What are the admission requirements for the MBA in Project Management at GBS Malta?

To enrol in the MBA in Project Management at GBS Malta, you typically need a UK honours degree (2:2 or above) or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution. If your degree is below a 2:2, you can still apply by demonstrating relevant work or management experience, such as roles in business or leadership. Professional qualifications, like ACCA or CIMA, are also accepted if they match a UK undergraduate degree. Additionally, you must meet English language requirements, such as an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 (with no component below 5.5) or equivalent tests like Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) (overall 60).

How does the Get Qualified scheme work for international students?

The Get Qualified scheme, administered by Malta Enterprise, allows international students to recover up to 70% of their tuition fees as tax credits after completing an approved course, such as the MBA at GBS Malta. To be eligible, the course must be accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) and rated at least Level 3 on the Malta Qualification Framework (MQF). The tax credit is applied against taxes paid in Malta, meaning students typically need to work in Malta post-graduation to have taxable income. The credit can be spread over multiple years until fully claimed, but students without taxable income (e.g., earning below €9,100 annually) may not benefit. Applications must be submitted within two years of course completion via the Malta Enterprise portal.

What kind of career support does GBS Malta provide for MBA students?

GBS Malta offers tailored career support to help MBA students launch successful project management careers. The institution has strong ties with industries like fintech, gaming, and business, facilitating internships, job placements and networking events with potential employers. Students benefit from career planning sessions, workshops on resume building and interview skills as well as guidance from faculty who are industry experts. GBS Malta’s focus on practical, industry-aligned education ensures graduates are well-prepared for global roles. The university also leverages Malta’s low unemployment rate and growing sectors to connect students with job opportunities, enhancing their career prospects both locally and internationally.

Can I work while studying in Malta as an international student?

Yes, non-EU international students can work part-time while studying in Malta, provided they meet specific conditions. After the first 90 days of their study period, students with a valid extended study visa can apply for an employment licence through Jobsplus, allowing them to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. A formal job offer is required, and students must maintain at least 75% course attendance to keep their visa and licence valid. The application process takes four to six weeks and costs €230. Among the popular part-time employment opportunities are positions in hospitality, retail, and language schools, all of which offer income as well as cultural exposure.

What is the class size and student-to-faculty ratio in the MBA program at GBS Malta?

GBS Malta emphasizes small class sizes to foster a personalised and interactive learning environment for MBA students. The institution highlights its commitment to one-to-one support, with experienced lecturers providing tailored guidance. This suggests a low student-to-faculty ratio, enabling meaningful engagement and individual attention. The MBA in Project Management programme emphasises small classes so that students can participate actively in discussions, collaborate on projects, and receive feedback, thus enhancing their learning experience.

Understanding the fundamentals of computer systems

Technology careers start with strong computing fundamentals. Discover why computer system basics are your key to artificial intelligence (AI), cloud, and cybersecurity roles.

Open your laptop. What happens when you press ‘power’?

Most see icons; visionaries see orchestrated chaos – currents racing through circuits, registers loading binary and kernels booting.

Understanding these fundamentals of computer systems separates gadget users from innovators. It is the bedrock of everything: AI, cloud networks, even your smartwatch.

Skip this, and you will be building on sand. The fundamentals of computer systems are the backbone of modern technology, and a bachelor’s degree in computer science is your key to understanding them.

From the hardware that powers your devices to the software that runs them, these basics are essential for anyone aiming to excel in technology.

Let us break down what computer systems are, the core concepts you need to know, and how GBS Malta’s computer science course equips you with this knowledge. Whether you are eyeing a career in software development or network engineering, mastering these fundamentals is your first step.

What are computer systems?

Computer systems are the combination of hardware and software working together to process data and perform tasks. Hardware includes physical components like the central processing unit (CPU), memory and storage, while software encompasses operating systems and applications.

Table of Contents

Introduction
What are computer systems?
Key fundamentals of computer systems
Why computer system fundamentals matter?
Core pillars of computer systems
How systems thinking enables specialisation
How GBS Malta teaches these fundamentals
Benefits of mastering these fundamentals
Why study at GBS Malta?
Build your future on solid ground
FAQs

According to GeeksforGeeks, a computer system takes input, processes it under program control, and produces output. Understanding how these components interact is crucial for building a strong foundation in any computer science course.

Core Components:

Hardware: CPU, random-access memory (RAM), storage, and peripherals like keyboards.
Software: Operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux) and applications.
Interaction: Hardware executes software instructions to process data.

Want to Understanding the fundamentals of computer systems?

Apply Now

Key fundamentals of computer systems

To grasp computer systems, you need to master these fundamentals of computer systems:

Fundamental	Description
Hardware components	CPU processes instructions; RAM and storage manage data.
Operating systems	Manage resources and provide user interfaces (e.g., macOS, Linux).
Data representation	Binary (0s and 1s) used to store and process data.
Computer architecture	Organisation of components for efficient instruction execution.
Networking	Protocols and hardware for device communication.

These concepts, as noted by ArtOfTesting, are vital for anyone pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Why computer system fundamentals matter?

Fundamentals of computer systems are not academic trivia; they are survival tools. When Python scripts crash or clouds malfunction, you will diagnose them layer by layer. Consider:

Knowing CPU architecture optimises machine learning code.
Understanding memory hierarchy prevents data pipeline bottlenecks.
Networking basics underpin cybersecurity strategies.

