Program Overview

Higher National Diploma in Tourist Guiding (Full-Time)

Programme Information

MQF Level

5

Study Mode

On Campus

ECTS

120

Duration

Full-time 3 semesters + Practicum

Course Description

Prospective students will study Maltese history, starting from prehistory to modern and contemporary periods. Students are also offered the possibility to study a foreign language. The course includes visits to the main historical sites in Malta and Gozo, in which students practise guiding techniques. Links between sustainability and tourism will also be explored in modules on the natural environment and sustainable tourism that are included in this course. Students will also directly engage with the industry by shadowing professional tourist guides on the job.

Programme Learning Outcomes

• Understand the role of the tourist guide and manage the complex concepts of well organised tours.
• Be creative in the design and management of historical and thematic tours.
• Evaluate and anticipate customer expectations during the implementation process of tour guiding.
• Understand and explain the detailed historical and cultural content of various itineraries and sites.
• Manage small tour groups and ensure safety and customer satisfaction at all times.

Entry Criteria

A combination of a minimum of 3 Advanced and Intermediate levels, of which one needs to be an Advanced level (MQF/ EQF level 4) pass. These qualifications must add up to a minimum of 44 points as per the matrix provided on the pages at the back of the prospectus AND passes at grade 5 (SSC&P level 3) or better in SEC examinations in English, and Mathematics. The successful completion of the Princes’ Trust programme and full ECDL are considered equivalent to one O level.

OR

An ITS Diploma in Events Operations, Rooms Division, Travel and Tourism, Food Preparation and Production, and Food and Beverage Service and Climate Friendly MQF/EQF Level 4 (or equivalent). OR Apply as a mature student, at least 23 years of age by the beginning of the academic year applied for, and subject to proficiency and/or aptitude tests as per direction of the ITS. The ITS also reserves the right to subject the candidate for an interview and/or an RPL procedure prior to acceptance.

Possible Career Opportunities

• Freelance Tourist Guide
• Gallery Site Officer
• Museum Interpretation Officer
• Tourist Information Centre Manager

Any person, who intends to guide in Malta, requires a license issued by the Malta Tourism Authority authorising him/her to act as a tourist guide. ITS students who successfully complete an HND in Tourist Guiding can apply for a tourist guiding license issued by the Malta Tourism Authority.

Course Dates

This course will start in academic year 2024/25 which commences on 30th September 2024.

Course Modules

• HNDTGFL2 Language 2
• HND5120 Field Visits Part 1 *
• HND5114 Principles and Practices of Tourist Guiding *
• HND5127 History of Art 1
• HND5061 Prehistoric Sites *
• HND5115 Classical - Medieval *
• HND5116 Digital Technologies for Tourist Guiding and Heritage Interpretation
• HND5081 Sustainable Tourism
• HND5108 Mediterranean Studies
• HND5117 Interpretation of Sites and Artefacts
• HNDTGFL1 Language 1
• HND5128 History of Art 2
• HND5129 Storytelling on the Move *
• HND5121 Field Visits Part 2 *
• HND5076 Modern European History
• HND5074 Natural Environment of Malta *
• HND5109 Knights' Period *
• HND5130 French Period
• HND5125 Maltese Commerce for Tourist Guides
• HND5008 Research Methodology
• HND5079 Trekking and Countryside Walks *
• HND5067 Work Placement
• HND5068 Maltese Culture
• HND5071 Field Visits - Foreign Language
• HND5078E Field Visits - English
• HND5122 Field Visits Part 3 *
• HND5077 First Aid
• HND5082 Contemporary Malta
• HND5064 British Period *
• HND5131 Malta as a Filming Destination
• HND5132 Long Essay and Tour *

*This module is considered a key module, a student must pass this module in order to progress to the next year.

Fees

All prices are equivalent to a semester of studies. Local and International Internships are exempted from fees.
If the course is offered online and on campus the price will vary, please contact the registrar's office at for further information.
This course is eligible for the Get Qualified scheme, whereby one can get up to 70% tax rebate of the course fee. For more information on this scheme, please contact Get Qualified. The scheme is subject to the T&Cs of the managing authority/body.