University of Malta

What you'll study

This programme covers core areas of substantive and procedural law with an emphasis on Maltese and European legal systems. Teaching combines doctrinal study, skills training and practical experience. Typical modules include:

• Constitutional and Administrative Law — principles of constitutional governance, separation of powers and administrative remedies.
• Contract Law — formation, performance, breach and remedies; commercial contracts.
• Tort Law — delictual liability, negligence, nuisance and remedies.
• Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure — substantive offences, sentencing and procedural safeguards.
• Property Law — real rights, conveyancing and succession issues.
• European Union Law — EU institutions, fundamental freedoms and supremacy of EU law.
• Commercial and Company Law — business structures, insolvency and commercial transactions.
• International Law and Human Rights — public international law, treaty obligations and human rights protection.
• Civil Procedure and Evidence — litigation process, rules of evidence and alternative dispute resolution.
• Legal Research, Writing and Advocacy — legal method, statutory interpretation, legal drafting, moot court and client interviewing.
• Optional and specialised modules — for example family law, employment law, tax law, comparative law, maritime law and IP law.
• Capstone project or dissertation — an independent research project that develops advanced research and analytical skills.

Practical learning opportunities such as mooting, clinical legal education, internships with courts, law firms or NGOs and work placements are commonly integrated into the programme to develop advocacy and client-facing skills.

Entry requirements

Admission is typically based on secondary school qualifications recognised by the University of Malta (for example Matriculation Certificate or equivalent such as A‑Levels) with acceptable grades. Applicants should demonstrate competence in the language(s) of instruction and study; for many students this means good written and spoken English and Maltese where applicable. Mature applicants or candidates with alternative qualifications may be considered through an admissions interview or access assessment. Specific grade thresholds and requirements for home, EU and international applicants are published by the University and should be checked on the official admissions pages.

Career prospects

Graduates use the LL.B. as a foundation for a range of legal and professional careers. Common pathways include:

• Pursuing professional legal training to qualify as an advocate or legal practitioner in Malta (further vocational training and certification are required).
• Employment in law firms as junior solicitors, paralegals or legal assistants.
• In‑house legal and compliance roles within private companies, financial services and industry.
• Positions in the public sector, including ministries, regulatory authorities and local government.
• Careers with international and European institutions, NGOs, human rights organisations and international organisations.
• Further academic study (LL.M., doctoral research) leading to careers in teaching and legal research.
• Alternative roles in mediation, arbitration, policy analysis, banking, insurance and corporate governance where legal expertise is valued.

Why study at University of Malta

The University of Malta is the principal public university in the country and offers direct access to Malta’s legal institutions, courts and a professional legal community. The Faculty of Laws emphasises a curriculum that balances Maltese civil law traditions with EU and international law, reflecting Malta’s legal context. Students benefit from experienced academic staff, clinical programmes, mooting and structured internship opportunities that foster practical readiness. The university also supports international exchange programmes and cooperative links that broaden comparative legal perspectives, while central campus facilities such as the law library and research centres provide resources for study and scholarly development.