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Prayer Spaces at Easter

04/11/2025

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 experiential course invites participants to journey from the joy of Easter to the fire of Pentecost through themed Prayer Spaces. Students will first engage in the prayer spaces themselves, immersing in reflection on the themes of Easter. They will process their experience in small groups and then in a larger plenary discussion. Practical guidance and resources will then be provided to equip participants with the skills needed to create and lead meaningful prayer space encounters for others in their own settings.

This course is designed for all those who wish to help children, young people, and adults grow in their prayer life — namely, educators, catechists, youth leaders, youth ministers, religious counsellors, chaplains, lay chaplains, priests, and religious.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Saturdays from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

DateSession
11th April 2026From Encounter to Experience –
Discovering Prayer Spaces as Pathways of Resurrection
18th April 2026Co-Creating with God –
Bringing Prayer Spaces to Life

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 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.

Il-Presepju: Sors ta’ Fidi

30/10/2025

Jekk inti operatur pastorali jew student kurrenti tal-PFI, nistednuk tapplika għal dan il-kors permezz ta’ din il-ħolqa minflok: https://pfi.edu.mt/course/presepju-pfi/.

F’dan l-Avvent, b’mod speċjali fil-ġranet tan-Novena tal-Milied, nesploraw l-ispiritwalità li iġib magħha it-tradizzjoni sabiħa tal-Presepju. Permezz ta’ għarfien skritturali, nkunu mistiedna nirriflettu fuq is-simboliżmu qawwi tal-Presepju. Se nagħmlu dan ukoll bl-għajnuna ta’ Admirabile Signum, Ittra Appostolika ta’ Papa Franġisku fejn proprju jirrifletti fuq il-Presepju. Għalhekk waqt li narmaw il-Presepju, ejja ninżlu iktar fil-fond fil-fidi personali, il-ferħ u t-tama li jġib miegħu t-twelid tal-Messija.

Għall-pubbliku ġenerali.

Target Audience Age: 18+


Dan il-kors jinkludi sessjonijiet irreġistrati minn qabel, li jistgħu jiġu aċċessati fuq il-pjattaforma Moodle f’ħin tajjeb għalik. Dawn se jkopru t-temi li ġejjin:

• L-Istennija
• Il-Presepju
• Elementi mix-xeni tan-Nativita
• Marija
• Ġużeppi
• Ġesù
• Il-Maġi

Dan il-kors għandu ċertifikat wieħed:

1. Ċertifikat ta’ Attendenza

Sabiex jinkiseb Ċertifikat ta’ Attendenza, l-istudenti huma meħtieġa jaraw is-sessjonijiet kollha.

2. Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni

Sabiex jinkiseb Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni, l-istudenti huma meħtieġa jaraw is-sessjonijiet kollha u jgħaddu minn eżami multiple-choice qasir. Dan isir fuq il-pjattaforma tal-Moodle tal-istitut.

Lingwa: L-istudenti jeħtieġ li jkunu jafu l-Malti.

Teknoloġija diġitali: L-applikanti huma meħtieġa li jkunu jafu kif jaċċessaw l-internet.

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.

Postgraduate Certificate in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools

05/08/2025

The course dates will be announced in the coming months. In the meantime, you can register your interest by completing the application form below.

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Postgraduate Certificate in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools 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. €595.00 will be refunded for this course).

Schools provide a holistic environment that fosters the pursuit of truth, the development of healthy critical thinking, and the creation of spaces where individuals of diverse faiths can question, reflect, pray, and build communities of mutual acceptance. In this challenging yet enriching context, the balance of faith and reason, supported by pastoral and biblical theology, offers a solid foundation for School Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy.

Moreover, Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in schools serve as bridges connecting faith with culture, and spirituality with the technocratic realm of contemporary society. The promotion of this mindset and its practical application are strengthened by empowering school leadership and pedagogy to embrace and uphold essential values, particularly Gospel values, which are crucial in our empirically driven, digitally oriented society.

This will be achieved through:

  • A deeper introduction to and study of the bridge between faith and reason, biblical and pastoral theology (Modules 1 and 2).
  • An in-depth understanding of the role of Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in a pluralistic school environment through multiculturalism, inter-religious dialogue, and engagement with the technocratic realm (Module 3).
  • Insights from Pastoral Theology on building communion between human beings and with God (Module 3).
  • An appreciation for the need for spiritual accompaniment and the stages of spiritual development in young people, youth, and adults (Module 4).
  • The development of practical methods for designing, leading, and evaluating liturgical and religious activities (Module 4).
  • Professional ministry that enriches the school ethos, leadership, and pedagogy with values that enable transformative experiences, thus inviting course participants to evaluate and integrate the vision and values proclaimed (Module 5).

