The Undergraduate Higher Diploma in SME Management is a comprehensive programme designed to equip business owners, senior managers, junior managers, and executives with the critical management skills, tools, and techniques necessary to enhance their personal performance and drive the growth of their small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The programme is divided into three stages, allowing for both academic progression and practical application:
Stage 1 – Four Core Module
- Award in Essentials of Management
- Award in Essentials of Marketing & Sales
- Award in Essentials of Human Resources
- Award in Essentials of Financial Management 1
Stage 2 – Four Specialist Modules
- Award in Essentials of ICT
- Award in Concepts & Practices of Developing an eCommerce Business
- Award in Concepts & Practices of Digital Marketing
- Award in Concepts & Practices of Strategy and Management Practice through Business Simulation
Stage 3 – Students have two options for the final stage
Research Project OR Internship & Embedded Project Report (26 ECTS Credits)
Upon completing Stages 1 and 2, students must choose between the following options:
- Research Project
A research-based activity where students independently explore research interests, identify knowledge gaps, and develop a research plan. This project will enhance students’ analytical and investigative skills, culminating in data sets, public presentations, and abstracts suitable for publication. - Internship & Embedded Project Report
Alternatively, students can opt for an internship at a suitable organisation. During the internship, they will complete a research project using internal organisational data to address specific management issues. A final report, focusing on business development within the host organisation, will be submitted within 12 weeks of completing the internship.
This internship provides hands-on experience and allows students to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Interns receive continuous support through journal writing, mentor feedback, midterm evaluations, and a final analytical report.
Entry Requirements
- A Pass in a Level 5 Diploma OR
- A Grade C or higher in a Level 4 Diploma (e.g. Advanced Level certificates) AND a minimum of 2 years’ relevant work experience.
- Students whose first language is not English and whose previous qualifications were completed in a language other than English must provide evidence of English proficiency. This can be demonstrated with an IELTS score of 5.0, or an equivalent qualification.
- Prospective students aged 25 or older without a Level 4 Diploma may still apply, provided they can submit a CV and a work reference demonstrating at least 2 years’ work experience as a substitute for formal qualifications.
Target Group
- Non-business students (Level 4 and Level 5): Individuals from non-business fields who recognise the importance of SME concepts for their careers and wish to enhance their skills to prepare for middle management roles.
- Junior and middle management SME staff: Professionals seeking to expand their practical knowledge by gaining a deeper, specialised understanding of SME management, grounded in best practices and comprehensive theoretical insights.
- Middle management staff outside SME departments: Those who want to develop strategic and creative tactical approaches based on best practices, while also improving their ability to effectively communicate their ideas within an organisation.
Overal Course Objetives
By the end of the course, students will have acquired the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain key management theories related to entrepreneurship.
- Articulate the significance of an organisation’s vision, mission, strategy, and core values in driving success.
- Analyse how internal and external environments influence business decisions and shape organisational outcomes.
- Identify the role of information flow design and management controls in optimising organisational effectiveness.
- Conduct research and solve problems by integrating both abstract and practical information.
- Recognise and address the social and ethical dimensions involved in decision-making and problem-solving.
Learning Hours
- Contact Hours: 466
- Self-Study Hours: 1,646
- Supervised Placement and Practice Hours: 24
- Assessment Hours: 114
- Total Learning Hours: 2,250
Teaching & learning
Delivery Format
- Online: Access course materials through the eLearning platform at www.aea.academy
- Onsite: Easy School of Languages, 21 St. Ursula Street, Il-Belt Valletta, VLT 1230
Language of Instruction: English
Assessment Methods
Each module will be assessed based on the following components:
- Forum Contributions: 30%
- Tutorial Contributions: 20%
- Research-Based Assignments: 50%
To pass a module, students must achieve an overall aggregate score of 50% or higher across these components.