A bachelor’s degree in computer science makes this instinctive. You will troubleshoot like a surgeon, not a novice.

Core pillars of computer systems

Every computer science course dissects systems into digestible components. At GBS Malta, Year 1’s "'Fundamentals of Computer Systems module covers:

Component	Function	Real-world application
CPU architecture	Instruction processing	Optimising algorithm efficiency
Memory/storage	Data hierarchy	Balancing solid-state drive (SSD) vs. RAM costs
OS kernels	Resource allocation	Managing concurrent cloud requests
I/O Systems	Peripheral communication	Internet of Things (IoT) device integration

You will build working knowledge using Raspberry Pi and Arduino kits, no abstract theory.

How systems thinking enables specialisation

Fundamentals of computer systems unlock advanced fields:

Cybersecurity: Protect systems by understanding attack surfaces in hardware/drivers.
Cloud engineering: Design distributed storage by mastering I/O and networking basics.
AI development: Accelerate neural networks via CPU/GPU parallelism insights.

GBS Malta’s curriculum layers specialisations logically: Year 1’s systems foundation enables Year 3’s DevOps and emerging technologies modules.

How GBS Malta teaches these fundamentals

GBS Malta’s BSc (Hons) Computer Science and Information Technology programme ensures you master computer systems fundamentals through targeted modules:

Fundamentals of computer systems	Covers CPU architecture, memory, storage, and device drivers.
Operating systems: principles and practices	Explores process management, file systems, and security.
Networking technologies	Teaches protocols, IP addressing, and network hardware.
Security systems	Introduces cybersecurity to protect computer systems.

These modules provide hands-on learning, ensuring you are ready for advanced topics in any computer science course.

You will exit Year 1 learning how to:

Analyse system performance using monitoring tools.
Install/configuring hardware-software stacks.
Explain digital logic and binary representation.

Benefits of mastering these fundamentals

Understanding the fundamentals of computer systems offers significant advantages, such as the

A. Strong foundation

Prepares you for advanced topics like AI and cloud computing.

B. Troubleshooting skills

Enables you to diagnose and fix technical issues.

C. Career versatility

Equips you for roles like a network engineer or software developer.

D. Innovation

Provides the knowledge to create new tech solutions.

These benefits, as highlighted by Unstop, make you a valuable asset in the tech industry.

Why study at GBS Malta?

GBS Malta’s bachelor’s degree in computer science is designed for global success:

Accreditation: MQRIC-accredited for quality assurance.
Hardware laboratories: Assemble computer components and debug failures.
Get Qualified Scheme: Refund 70% of tuition fees after graduation.
OS simulations: Model process scheduling in Windows/Linux environments.
Group projects: Design embedded systems using single-board computers.
Network prototyping: Configure routers and subnet masks for mock enterprises.
Diverse environment: Study in Malta with international peers.
Career support: Guidance to kickstart your tech career.

This computer science course at GBS Malta sets you up to excel in the tech world.

Build your future on solid ground

Fundamentals of computer systems are timeless—unlike programming syntax. Mastering these fundamentals of computer systems is essential for a successful tech career. A bachelor’s degree in computer science rooted in these principles lets you adapt as silicon evolves. With a practical curriculum and a global perspective, you will be ready to tackle the technology industry’s challenges.

Start where greatness does—at the foundation.

Apply now  for GBS Malta’s October 2025 intake.

FAQs

1. What if I have never used a computer before?

Perfect. We start from zero: dismantling PCs in laboratories, visualising data flows with diagnostic tools and incremental coding. By term 2, you will be able to prototype IoT devices confidently. No prior hardware experience is needed.

2. What are the core fundamentals of computer systems covered by the programme?

In the GBS Malta programme, students are taught CPU architecture, assembly language, input/output devices, peripheral components, memory and storage systems, operating systems as well as device drivers, providing a comprehensive foundation for understanding how computers function.

3. How does the programme teach these fundamentals?

This programme combines lectures, practical laboratories, real-world examples and group projects to ensure that you become familiar with computer systems by combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.

4. Why is understanding computer systems important for a computer science career?

Knowing computer systems is essential for writing efficient code, troubleshooting issues, and designing innovative solutions. It is the foundation for advanced fields such as software development, networking and cybersecurity, enhancing your career versatility.

5. Do we actually build systems or just study theory?

You will get your hands on practice. Using Raspberry Pi/Arduino kits, you will assemble components, debug failures, and simulate OS operations. Sixty per cent of the assessments of Year 1 involve practical exercises, such as configuring network routers for mock enterprises.

6. What resources are available to students to master these fundamentals?

Students access lectures, practical labs with development boards, cloud platforms, group projects and detailed assessment feedback, fostering a supportive environment to master computer systems.

7. How do system fundamentals help cybersecurity?

Directly. Attacks exploit hardware/OS vulnerabilities (e.g., memory buffer overflows). Our Security Systems module teaches threat modelling after you have mastered system components, so you protect yourself from the silicon up.

8. Can I specialise later if I start with the basics?

Specialisation requires foundations. Year 1’s systems knowledge will enable Year 3’s DevOps (containerisation) and Machine Learning (GPU parallelism). If you miss the fundamentals, and AI/cloud concepts will not stick.

Browse our courses

We offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses that deliver the business skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.

View all Courses