This course is open to all individuals involved in the educational sector or with an expressed interest in working in this area.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE7001In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)6 ECTS

Through this module participants will be able to explore the important logical and authoritative relationship between faith, revelation and reason all of which are the principal sources of Catholic living.

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE7002In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)6 ECTS

Through this module participants will be able to: Explore the application of Biblical theology within the framework of school pastoral care and within the School Chaplaincy setting. It aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of how Biblical Narratives can inform and enhance pastoral care practices within educational settings. The module covers theological concepts, pastoral strategies and practical skills necessary for effective chaplaincy work in schools, focusing on the psychological, emotional, spiritual, and ethical development of students.

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE7003In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)6 ECTS

Our increasingly multicultural society and schools often lead to cultural misunderstandings and xenophobic sentiments due to a lack of knowledge. Schools, as microcosms of society, introduce students to diverse backgrounds, and educators in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy have an ethical duty to create an inclusive environment that respects and values every individual, celebrates diversity, and fosters unity.

The rise in multiculturalism in schools presents a new challenge for educators, necessitating better preparation to fulfil their transformative role in society and reach out to all students, regardless of their creed, culture, or nationality. This module aims to inform and equip educators to create inclusive school environments that respect all students’ diverse backgrounds. Participants in this module will gain an understanding of how technology influences young people’s psychological and spiritual self-perception, interactions, and worldview. They will examine the impact of technological advancements, such as digital communication, social media, gamified environments, AI, and augmented realities, on youth. By analysing these trends, educators will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities that technology presents for young people. The module will also teach participants to critically analyse technology’s effects on culture, particularly youth culture, through the media ecology school and explore the technocratic paradigm’s impact on science, faith, and society using the theory of planned behaviour.

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE7004In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)6 ECTS

Living and mentoring through the right knowledge and skills the school ethos is a crucial aspect of school life for the benefit of the whole school community.  The ethos gives the community the impetus it needs to promote a positive character formation. Within the framework of schools, the inspirational shepherding figure of Christ enables the school community to recognize each person’s unique gifts and encourages their personal development. The full collaboration and cooperation between the school community and the various interdisciplinary teams amongst them the School Pastoral Care, are necessary transformative mediums for the students’ holistic character development and formation as they can grow into principled, responsible individuals.

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE7005In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)3 ECTS

The seminar (weekend-based) at the  beginning of the course is crucial, because, participants are  introduced to each other, the topics  chosen, revolve mainly  around the need to  be aware  of oneself  holistically within the venture of School Pastoral Care and  Chaplaincy, the need  of self-care, the need to equip oneself  well with resilience,  the importance of  keeping the goals of Pastoral Care  and Chaplaincy as the centre and  sustenance of the whole mission in the school context.

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE7006In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)3 ECTS

The spiritual reflection day (based on a weekend) is a valuable opportunity for all participants to  get in touch with the sacred within them, to evaluate  their consciousness of their impact  within the mission of School Pastoral Care  and Chaplaincy  through the use of various evaluation resources, and  to   share with the rest of the group their spiritual experiences.

 

We are working to make the course available from January 2026. In the meantime, you can register your interest by completing the application form below.

This course has one exit certificate option:

Certificate of Achievement

To receive a Certificate of Achievement, the student must:

  • Attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.
  • Complete and pass assessments for all modules.
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 7, as a Higher Education Programme.

Funding
Students completing the Postgraduate Certificate in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools 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. €595.00 will be refunded for this course).

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.

Previous courses / training:

– Minimum Level 6 or equivalent as determined by the Course Director Or

Students who have fully completed and passed the Award in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools (MQF Level 6) and expressed interest in Pastoral Care in Schools.

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, see Identity Malta’s VISA requirements for third-country nationals.

CPD – Il-katekeżi għat-tfal u l-pre-adolexxenti b’diżabilità

29/07/2025   Ta' Mlit

Il-kors huwa maħsub biex joffri formazzjoni bażika lill-katekisti li fil-ministeru tagħhom, iservu lit-tfal u pre-adolexxenti b’diżabilita’. L-ewwelnett, permezz tal-kors, il-katekisti għandhom jakkwistaw għarfien bażiku tar-realtajiet differenti li jikkaratterizzaw diżabilitajiet diversi. Ma’ dan, il-katekisti jakkwistaw ukoll għarfien dwar kif huma għandhom jirrelataw ma’ dawn il-persuni u kif għandhom ikunu wkoll ta’ appoġġ għall-familji tagħhom. Dan huwa pass essenzjali biex il-ħidma kateketika fil-qasam, tgħin lil dawn it-tfal jagħmlu esperjenza ta’ fidi fi ħdan il-komunita’ ekkleżjali.

