MFHEA programme accreditation is the process that pegs a specific programme to a level on the Malta Qualifications Framework and confirms its design is sound. It checks that the level is right for the learning outcomes, that outcomes, content and assessment line up, that staff and resources can deliver it, and that the learner journey is supported. It is distinct from the provider licence, although a new entity applies for both at the same time. In short, it accredits the programme, not the organisation.
What programme accreditation is
Programme accreditation is the MFHEA process that pegs a specific programme to a level on the Malta Qualifications Framework and confirms the programme is well designed. It looks at one programme at a time and asks whether it deserves the MQF level it claims and whether its design holds together. The output is an accredited programme at a stated MQF level.
It is distinct from the provider licence, which is permission to operate as an education provider in Malta. A new entity must apply for provider accreditation at the same time, so plan for both while keeping the two ideas separate.
It checks the level is right
Programme accreditation checks that the MQF level you claim matches the actual demand of the learning outcomes. The Malta Qualifications Framework has eight levels, referenced to the European Qualifications Framework, so the level is readable across the EU. MFHEA looks at what learners must know and be able to do and confirms it genuinely sits at, say, MQF Level 5 rather than Level 4 or 6.
The level is the promise the qualification makes to the rest of the world, so pitching outcomes above or below it is a real problem. Write the outcomes at the level you claim and be ready to justify why they belong there.
It checks the design holds together
Programme accreditation checks that the learning outcomes, the content and the assessment are aligned, so the programme is coherent. MFHEA wants to see that what you teach serves the outcomes, and that what you assess actually tests those outcomes. A programme where the assessment does not match the outcomes does not hold together.
This is the same discipline that underpins good course development anywhere: state the outcomes, build content that delivers them, and design assessment that tests them. Accreditation makes that alignment something you have to demonstrate, not just assert.
It checks resourcing and staff
Programme accreditation checks that you have the staff and resources to deliver the programme to the standard claimed. MFHEA looks at whether teaching staff are competent for the level and subject, and whether the learning resources, facilities and materials are adequate. A well-written programme that no one is qualified to teach is not deliverable.
Be specific: name the staff and their competence against the programme, and set out the resources learners will use. Vague assurances that suitable staff will be recruited are weaker than concrete evidence.
It checks the learner journey
Programme accreditation checks that the learner journey is supported, from clear public information through to guidance during the programme. MFHEA looks at whether learners are given accurate information before they enrol and whether they are supported while they study. The learner experience is part of what is accredited, not an extra.
In practice this means honest programme information, clear entry requirements, and support a learner can actually reach, managed by the same systems as your wider internal quality assurance.
Provider licence versus programme accreditation
The provider licence and programme accreditation are two different things that a new entity applies for together, and the table below sets out the difference. Keeping them clear helps you plan, because they ask different questions and need different evidence, even when you submit them at once.
| Provider licence | Programme accreditation | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Permission to operate as an education provider in Malta | Recognition of a specific programme at an MQF level |
| What it assesses | Your organisation, governance and quality systems | One programme's level, design, staffing and learner support |
| Scope | The provider as a whole | Each individual programme |
| For a new entity | Required | Applied for at the same time as the provider licence |
If you are setting up from scratch, treat these as one project with two strands. Our page on whether you need a Maltese company for MFHEA covers the entity question underneath both.
Common questions
What is the difference between provider and programme accreditation?
Provider accreditation, the licence, is permission to operate as an education provider in Malta and assesses your organisation and its quality systems. Programme accreditation recognises a specific programme at an MQF level and assesses that programme's design, staffing and learner support. A new entity applies for both at the same time as distinct assessments.
What is an MQF level?
An MQF level is a level on the Malta Qualifications Framework, which has eight levels referenced to the European Qualifications Framework. The level describes how demanding the learning is. Because the MQF is referenced to the EQF, an MQF level is readable across the EU.
Can I accredit a programme without a provider licence?
A new entity applying for programme accreditation must also apply for provider accreditation at the same time, so in practice the two go together. Programme accreditation recognises the programme, but you also need to be a licensed provider to operate it in Malta. Plan for both strands from the start.
Does MFHEA check my assessment?
Yes. Programme accreditation checks that your assessment actually tests the learning outcomes and matches the claimed MQF level. MFHEA looks at whether outcomes, content and assessment are aligned, so assessment that does not test the stated outcomes is a weakness. Design it alongside the outcomes, not after the content.
Can Apollo prepare our programme submission?
Yes. Apollo Accreditation helps training providers prepare MFHEA programme accreditation submissions, from pegging the right MQF level to aligning outcomes, assessment, staffing and learner support. Book a scoping call and we will get the submission ready alongside the provider licence.
Planning a programme, an accreditation route or a quality system?
Book a 30 minute scoping call. We will map the route, the standards that apply and a realistic timeline. No preparation needed.
Book a 30 minute scoping callPrefer to write first? Contact us.