Archives

King David: Hero or Villain?

14/05/2025

The course aims to provide participants with a better understanding of the figure of King David in the Bible. Various aspects relating to Kind David will be considered, shedding light both on aspects for which he may be considered a hero, and also on those for which he may be considered a villain. This is a study whereby one is called to reflect on the different facets, both positive and negative, that may be present in the same character. Among these are the ambitious nature, the traitor, being a sinner, the father figure, and also his saintly aspects.

This course is suitable for pastoral workers helping in the Ministry of the Word. It is also ideal for people who would like to delve deeper in knowledge about King David and all Christians who would like to continue to invest in their relationship with God.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

28th January 2026David the Ambitious
4th February 2026David the Traitor
11th February 2026David the Sinner
18th February 2026David the Father
25th February 2026David the Saint

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from a short multiple-choice exam and an assignment.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.

Journey with the Psalms

14/05/2025

This course is eligible for the Get Formed! scheme, allowing students to reclaim 70% of their course fees upon completion. For more information, visit: https://pfi.edu.mt/get-formed/.

This course invites participants to explore the timeless wisdom of the Book of Psalms as a guide for spiritual depth and reflection throughout life’s journey.  As such, the programme delves into the Psalter as the Bible’s prayer book (cf. CCC 2587). Through prayer and personal reflection, participants are encouraged to internalise this knowledge, deepening their spiritual understanding of the Psalms and their relevance to both the joys and challenges of life.

  • Pastoral Workers involved in general ministry.
  • Christians committed to continual growth in their relationship with God, who, however, have little to no experience in the formal study of prayer.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The dates will be announced later

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

Introduction to the Book of Psalms
Psalms of Wonder and Trust
Psalms of Seeking and Calling
Psalms of Ascent and Descent – Perseverance in the journey
Psalms of Thanksgiving and Wisdom
Psalms of Trust and Hope

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from the assignment.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.

Ignatian Rules of Spiritual Discernment

14/05/2025

“Discernment” has become a buzzword in contemporary Church circles, thanks to late Pope Francis’ frequent invitations to undertaking discerning processes.

The influence of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola (founder of the Jesuit order) is clear: indeed, some of the more famous and more frequently quoted parts of this classic Christian work are in fact the “Rules for Discernment of Spirits”. Centuries of Church experience have proven these rules to be a solid foundation for proceeding in a journey of discernment with greater security and depth.

By attending this course, students will become familiar with the Rules for Discernment of Spirits outlined by St. Ignatius in his Exercises: their content, their timing within the dynamic of the Spiritual Exercises, their continuing validity and correct implementation in today’s world. Enriched by this knowledge, students will then also explore Ignatius’ proposals for how to pray about fundamental life choices.

  • Christians committed to continual growth in their relationship with God
  • Individuals with at least some experience of spiritual direction or of spiritual discernment

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

DateSession
1st October 2025What are the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola?
8th October 2025Rules regarding Spiritual Consolation
15th October 2025Rules regarding Spiritual Desolation
22nd October 2025Going deeper
29th October 2025Making life choices

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from a short multiple-choice exam and written assignment.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.

Growing in the Franciscan Way

13/05/2025   Various

This course offers a deepening exploration of Franciscan spirituality through key themes and figures that shaped the Franciscan movement. Building on the foundations of St Francis’ life and teachings, participants will engage with the spiritual journeys of St Clare and the 2nd Order, the emergence of the 3rd Order, and the lived experience of Franciscan values in contemporary life. Special focus will be given to Francis’ relationship with the Eucharist, the Holy Spirit, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, while also reflecting on how the Franciscan vision continues to inspire efforts toward justice, peace, and care for the vulnerable. The course will highlight the relevance of the Franciscan charism as a model for renewal in the Church today.

This course is designed for Franciscan Collaborators and individuals interested to explore and deepen their knowledge in Franciscan Spirituality.

