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How GBS Malta is empowering future health and social care professionals

Tackle Europe's aging woes head-on: learn key skills to become a standout in health and social care fields.

Health and social care professionals are more than titles – they are lifelines for communities everywhere. Across Europe, demand keeps climbing. 

The continent’s population is ageing so quickly that we expect to see a shortage of up to four million health and social care workers by 2030, hitting hardest in places with rising elderly numbers. 

What does that mean for everyday life? 

  • Not enough nurses. 
  • Fewer social workers. 
  • Even fewer support roles. 

This is not hearsay. 

The WHO and European Commission project that by 2030, the EU will need 600,000 new doctors, 2.3 million nurses and over a million social care staff and assistants just to keep up with demand. 

How does anyone respond? 

With fresh thinking, new skills, and a generation bold enough to learn from the crisis and shape the future. You might wonder: how can one person shift things? It starts with grasping the basics – spotting emotional cues, weighing tough choices, and guiding teams through chaos. Skills like these are not just nice; they are what keep things running smoothly. 

And with technology creeping in, from remote check-ins to smart data tools, the field evolves daily. So, if you are eyeing a spot in this world, know that the demand is real. The push now is for fresh faces ready to learn, adapt, and lead. 

GBS Malta’s BSc (Hons) Health, Social Care and Wellbeing degree is a response. Purpose-built, praised for integrating evidence-based theory, technology and empathy, it is designed for those who want to act, not just observe.  

Interested in learning how students can become the caregivers and leaders Europe needs? 

Let us look closer at this Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA)-accredited route shaping tomorrow’s health and social care professionals. 

A modern answer for Europe’s health and social care crisis 

The need for skilled health and social care professionals is more urgent than ever. Europe’s population of those aged 65 and over is growing, with the number of centenarians expected to reach nearly half a million by 2050 (Source: European Union). 

This shift creates a demand for a new kind of practitioner who can handle the complex needs of those receiving long-term care. GBS Malta is addressing this worker shortage head-on. 

It is about training people who are not just prepared for the jobs of today but also for the challenges of tomorrow. This is precisely what the GBS Malta health and social care degree sets out to do. 

Join GBS Malta’s Health & Social Care Programme

Building real-world superpowers for future professionals 

GBS Malta does not just focus on theoretical knowledge. The BSc (Hons) Health, Social Care and Wellbeing curriculum is designed to build the 'superpowers' that the next generation of health and social care professionals truly need. 

This is a practical, evidence-based approach to education that prepares you for real-world scenarios. It is a complete health and social care programme in Malta that combines academic rigour with hands-on learning. 

Developing empathy and compassionate care 

The foundation of quality care is a person-centred approach. That is why the curriculum dedicates time to modules like 'Care, compassion and wellbeing in health and social care', which focus on building trust and understanding. 

It is about more than just checking boxes; it is about connecting with people on a human level. 

  • Courses like 'Care, compassion and wellbeing in health and social care' flip the script. 
  • You will use person-centred approaches to build trust from day one. 
  • Modules encourage thinking about diverse groups – children, elderly and everyone in-between. 
  • Learn to spot emotional needs, communicate kindly, and make every interaction count. 

Sharpening critical thinking and evidence-based practice 

Today's care settings are complex, and the best solutions come from data, not guesswork. This is why the health and social care programme in Malta places a strong emphasis on critical thinking and research. 

Modules such as 'Introduction to research and evidence in health and social care' and 'Evaluating research in health and social care' train you to analyse complex issues and make informed decisions, which is what the best health and social care professionals do.    

  • 'Introduction to research and evidence in health and social care' sets the foundation. 
  • Evaluate research quality. Do not just read studies, question them. 
  • It is not just about what works, but why it works. 
  • Think on your feet: navigating ethical choices and complex care environments. 

Fostering leadership to drive change 

The care sector needs people who can lead. A key part of the GBS Malta’s health and social care degree is the 'Leadership and management in health and social care' module. 

This module prepares students to lead teams, manage resources, and transform care systems, making graduates capable of filling the projected worker gap and steering the industry toward a better future.    

