Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Nursing Studies
MQF/EQF (Level 6)
Course Overview
This Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Nursing Studies at La Vallette Institute (LVI) provides a comprehensive, first-registration degree programme designed to develop competent, reflective, and professional practitioners equipped for modern healthcare in Malta and across the European Union.
Accredited by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) and delivered by La Vallette Institute (License No. 2024-016 as a Further & Higher Education Institution).
This three-year, full-time programme is open to individuals aged 19 to 65 and comprises 4,500 total learning hours, equivalent to 180 ECTS. The programme incorporates over 2,300 hours of supervised clinical training across acute, community, mental health, maternal, paediatric, gerontological, rehabilitation, and palliative care settings in compliance with EU Directive 2013/55/EU. Graduates are prepared for eligibility for registration with the Malta Council for Nurses and Midwives (CNM).
Course Details
The B.Sc. in Nursing Studies is designed to bridge theory, digital health methodologies, research, and clinical practice. The primary goal is to equip students with clinical expertise, critical reasoning, and leadership skills required for modern multidisciplinary healthcare environments.
The curriculum offers two entry pathways:
Standard Entry Route: 3 academic years (180 ECTS) for applicants entering with MQF Level 4 qualifications.
Advanced Standing Route: Progression into Year 2 (120 ECTS) for holders of the Undergraduate Diploma in Nursing Studies (MQF Level 5, 60 ECTS) or equivalent
- Top-up: Holders of 2 Years Diploma (120 Ects) can apply for the Final year top-up at level 6 (60 ECTS)
Program Units:
Year 1 (60 ECTS)
- Foundations of Nursing Practice (MQF Level 5 – 10 ECTS)
- Human Anatomy and Physiology for Nurses (MQF Level 5 – 10 ECTS)
- Infection Control and Patient Safety (MQF Level 5 – 10 ECTS)
- Mental Health and Community Nursing (MQF Level 5 – 10 ECTS)
- Clinical Work Placement (MQF Level 5 – 20 ECTS)
Year 2 (60 ECTS)
- Advanced Human Pathophysiology (MQF Level 5 – 10 ECTS)
- Pharmacology for Nursing Practice (MQF Level 5 – 10 ECTS)
- Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice (MQF Level 5 – 10 ECTS)
- Public & Global Health Nursing (MQF Level 5 – 10 ECTS)
- Nursing Informatics & Digital Health (MQF Level 5 – 10 ECTS)
- Professional, Ethical & Legal Issues in Nursing (MQF Level 5 – 10 ECTS)
Year 3 (60 ECTS)
- Leadership & Management in Nursing (MQF Level 6 – 10 ECTS)
- Advanced Clinical Nursing Practice (MQF Level 6 – 10 ECTS)
- Advanced Community & Mental Health Nursing (MQF Level 6 – 10 ECTS)
- Integrated Nursing Specialisations (MQF Level 6 – 10 ECTS)
- Dissertation (MQF Level 6 – 20 ECTS)
Get Qualified Scheme
La Vallette Institute is offering students access to the Malta Get Qualified Scheme, enabling
students to benefit from tax credits that help lower overall study costs. This scheme is highly
valuable, giving back 70% of tuition fees after graduation.
Upon completion of the programme, graduates are equipped for eligibility to register as First-Level Registered Nurses with the Malta Council for Nurses and Midwives (CNM) upon approval of CNM
Progress toward postgraduate study (MQF Level 7), clinical specialisation, leadership, or academic research.
Learning Outcomes for Knowledge Obtained at end of the Programme:
Critically explain the biological, social, and nursing sciences underpinning evidence-based patient care.
Analyse the pathophysiological mechanisms, pharmacology, and psychosocial dimensions of illness across the lifespan.
Evaluate strategies for health promotion, disease prevention, and public health interventions.
Critically interpret legal, ethical, professional, and policy frameworks governing nursing practice in Malta and the EU.
Analyse global health priorities, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals and public health challenges.
Learning Outcomes for Skills Obtained at end of the Programme:
Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate comprehensive patient-centred care across diverse healthcare settings.
Demonstrate advanced skills in clinical assessment, diagnostic reasoning, patient monitoring, and medication administration.
Use digital health tools, electronic health records (EHRs), and clinical decision-support systems safely.
Apply research evidence to design nursing interventions and conduct independent literature appraisal.
Lead and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams while advocating for patient rights and dignity.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this programme can pursue diverse professional healthcare careers, including:
Registered General Nurse (Hospital & Acute Care)
Community & Primary Care Nurse
Mental Health Staff Nurse
Gerontological / Residential Care Nurse
Public Health & Health Promotion Specialist
Clinical Team Leader / Charge Nurse
Research Assistant / Healthcare Data Officer
Assessments evaluate both theoretical knowledge and clinical competence:
Written Examinations: Test factual knowledge and clinical reasoning.
Assignments & Case Analyses: Evaluate critical thinking and integration of theoretical frameworks into practice.
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs): Evaluate practical and clinical skills in simulated environments.
Supervised Placement Assessments: Mentor evaluations, clinical logbooks, and reflective portfolios.