Target Audience Age: 18+

October 2025

Date and TimeSessionVenue
11th October
9:30am – 12:30pm		Clare and the Monastic Life
(the 2nd Order)		St. Clare’s Monastery
San Gwann
14th October
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The 3rd Order and the
Secular Franciscan Order		ĊAK, Birkirkara
21th October
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The Rules of St. Clare
and the 3rd Order		ĊAK, Birkirkara
28th October
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The Inspiration of Saint Francis;
a model for the Church		ĊAK, Birkirkara

November 2025

4th November
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The Franciscan ideal for more just
social systems		ĊAK, Birkirkara
8th November
9:30am – 12:30pm		SeminarConvent of the Capuchins,
Kalkara
11th November
6:00pm – 8:00pm		Social Communication and the
Franciscan Spirituality		ĊAK, Birkirkara
18th November
6:00pm – 8:00pm		St Francis and the EucharistĊAK, Birkirkara
25th November
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The role of the Holy Spirit in the life of
Saint Francis		ĊAK, Birkirkara

December 2025

2nd December
6:00pm – 8:00pm		Saint Francis and the
Blessed Virgin Mary		ĊAK, Birkirkara
9th December
6:00pm – 8:00pm		Important figures inspired
by Saint Francis		ĊAK, Birkirkara

January 2026

17th January
9am – 12:30pm		Closing SeminarBurmarrad Parish House

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from a short multiple-choice exam and a presentation.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.

Walking with the Bereaved

12/05/2025

This course is eligible for the Get Formed! scheme, allowing students to reclaim 70% of their course fees upon completion. For more information, visit: https://pfi.edu.mt/get-formed/.

This introductory course is designed for pastoral workers and lay people who assist the funeral arrangements and preparations within the parish together with individuals who offer support to mourning individuals. The course aims to equip participants with essential training and awareness to provide compassionate and emotionally sensitive support to grieving individuals.

This course is designed for pastoral workers who assist with funeral arrangements and preparations within the parish and other lay people who support mourning individuals.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Mondays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

DateSession
6th October 2025Understanding Grief and Bereavement
13th October 2025Types of Grief with Biblical Examples
20th October 2025The Role of the Pastoral Workers in Grief Support
27th October 2025Supporting Grieving Families and Communities
10th November 2025Walking with the Bereaved Beyond the Funeral
17th November 2025Long-Term Bereavement Care and Self-Care for Pastors

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from a short multiple-choice exam and an assignment.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.

20/10/2025 – Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

07/04/2025
Safeguarding Others
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as Further Education Programme.

This short course will assist employees and volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults or handle their data, to recognise the key principles of safeguarding and learn to create a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

The intended learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. familiarise themselves with safeguarding policies
  2. understand the legal obligations with child abuse
  3. identify signs and symptoms of abuse
  4. know the disclosures of abuse
  5. identify the principles of safeguarding
  6. practice professional boundaries
  7. know their legal obligations related to the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minors Protection Act (2019)
  8. learn about the different types of abuse and poor practice
  9. learn a standard response to a disclosure of abuse
  10. be able to recognise signs of abuse
  11. identify the actions to take if you have a concern and who can help

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

  • Employees who work with children and vulnerable adults
  • Employees who handle children and vulnerable adults` data
  • Volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults
  • Volunteers who handle children and vulnerable adults` data.
CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE/SCA4-23Blended Learning1 ECTS

The course is delivered over 5 contact hours. These 5 hours are delivered over two sessions:

  1. 3 hours – In person session (Face-to-Face Learning)
  2. 2 hours – recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI`s Moodle Portal (Blended Learning)

Students will also be given additional reading material which they can read in their own time.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

You may find all the dates in the Calendar section below.

Each course is delivered over two sessions; (a) 3-hour, in-person session and (b) 2 hours of recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI’s Moodle Portal.

October 2025
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-person20th October 2025
from 5.30pm to 8.30pm		Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
Recorded Material21st October – 4th November 2025Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam21st October 20254th November 2025
Reflective Journal20th October 2025 20th November 2025

This course has three exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be rewarded to students who have:

  • attended in-person session
  • watched all the recorded material
  • and did not submit any course assessments.
  1. Certificate of Participation 

A Certificate of Participation* will be rewarded to students who meet the attendance criteria and successfully conclude the course multiple choice test. (please check the calendar tab above for exam dates)

  1. Certificate of Achievement 

A Certificate of Achievement* is awarded to students who successfully concluded the course, that is;

  • meet the attendance criteria
  • sit and pass the short multiple-choice online exam (mentioned in point 2),
  • and also submit a written assessment

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

*To obtain a Certificate of Achievement or a Certificate of Participation, a student must; attend all the contact hours and successfully conclude the assessment/s.