  • 'Leadership and management in health and social care' is not theoretical. 
  • Real strategies for change management in care settings. 
  • Learn about your role as a future policy advisor or advocate. 
  • Prepare not just to join a workforce but to improve it. 

Three-year curriculum with a practical edge 

A solid health and social care degree needs a solid structure. The BSc (Hons) Health, Social Care and Wellbeing at GBS Malta is a three-year, full-time health and social care programme that balances rigorous academic study with practical, hands-on learning. 

With a total of 900 contact hours, you are not just learning in a lecture hall – you are applying your knowledge to real-world problems. The course is a thoughtful progression, building your skills and knowledge layer by layer. 

Our programme is approved under the Malta Get Qualified Scheme, which allows students to claim back up to 70% of their tuition fees as tax credits after graduation. This government-backed initiative applies to programmes recognised at MQF Level 3 or higher. 

To be eligible for the refund, graduates must live and work in Malta for at least two years following the completion of their studies. This makes higher education in Malta both more affordable and financially rewarding. 

Year-on-year breakdown 

The programme is divided into three levels, each building on the last to create a comprehensive understanding of the field. 

Year MQF Level Key Modules Focus Areas
1 5 Introduction to health and social care, biological determinants of health Foundational concepts, ethics, and lifespan health.
2 5 Equality in health, mental ill health, and mental health Policies, safeguarding, and addressing vulnerabilities.
3 6 Leadership in health, final year project/dissertation Advanced quality management and independent research.

Practical elements and accreditation

Beyond the modules, GBS Malta’s health and social care degree focuses on practical assessments like essays, portfolios, and presentations. The final dissertation gives you the chance to dive deep into a topic of your choice. 

The degree is MFHEA accredited, which is a powerful signal of its quality and credibility, both in Malta and across Europe.    

Career prospects for health and social care professionals 

Finishing opens wide doors – think roles where you touch lives daily. With the crunch on, demand soars for skilled hands in nursing or policy positions. GBS Malta graduates fit right in, using empathy and technology to fill voids. 

The GBS Malta’s health and social care degree links skills to jobs like these, prepping you for the 4.1 million vacancies ahead. 

Diverse roles for empowered graduates 

The GBS Malta health and social care degree launches graduates in many directions. Take your skills where they are needed most. 

Role type How the programme prepares you
Nursing/Elderly care Respond to workforce crisis and ageing needs
Social work Address mental health, champion equity
Policy/Advocacy Shape health systems at local and national level

Health and social care professionals are already in short supply. Your degree puts you front and centre to close the EU’s projected 1.8 million worker gap by 2030.

Join the movement to transform health and social care

 

GBS Malta is more than an educational institution; it is a launchpad for a new generation of health and social care professionals ready to tackle Europe's challenges. 

You have seen how the BSc (Hons) Health, Social Care and Wellbeing programme blends practical skills with a modern, technology-focused curriculum. 

The world needs people who can bring compassion and intelligence to the care sector. This health and social care programme in Malta is a direct response to a very real need. It provides the perfect blend of theory and practice for a fulfilling career. 

Step forward as a GBS Malta health and social care professional – with the confidence, compassion and tools that no one else has to offer. 

Europe's setup calls for action – will you answer? 

Apply Now. 

FAQs

1. Is the BSc (Hons) Health, Social Care and Wellbeing a recognised degree?

Yes, this programme is accredited by the MFHEA, ensuring its quality is on par with recognised standards. 

2. Are there part-time study options for this degree?

This particular programme is structured for full-time study, as it is designed as an intensive, three-year, face-to-face learning experience.

3. Do I need a specific academic background to apply for this programme?

You can check GBS Malta website or contact GBS Malta team directly for more specific entry requirements.

4. How does the programme’s curriculum address the growing need for elderly care?

The curriculum features modules focused on lifespan health and social needs. It provides students with a foundational understanding of the complexities of caring for an ageing population.

5. What kind of practical experience is involved in this degree?

The programme includes various practical elements, such as workshops and real-world projects, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in simulated and practical care environments.

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