Fee Structure
Undergraduate Higher Diploma in SME Management (90 ECTS)
- Online: €5,990 (74 weeks, part-time)
- Blended: €7,890 (52 weeks, full-time)
Undergraduate Diploma in SME Management (64 ECTS)
- Online: €4,880 (48 weeks, part-time)
- Blended: €6,480 (48 weeks, full-time)
Individual Course Modules (EQF/MQF Level 5 – 8 ECTS, 6 weeks duration)
- Online: €610
- Blended: €810
Scholarship Schemes
- Partial scholarships may be available.
- Terms and conditions apply.
For more information about the terms, conditions, and benefits of these incentives, please contact us at admin@aea.academy.
Intakes
Intake #1: 13/01/2025
Intake #2: 24/02/2025
Intake #3: 07/04/2025
Intake #4: 19/05/2025
Intake #5: 30/06/2025
Intake #6: 18/08/2025
Intake #7: 29/09/2025
Intake #8: 10/11/2025
Intake #9: 29/12/2025
Admission Process
- Submit the official application, Application Link : https://forms.office.com/r/6LTbxw9J5F
- Send the support documents
Contact Details
For inquiries, please reach out to us at:
- Email: admin@aea.academy
- Email: info@aea.academy
Programme Leaflet
How to Apply
The Undergraduate Higher Diploma in SME Management is an excellent opportunity to develop essential skills for thriving in the dynamic world of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This programme is structured into three comprehensive stages, each designed to provide you with practical knowledge and tools in effective SME management practices. By enrolling in this diploma, you will be well-prepared to take on managerial roles and contribute to the growth and success of SMEs.
Application Process
- Prepare Your Documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documentation ready before starting your application.
- Complete the Online Application Form: Begin your application by clicking [Register Here] to access the registration form. Make sure to fill out all required fields accurately to avoid delays.
- Submit Your Application: Once you submit the form, you’ll receive a confirmation email regarding the status of your application. If your application is successful, further instructions will be sent to guide you through the next steps.
Important Information for Non-EU Students
If you are a non-EU student wishing to enrol in the blended learning option at Advenio eAcademy, please be aware that a visa is required to study in Malta. For comprehensive information on the application process and requirements, please visit the Identity Malta – Central Visa Unit website. You can access the site through this link: Identity Malta – Central Visa Unit.
For more assistance with the application or any other queries, feel free to contact our admissions team at admin@aea.academy or info@aea.academy.
PROGRAMME: Undergraduate Higher Diploma in SME Management
EQF/MQF*: Level 5
*European Qualification Framework/Malta Qualification Framework
CREDITS: 90 ECTS
DELIVERY & DURATION:
Online Learning – 74 weeks
Blended Learning – 52 weeks
LANGUAGE: English
This programme offers a unique opportunity for international students to experience blended learning in Malta, a stunning Mediterranean island. Key features include:
- The chance to travel and study in Malta
- The ability to work part-time while pursuing your studies
- Earn a European-accredited qualification via an online platform
- Weekly online tutorials with industry experts
- On-site support classes at Advenio eAcademy’s Learning Centre in Valletta
Programme Application Procedure for Students (Blended Learning Programmes in Malta)
The following are the course modules within the programme:
EQF/MQF Level 5
EQF/MQF* Level 5 - *European Qualification Framework/Malta Qualification Framework
Free
EQF/MQF Level 5
EQF/MQF* Level 5 - *European Qualification Framework/Malta Qualification Framework
Free
EQF/MQF Level 5
EQF/MQF* Level 5 - *European Qualification Framework/Malta Qualification Framework
Free
EQF/MQF Level 5
EQF/MQF* Level 5 - *European Qualification Framework/Malta Qualification Framework
Free
EQF/MQF Level 5
EQF/MQF* Level 5 - *European Qualification Framework/Malta Qualification Framework
Free
EQF/MQF* Level 5 - *European Qualification Framework/Malta Qualification Framework
Free
EQF/MQF Level 5
EQF/MQF* Level 5 - *European Qualification Framework/Malta Qualification Framework
Free
EQF/MQF Level 5
EQF/MQF* Level 5 - *European Qualification Framework/Malta Qualification Framework
Free
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