Dan ma’ jistax isir jekk ma jinkisibx għarfien rigward il-metodi u r-riżorsi addattati għall-ħidma kateketika ma’ dawn it-tfal u l-familji tagħhom. Il-kors għandu wkoll jiżgura li l-katekisti ikunu aktar sensibbli għall-bżonnijiet ta’ dawn il-persuni fejn tidħol l-animazzjoni tat-talb u ċ-ċelebrazzjoni tas-sagramenti.

Fl-aħħarnett, il-kors għandu jinkoraġġixxi, isaħħaħ u jifrex dejjem aktar il-prattiċi tajbin li sa issa diġa qegħdin jiġu mħaddma fil-ħidma kateketika madwar id-djoċesi.

  • Katekisti u persuni oħra interessati fis-suġġett.

Target Audience Age: 18+

Il-kors ser isir is-Sibt mid-9:30am sa’ 12:00pm Ta’ Mlit.

DataSessjoni
25 ta’ Ottubru 2025L-għarfien tal-esperjenza tad-diżabilità fit-tfal u l-pre-adolexxenti
10 ta’ Jannar 2026Kif nirrelataw mat-tfal u l-pre-adoloxxenti b’ diżabilità u kif insostnu lill-familji tagħhom
21 ta’ Frar 2026L-edukazzjoni u l-animazzjoni tat-talb u l-liturġija għat-tfal u l-pre-adolexxenti b’diżabilità
18 ta’ April 2026Riżorsi u Metodi fil-preparazzjoni għas-Sagramenti għat-tfal u l-pre-adoloxxenti b’diżabilità
9 ta’ Mejju 2026Good practices fil-parroċċi fil-qasam tal-katekeżi mat-tfal u l-pre-adoloxxenti b’diżabilità
Dan il-kors għandu żewġ għażliet ta’ ċertifikati:

1. Ċertifikat ta’ Attendenza

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

2. Ċertifikat ta’ Parteċipazzjoni

L-istudent jirċievi Ċertifikat ta’ Parteċipazzjoni meta (minbarra li jissodisfa l-kriterji ta’ attendenza ta’ hawn fuq) itemm b’suċċess valutazzjoni qasira online.

Lingwa: L-applikanti għandhom ikollom fehma tal-Malti u jkunu fluwenti fl-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.

Practice in Liturgical Music Animation

26/05/2025

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 will focus on the practice of liturgical music leadership. Each session will include vocal technique training and practical methods for introducing new repertoire to the assembly. Additionally, every session will explore the various parts of the Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Active participation from each student—both in singing and directing—is a compulsory component of this course.

Those involved in liturgical animation, or anyone interested in this ministry, to deepen their knowledge and enhance their practical skills in the field.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Mondays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at The Archbishop’s Seminary, Rabat

DateSession
Monday 6th October 2025Practical musical animation for the mass 1
Monday 20th October 2025Practical musical animation for the mass 2
Monday 27th October 2025Practical musical animation for the mass 3
Monday 03th November 2025Practical assembly conducting 1
Monday 10th November 2025Practical assembly conducting 2
Monday 17th November 2025Practical assembly conducting 3

This course has three exit certificate options:

  1. Certificate of Attendance
    The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum 80% of all contact hours for this course.
  2. Certificate of Participation
    The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when sitting and successfully compete and pass the short multiple-choice questions online exam which will be available on the Moodle platform.
  3. Certificate of Achievement
    To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum 80% of all contact hours and pass the short multiple-choice online exam practical and viva session.

This course is delivered by the Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azzopardi in collaboration with the Pastoral Formation Institute.

Parish Volunteering

21/05/2025

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 short course offers an engaging introduction to the mission and ministry of volunteering within a Catholic parish. It explores the spiritual foundations, practical responsibilities, and community impact of parish volunteering. Designed for new and prospective volunteers, the course provides an understanding of how their service contributes to the Church’s mission and offers guidance for serving effectively, faithfully, and joyfully.

New or prospective parish volunteers, both youth and adults

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Mondays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta. Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom.

DateSession
15th September 2025Called to Serve – The Spiritual Heart of Volunteering
22nd September 2025The Life of the Parish – Ministries and Mission
29th September 2025Ethics, Boundaries, and Responsibility
6th October 2025Building Community; Collaboration and finding your place
13th October 2025Formation; Spiritual Growth and Next Steps

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 reflective journal.

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.

31/01/2026 – 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.

Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-person31st January 2026
from 9am to 12pm		Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
Recorded Material31st January – 14th February 2026Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam31st January 202614th February 2026
Reflective Journal31st January 20262nd March 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.

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

21/03/2025

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/.

The starting date was changed to 5th January 2026.

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
5th January 2026Puppeteering for Christian Ministry
7th January 2026Storytelling with a Christian Perspective
19th January 2026Scripting for Faith-Based Performances
21st January 2026Science Experiments as Biblical Illustrations
11th March 2026Seminar

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.