, subject to the entry requirements of the programme concerned.