EQF/MQF Level: Level 4

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 1 ECTS

Teaching Institutions: Safeguarding Commission together with Pastoral Formation Institute

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as Further Education Programme.

Qualifications: Every application will be considered on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of qualifications, and we always try to judge applications on the basis of academic potential. We do consider a very wide range of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications, as well as work and other appropriate experiences and skills.

Language: Primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

Digital: Knows how to access the internet and use a word processor.

For courses offered in face-to-face learning and Blended Learning, it is required that applicants reside in the Maltese Islands and use their Maltese address in their application form.

For further information regarding visa requirements, head to Identity Malta’s VISA requirement for third-country nationals.

Creative Ministry for Christian Outreach – Puppeteering, Storytelling, Scripting, and Science Experiments

21/03/2025

Please note: The course starting on Monday, 14th July 2025 is now fully booked. New course dates for the upcoming academic year will begin on Monday, 19th January 2026. You can apply directly from this page

This course is eligible for the Get Formed! scheme, allowing students to reclaim 70% of their course fees upon completion. For more information, visit: https://pfi.edu.mt/get-formed/.

This interactive in-person course is designed to equip participants with creative tools to engage and inspire audiences through puppeteering, storytelling, scripting, and science experiments. Rooted in Christian principles, the course integrates hands-on learning to help participants effectively share biblical messages and Christian values in dynamic and memorable ways. Each lecture provides a practical and immersive experience that fosters creativity, communication skills, and spiritual growth.

 • Sunday school teachers / catechists.

 • Youth group leaders.

 • Christian educators and parents.

 • Anyone interested in creative ministry tools.

This course consists of four lectures on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00pm till 8:00pm and a concluding seminar from 5:00pm till 8:00pm at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta.

DateSession
19th January 2026Puppeteering for Christian Ministry
21st January 2026Storytelling with a Christian Perspective
26th January 2026Scripting for Faith-Based Performances
28th January 2026Science Experiments as Biblical Illustrations
TBASeminar

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours of this course.

2. Certificate of Achievement

The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when (in addition to meeting the attendance criteria above) they successfully completed the presentation and submitted a brief summary of the main points covered.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be able to access the internet and use office suites.

Award in Foundations of Artificial Intelligence: Fundamentals and Applications for Educators

13/03/2025
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Foundations of Artificial Intelligence: Fundamentals and Applications for Educators is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 7, as a Higher Education Programme.

Students who successfully complete this course may apply for the Get Qualified Scheme which will enable them to benefit from a tax credit of 70% of the costs incurred (i.e. €119.00 will be refunded for this course).

This course provides foundational knowledge of frontier artificial intelligence technologies that will allow teachers and other community members to use and support the use of AI in educational applications in ways that are effective, safe, and ethical. The course will develop the skills necessary to support children in their interactions with AI. Graduates will be equipped to guide young learners through the ethical considerations, societal implications, and practical uses of AI, fostering informed and responsible engagement with these quickly evolving technologies.

The course focuses on the latest advancements in generative AI for text, images, video, music, and speech. Foundational topics include how AI works, how these models are trained, their capabilities, limitations, safety, ethics, and implications for society. Graduates will learn about the AI technology landscape, main AI companies, latest models, and differences between AI models. They will engage with these technologies and discuss case studies and research that illustrate capabilities, limitations, challenges, promise and pitfalls of AI.

Students will receive an introduction to prompt engineering, learn different ways of interacting with different AI technologies, and learn how AI can be used in applications, such as teaching, editing, programming, and general support for creative tasks. Graduates will also learn how different technologies can be used together.

By the end of the course, graduates will have a sufficient understanding of how these technologies work, current cutting-edge technologies available and on the horizon, different ways AI is being used in an educational setting and by young people, how they can support young learners in engaging with AI, and the considerations and importance when using AI in a way that is safe, ethical, and effective.

This course is delivered by the Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with

London School of Artificial Intelligence.

Qualified educators and others interested in the subject.

Knowledge

  • Foundational AI Concepts: Understanding fundamental principles of AI, including development, training, and utilization across various domains (text, images, video, music, speech).
  • AI Technologies and Their Applications: In-depth knowledge of current AI technologies, prominent companies, latest models, and their applications in education.
  • Ethics and Safety in AI: Critical understanding of ethical considerations, including bias, privacy, transparency, and societal impacts.
  • AI’s Societal Implications: Exploration of AI’s broader societal implications, including disruptions to industries and ethical challenges.
  • Case Studies and Research in AI: Study of practical uses, limitations, and challenges of AI through case studies and current research.

