Archives

Ministering Holy Communion in Hospitals

27/10/2025

Ministering Holy Communion in Hospitals is designed for hospital volunteers who wish to receive both spiritual formation and practical guidance for distributing Holy Communion to patients in hospital care. Through theological reflection and formation for worship, participants will be introduced to the biblical and theological foundations of the Eucharist, as well as the pastoral and spiritual dimensions of this ministry.

Individuals who help and minister with the Hospital Chaplaincy

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Fridays from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at Mater Dei, Chaplaincy Hospital.

DateSession
23rd January 2026The Eucharist in Daily Life
27th February 2026The Holy Eucharist
20th March 2026Part 1 – The role of the extraordinary minister
Part 2 – Practical points

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 Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when (in addition to meeting the attendance criteria above) they successfully complete a short online assessment.

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

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly of the internet of which they must have access.

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

21/10/2025
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 Thursdays from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm (apart from the examination, which will be held at the times specified below) at MCAST, Mosta Premises.

DateSession
Thursday 15th January 2026The AI Landscape
Thursday 22nd January 2026Interacting with AI
Thursday 29th January 2026Student Safety in Using AI
Thursday 12th February 2026AI Ethics and Morality
Thursday 19th February 2026Integration Strategy for AI in Education
Thursday 26th February 2026
from 5:30pm to 6:30pm		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.

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults for Seminarians and Novices

01/10/2025
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

Seminarians and novices

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/November 2025
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-personSaturday 25th October 2025 from 9:00am to 12:00pmArchbishop’s Seminary, Rabat
Recorded MaterialSaturday 25th October 2025 – Saturday 8th November 2025 Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online ExamSaturday 25th October 2025Saturday 8th November 2025
Reflective JournalSaturday 25th October 2025Tuesday 25th 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.

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults for Żgħażagħ Azzjoni Kattolika (ŻAK)

19/09/2025   ŻAK House, Birkirkara
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

Żgħażagħ Azzjoni Kattolika (ŻAK) volunteers and employees

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.

November/December 2025
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-personSaturday 6th December 2025 from 9:00am to 12:00pmŻAK House, Birkirkara
Recorded MaterialSaturday 6th December 2025 – Saturday 20th December 2025 Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online ExamSaturday 6th December 2025Saturday 20th December 2025
Reflective JournalSaturday 6th December 2025Tuesday 6th January 2026

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.

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults for Migrants Commission

16/09/2025   Migrants Commission Balzan
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

Migrants Commission workers and volunteers.

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.

November/December 2025
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-personTuesday 11th November from 9:00am to 12:00pmMigrants Commission Balzan
Recorded MaterialTuesday 11th November – Tuesday 25th November Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online ExamTuesday 11th NovemberTuesday 25th November
Reflective JournalTuesday 11th NovemberThursday 11th December

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.

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults for Kalkara Capuchin Friary

16/09/2025   Capuchin Friary, Kalkara
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

All those involved in the various ministries of Kalkara Capuchin Friary

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.

November/December 2025
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-personSaturday 15th November from 9:00am to 12:00pmCapuchin Friary, Kalkara
Recorded MaterialSaturday 15th November – Saturday 29th November Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online ExamSaturday 15th November 2025Saturday 29th November 2025
Reflective JournalSaturday 15th November 2025Monday 15th December 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.

Introduction to Basic Theological Terms in Catholic Tradition – General

15/09/2025
Introduction to basic theological terms in the Catholic tradition

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 offers an introduction to key themes of the main areas of Catholic theology. These include fundamental, scriptural, dogmatic, ecclesiological, and ethical concepts that guide the evangelizing mission of the Church. By the end of the course, the attendee will become aware of what the sources of theology are and gain a basic understanding of the main areas of Catholic theology.

Those interested to go deeper into Catholic theology.

Target Audience`s Age: 18+

The course will be delivered through recorded sessions accessible on our Moodle platform.

DATES STILL TO BE ANNOUNCED

This course has two exit certificate options: 

Certificate of Participation 

A Certificate of Participation will be awarded to students that watch all the recordings and pass from short multiple-choice online exam.

Certificate of Achievement 

A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to students that watch all the recordings, pass from short multiple-choice online 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.

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults for Marsaskala Parish

09/09/2025   Marsaskala Parish
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

Marsaskala Parish parishioners

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.

November/December 2025
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-personSaturday 22nd November from 9:30am to 12:30pmMarsaskala Parish
Recorded MaterialSaturday 22nd November – Saturday 6th December Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online ExamSaturday 22th NovemberSaturday 6th December
Reflective JournalSaturday 22th NovemberMonday 22th December

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.

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults for Zejtun Parish

09/09/2025   Zejtun Parish
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

Zejtun Parish parishioners

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.

November 2025
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-personSaturday 15th November from 9:15am to 12:15pmZejtun Parish
In-personSaturday 29th November from 9:15am to 11:15pmZejtun Parish
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online ExamSaturday 29th NovemberSaturday 13th December
Reflective JournalSaturday 29th NovemberMonday 29th December

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.

Preparing a Formative Path for Young People in Organised Ministry

27/08/2025   Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta

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/.

A thriving youth ministry requires intentional planning and a deep understanding of the young people it serves. This course explores the importance of a structured framework in ensuring spiritual growth, engagement, and formation throughout the year. Participants will learn how to assess their youth groups’ unique needs, integrate liturgical and formative elements, and create sessions that resonate with their social and spiritual contexts. The role of discernment in ministry will also be addressed, equipping leaders with tools to seek God’s guidance in their planning. Through hands-on activities, youth leaders will develop a comprehensive, adaptable ministry plan aligned with parish life. Peer discussions and feedback from facilitators will refine these plans, fostering collaboration and shared leadership. By the end of the course, participants will leave with practical strategies to build a dynamic and purposeful youth ministry that nurtures lasting faith formation.

  • Youth leaders

Target Audience Age: 18+

DatesSession
Saturday 31st January 2026
9:00am – 12:00pm		The Importance of Planning
Understanding your local context
Saturday 7th February 2026
9:00am – 12:00pm		Discernment
Getting Practical
Wednesday 11th February 2026
6:00pm – 8:00pm		Review

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 / when viewing all the videos 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 complete a reflective journal.

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

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly in the use of office suites and of the internet, to both of which they must have access.