Does studying online make a qualification less valuable? Does a higher MQF level mean spending more years in education? And can the skills you gain at work count towards a qualification?
When choosing a course, it is easy to focus on the subject, the duration or the certificate you will receive at the end. But there are other things worth considering, particularly when it comes to understanding what a qualification means and how it may be recognised.
Terms such as accreditation, recognition, MQF level and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can sometimes sound unfamiliar. Knowing what they mean can help you ask the right questions before committing to a programme.
So, let’s take a closer look at five common misconceptions about qualifications.
- Online degrees are worth less
MYTH
Some people believe that studying online makes a qualification less valuable than one obtained on campus. However, the way a programme is delivered does not, by itself, determine the value or status of the qualification.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Online learning can offer valuable opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, provided the programme meets the relevant accreditation and quality assurance requirements.
In Malta, MFHEA has specific requirements for online learning provision, including rules on contact hours and how learning is delivered. Requirements may vary depending on the type and level of programme, so it is important to check that the course meets the applicable standards.
If you are considering an online course, check the provider’s licence, the programme’s accreditation status, its learning outcomes and, where applicable, its Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) level.
Find out more: https://mfhea.mt/programme-accreditation/
- A qualification accredited abroad is automatically recognised in Malta
MYTH
It is easy to assume that if a qualification is accepted in another country, it will automatically be recognised in Malta. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Accreditation and recognition are related, but they are not the same thing. Accreditation concerns the status of an education or training programme, while recognition considers a qualification’s status and comparability.
In Malta, the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC), within the MFHEA, provides recognition and comparability services for international qualifications.
If you have studied abroad or are planning to enrol with an international institution, it is worth checking how your qualification may be recognised before making any decisions based on it.
Find out more: https://mfhea.mt/academic-qualifications/
- A higher MQF level always means more years of study
MYTH
A common assumption is that the higher the MQF level, the longer the course must be. In reality, the MQF is not simply a way of counting years spent studying.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
The Malta Qualifications Framework describes the learning outcomes associated with a qualification, in other words, what a learner is expected to know, understand, and be able to do.
A higher level generally reflects greater complexity and depth of learning. Study duration and credit requirements are also relevant, but they are not what the MQF level measures on its own.
Understanding this distinction can help you compare programmes more meaningfully, rather than relying on their duration alone.
Find out more: https://mfhea.mt/interactive-mqf/
- Every certificate represents a qualification
MYTH
Completing a course and receiving a certificate can feel like a clear indication of achievement. However, not every certificate represents an accredited/recognised qualification, or one referenced to the MQF.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Certificates can be awarded for different types of learning, from short courses and training sessions to accredited programmes leading to formal qualifications.
The important question is what the certificate actually represents. Before enrolling, check whether the programme is accredited, whether it has an MQF level, where applicable, and whether it leads to an Award or Qualification within the framework.
Taking a few minutes to check these details can help you understand exactly what you will receive at the end of your studies.
Find out more: https://mfhea.mt/programme-accreditation/
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a shortcut
MYTH
Some people think Recognition of Prior Learning offers an easy way to get a qualification without completing the required assessment. This is not what RPL is about.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Learning does not happen only in a classroom. Work experience, professional practice, volunteering and other life experiences can all help people develop valuable knowledge and skills.
Recognition of Prior Learning provides a structured way to identify and assess these existing skills and competences against established learning outcomes. Where the relevant requirements are met, this learning may be formally recognised.
For people who have gained experience outside traditional education, RPL can offer an opportunity to have that learning considered through an appropriate assessment process.
Find out more: https://mfhea.mt/recognition-of-prior-learning/
Before you enrol, take a closer look
Choosing a programme is an important decision, and there is more to consider than the course title or the certificate you receive at the end.
Before enrolling, check who provides the programme, whether it is licensed/accredited, what MQF level it carries, where applicable, and what type of Award or Qualification it leads to. If you are considering a qualification from another country, find out how recognition works in Malta. And if you have gained skills through work or other experiences, it may be worth exploring whether Recognition of Prior Learning applies to your circumstances.
A little research beforehand can help you understand your options and make a decision that better suits your goals.
Ultimately, knowing what a qualification represents is an important first step towards making the right choice for your future.