Skills

  • AI Tool Use: Advanced skills in using various AI tools and technologies, including generative AI models.
  • Critical Analysis and Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations of AI, and solve complex problems related to AI implementation.
  • Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication of complex AI concepts to diverse audiences and collaboration with peers and professionals.
  • Data Interpretation and Decision-Making: Ability to gather, interpret, and utilize data related to AI usage in education for informed decision-making.
  • Ethical Implementation and Reflection: Ethical use of AI, reflective practice, and continuous evaluation of AI’s impact on education.
  • Creative and Innovative Use of AI: Creativity in applying AI technologies to enhance educational practices and exploring synergies between different AI technologies.

Competencies

  • AI Knowledge Application and Problem-Solving: Application of advanced AI knowledge to address challenges in educational settings and develop innovative solutions.
  • Ethical and Responsible AI Management: Commitment to ethical principles in managing AI projects, evaluating social and ethical implications.
  • Leadership and Collaboration in AI Education: Leading teams in adopting AI technologies, providing guidance, and fostering collaboration.
  • Ongoing Professional Development in AI: Continuous engagement in professional development to stay updated with AI advancements.
  • Strategic Management and Implementation of AI in Education: Planning, managing, and executing AI-related projects, balancing technical capabilities with social and moral considerations.

The course will be held on Wednsdays from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm (apart from the examination, which will be held at the times specified below) at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta.

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

DateSession
Wednesday 15th October 2025The AI Landscape
Wednesday 22nd October 2025Interacting with AI
Wednesday 29th October 2025Student Safety in Using AI
Wednesday 12th November 2025AI Ethics and Morality
Wednesday 19th Novemeber 2025Integration Strategy for AI in Education
Wednesday 3rd December 2025
from 3:30pm to 4:30pm		Examination

This course has one exit certificate option: 

Certificate of Achievement 

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded to students who attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hours and successfully pass the examination and written assignment.

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

EQF/MQF Level: 7

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 2

Contact Hours: 10

Self-Study Hours: 30

Assessment Hours: 10

Assessment Hours: Pastoral Formation Institute

This course is delivered by the Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with London School of Artificial Intelligence.

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Foundations of Artificial Intelligence: Fundamentals and Applications for Educators is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 7, as a Higher Education Programme.

Students who successfully complete this course may apply for the Get Qualified Scheme which will enable them to benefit from a tax credit of 70% of the costs incurred (i.e. €119.00 will be refunded for this course).

Qualifications: Applicants must possess a minimum of an MQF/EQF Level 6 or higher qualification. Kindly submit a copy of your highest qualification in the application form below.

Language: Applicants must have a basic understanding of Maltese and be proficient in English.

Digital: Applicants must be proficient in accessing and using the internet and office software suites.

For courses offered in face-to-face learning and blended learning, applicants must reside in the Maltese Islands and provide their Maltese address in their application form.

For further information regarding visa requirements, please refer to Identity Malta’s visa requirements for third-country nationals.

Il-Ġublew – Pellegrini tat-Tama għall-Parroċċa ta’ Santa Venera

24/02/2025   Parroċċa Santa Venera
Jubilee - Pilgrims of Hope

L-għan ta’ dan il-kors hu li jakkumpanja il-partiċipanti sabiex jippreparaw irwieħhom għall-Ġublew tat-Tama li ser isir fl-2025. Il-parteċipanti ser jesploraw l-għeruq bibbliċi tal-kliem ‘ġublew’, ‘tama’ u ‘pellegrinaġġ’. Ser jesploraw ukoll it-tagħlim tal-Papa Benedittu XVI u l-Papa Franġisku fuq it-Tama. Fl-aħħar, ser jaraw flimkien kif dan il-ġublew jista’ jiġi applikat fil-kuntest kontemporanju u fil-missjoni wiesgħa tal-Knisja. 