Dissertation & Oral Defence: Capstone project (8,000–10,000 words) defended before an academic panel.
Grading System and Pass Rate:
| Grade | Percentage (or Mark) Range | Descriptor |
| Distinction | 70–100% | Excellent achievement of learning outcomes; strong critical thinking |
| Merit | 60–69% | Very good understanding and application of theory and practice |
| Pass | 50–59% | Satisfactory achievement; safe and acceptable level of competence |
| Fail | Below 50% | Learning outcomes not achieved |
Note: The pass mark for each module is 50%. Students must obtain a minimum of 50% in both theoretical and practical/clinical components where applicable.
Course delivery includes interactive classroom lectures, digital simulation exercises, high-fidelity skill lab training, clinical case debriefs, and over 2,300 hours of direct clinical practice.
Lectures and Seminars
Simulation Labs & OSCE Preparation
Interactive Case-Based Learning
Supervised Experiential Clinical Rotations
To enroll in this course, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Educational Qualifications:
Successful completion of a recognised MQF Level 4 qualification (e.g., Advanced Matriculation, Advanced Diploma, or equivalent), including science-related subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, or Health and Social Care.
OR Holders of the Undergraduate Diploma in Nursing Studies (MQF Level 5, 60 ECTS) or equivalent may be admitted with advanced standing into Year 2.
Language Proficiency:
Evidence of English proficiency is required through one of the following:
IELTS Academic: Minimum overall band score of 6.0 (with no component less than 5.5).
OET (Occupational English Test): Minimum grade C+ in Writing, Reading, and Listening, and grade B in Speaking.
Equivalent qualifications recognised by MFHEA.
International Applicants:
Must provide an MQRIC recognition statement confirming qualification equivalence to MQF Level 4 or Level 5 entry standards.
Face-to-Face Lectures & Interactive Seminars
Blended Digital Learning (LVI VLE Platform)
Simulation & Clinical Skills Laboratories
Supervised Clinical Practice
School Leavers holding MQF Level 4 qualifications
Healthcare Support Workers or Carers upgrading to Professional Nurse status
Mature Adult Learners making a career transition into Healthcare
International Students seeking an MQF Level 6 EU-recognised Nursing Qualification
Exit Awards (Standalone Units)
- Award in Foundations of Nursing Practice (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Human Anatomy and Physiology for Nurses (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Infection Control and Patient Safety (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Mental Health and Community Nursing (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Advanced Human Pathophysiology (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Pharmacology for Nursing Practice (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Public & Global Health Nursing (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Nursing Informatics & Digital Health (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Professional, Ethical & Legal Issues in Nursing (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Leadership & Management in Nursing (MQF Level 6, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Advanced Clinical Nursing Practice (MQF Level 6, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Advanced Community & Mental Health Nursing (MQF Level 6, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Integrated Nursing Specialisations (MQF Level 6, 10 ECTS)
Exit Qualifications
1.Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Nursing Studies (MQF Level 5, 120 ECTS)
Comprising the following modules:
- Award in Foundations of Nursing Practice (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Human Anatomy and Physiology for Nurses (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Infection Control and Patient Safety (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Mental Health and Community Nursing (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Advanced Human Pathophysiology (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Pharmacology for Nursing Practice (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Public & Global Health Nursing (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Nursing Informatics & Digital Health (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Professional, Ethical & Legal Issues in Nursing (MQF Level 5, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Leadership & Management in Nursing (MQF Level 6, 10 ECTS)
- Award in Advanced Clinical Nursing Practice (MQF Level 6, 10 ECTS)
2. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Nursing Studies (Top-Up) (MQF Level 6, 60 ECTS)
Comprising the following modules:
- Leadership & Management in Nursing (10 ECTS)
- Advanced Clinical Nursing Practice (10 ECTS)
- Advanced Community and Mental Health Nursing (10 ECTS)
- Integrated Nursing Specialisations (10 ECTS)
- Dissertation (20 ECTS)
Contact Hours: 30
Self Study Hours: 100
Assessment Hours: 20
Course Information
Mode of Delivery: Full-Time (100% Face-to-Face OR Blended: 50% Online Contact Hours / 50% In-Class)
Age Group: 19 to 65 years old
Duration: 3 Years (Full-Time) / 5 Years (Part-Time)
ECTS: 180 ECTS
Total Learning Hours: 4500 Hours
- Contact Hours: 900
- Self-Study Hours: 2360
- Assessment Hours: 760
- Supervised Practice Hours: 480
Awarding Body: La Vallette Institute accredited by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (MFHEA)
MQF/EQF: Level 6
Intake: January 2027
Course Delivery Schedule: 2 to 3 days Weekly (Covering Minimum 15 Contact Hours)
Language of Instruction: English
Training Campus: Angelica Court, Triq Giuseppe Cali, Ta’Xbiex
Tuition Fee: €21000 for Non-Eu Students, €15000 for Eu Students
Clinical Placement Partner: Saint James Operations Limited (St James Hospital)
Take the next step
We’ve empowered students to achieve their academic and career goals, fostering personal growth and professional success.
Benefit from our established track record of student success and satisfaction.