Parruċċani tal-Parroċċa ta’ Santa Venera

Eta tal-udjenza fil-mira: 18+

Dan il-kors ser isir kull nhar ta’ Tnejn bejn is-7:00pm – 9:00pm kif stipulat hawn taħt:

DateSession
5 ta’ Mejju 2025Introduzzjoni – Il-Ġublew fil-Kotba Mqaddsa
12 ta’ Mejju 2025Il-Pellegrinaġġ fil-Kotba Mqaddsa
19 ta’ Mejju 2025It-Tama fit-Testment il-Qadim
26 ta’ Mejju 2025It-Tama fit-Testment il-Ġdid u fl-Ewwel Komunitajiet Insara
2 ta’ Ġunju 2025It-Tama fil-kitba tal-Papiet

Dan il-kors għandu żewġ tipi ta’ ċertifikati:

1. Ċertifikat ta’ Attendenza

Sabiex tikseb Ċertifikat ta’ Attendenza, l-istudenti huma meħtieġa jattendu 80% tas-sessjonijiet tal-kors.

2. Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni

Sabiex tikseb Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni, l-istudenti huma meħtieġa jattendu 80% tas-sessjonijiet u jagħmlu eżami multiple-choice qasir online.

Lingwa: L-applikanti għandhom ikunu fluwenti fil-Malti u jkollom fehma tal-Ingliż.

Teknoloġija diġitali: L-applikanti huma meħtieġa li jkunu fluwenti fl-użu tad-dinja diġitali, inkluż li jkunu jafu kif jaċċessaw l-internet u jużaw office suites bħal Microsoft Word.

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults – Curia Staff

24/02/2025   Archbishop's Curia
Safeguarding Others
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as Further Education Programme.

This short course will assist employees and volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults or handle their data, to recognise the key principles of safeguarding and learn to create a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

The intended learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. familiarise themselves with safeguarding policies
  2. understand the legal obligations with child abuse
  3. identify signs and symptoms of abuse
  4. know the disclosures of abuse
  5. identify the principles of safeguarding
  6. practice professional boundaries
  7. know their legal obligations related to the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minors Protection Act (2019)
  8. learn about the different types of abuse and poor practice
  9. learn a standard response to a disclosure of abuse
  10. be able to recognise signs of abuse
  11. identify the actions to take if you have a concern and who can help

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

  • Curia employees who work with children and vulnerable adults
  • Curia employees who handle children and vulnerable adults’ data
CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE/SCA4-23Blended Learning1 ECTS

The course is delivered over 5 contact hours. These 5 hours are delivered over two sessions:

  1. 3 hours – In person session (Face-to-Face Learning)
  2. 2 hours – recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI`s Moodle Portal (Blended Learning)

Students will also be given additional reading material which they can read in their own time.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

You may find all the dates in the Calendar section below.

Each course is delivered over two sessions; (a) 3-hour, in-person session and (b) 2 hours of recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI’s Moodle Portal.

September – October 2025
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-personTuesday 16th September 2025 from 10:30am – 1:30pmArchbishop’s Curia
Recorded MaterialTuesday 16th September 2025 – Tuesday 30th September 2025Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online ExamTuesday 16th September 2025Tuesday 30th September 2025
Reflective JournalTuesday 16th September 2025Tuesday 16th October 2025

This course has three exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be rewarded to students who have:

  • attended in-person session
  • watched all the recorded material
  • and did not submit any course assessments.
  1. Certificate of Participation 

A Certificate of Participation* will be rewarded to students who meet the attendance criteria and successfully conclude the course multiple choice test. (please check the calendar tab above for exam dates)

  1. Certificate of Achievement 

A Certificate of Achievement* is awarded to students who successfully concluded the course, that is;

  • meet the attendance criteria
  • sit and pass the short multiple-choice online exam (mentioned in point 2),
  • and also submit a written assessment

Click here to view the PFI`s Grading System

*To obtain a Certificate of Achievement or a Certificate of Participation, a student must; attend all the contact hours and successfully conclude the assessment/s.

EQF/MQF Level: Level 4

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 1 ECTS

Teaching Institutions: Safeguarding Commission together with Pastoral Formation Institute

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as Further Education Programme.

Qualifications: Every application will be considered on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of qualifications, and we always try to judge applications on the basis of academic potential. We do consider a very wide range of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications, as well as work and other appropriate experiences and skills.

Language: Primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

Digital: Knows how to access the internet and use a word processor.

For courses offered in face-to-face learning and Blended Learning, it is required that applicants reside in the Maltese Islands and use their Maltese address in their application form.

For further information regarding visa requirements, head to Identity Malta’s VISA requirement for third-country nationals.