Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship

This comprehensive programme is designed to equip participants with essential management skills, tools, and techniques to advance their own enterprises and guide the development of social organisations. The diploma is a collaborative effort between Advenio eAcademy and the following institutions:

Partner Universities:

Partner NGOs:

Solidarity Overseas Service (SOS), Malta
Academy of Entrepreneurship (AKEP), Greece
https://akep.eu
Forum AIC, Italy
https://www.forumaic.org
Imece, Turkey
https://imece.com

Programme Structure:

The Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship is composed of three key stages:

Stage 1: ARPEL Process

Core Modules or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

4 Core Modules

ARPEL Process for the recognition of prior learning and experience.

Stage 2: Specialist Modules (32 ECTS Credits)

Specialist Modules (32 ECTS Credits)

Students will complete 8 specialist modules (each worth 4 ECTS credits). These modules provide a broad understanding of the challenges in managing NGOs and transforming them into social enterprises:

1. Award in Creativity & Thinking Skills for Social Enterprises
2. Award in Project Management for Social Enterprises
3. Award in Legal Frameworks for Social Enterprises
4. Award in Working with Apprentices/Volunteers for Social Enterprises
5. Award in Social Enterprise Development
6. Award in Fundraising for Social Enterprises
7. Award in Risk Management for Social Enterprises
8. Award in Good Governance for Social Enterprises

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

To apply for the Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship or its component stages, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Educational Qualification:
- A Level 5 Diploma or higher, OR
- A Level 4 Diploma (e.g., Advanced Level certificates) with a Grade C or better.
English Language Proficiency:
- For students whose first language is not English and who have not completed previous qualifications in English, evidence of English language proficiency is required.
- Minimum required level: IELTS level 5 or an equivalent qualification.

Note 1: Prospective students over the age of 25 are eligible to apply without a Level 4 diploma if they provide a CV and a work reference demonstrating at least 2 years of work experience and relevant skills and competencies.

Note 2: Prospective students including those without formal educational qualifications but with suitable work experience (at least 2 years at middle management or higher in SME/SE or NGO environment) may apply for the ARPEL process. This will enable them to get accreditation and recognition of their prior learning and experiences. Successful completion of the ARPEL Process will earn the student 32 ECTS credits. This will provide them with direct entry to Stage 2 of the programme, the specialised subject modules.

Target Group

1. Level 4 and Level 5 Students (Non-Business Background):

1. - Students from non-business fields who understand the growing impact of Social Enterprise concepts on their careers and wish to enhance their competencies for future career advancement.
2. Management Staff in NGOs and Social Enterprises:
  - Managers working within NGOs and Social Enterprises who want to build on their practical experience by gaining a more comprehensive, specialised, and theoretical understanding of social enterprises, backed by current research and international best practices.
3. Managers with Relevant Work Experience:
  - Managers with experience outside Social Enterprises who wish to transition into the Social Enterprise sector by developing the necessary skills and competencies for success in this field.
    The Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship is ideal for:

Overal Course Objetives

By the end of the Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship, learners will be able to:

Apply Entrepreneurial Knowledge:
Demonstrate a professional approach by applying both entrepreneurial and social entrepreneurial knowledge in real-world contexts.
Organize and Lead Teams:
Effectively organize activities and manage tasks for staff, interns, and volunteers within the organisation.
Apply Core Project Management Principles:
Identify resources and constraints and implement project management principles to plan and ensure that deliverables are met as promised within Social Enterprise operations.
Manage Risk:
Recognize and manage the risks associated with achieving success in a social enterprise.
Utilize Collaborative and Analytical Skills:
Apply the analytical and collaborative skills acquired through simulations in real business environments.
Develop Research Plans:
Use Social Entrepreneurship knowledge to design a research plan tailored to specific research questions and challenges.
Implement New Strategies:
Initiate and implement new plans, procedures, or ideas that can drive improvements within the organisation.

Learning Hours

Contact Hours: 466
(Instructor-led sessions, lectures, and tutorials)

Self-Study Hours: 1,646
(Independent learning, reading, and assignments)

Supervised Placement & Practice Hours: 24
(Internship or practical experience under supervision)

Assessment Hours: 114
(Exams, assignments, and project assessments)

Teaching & learning

General Pedagogical Methods used for this Programme:

There are two types of course modules in the programme.

There are FOUR Core Modules each accredited at 8 ECTS credits, delivered over a six-week period and each comprises the following learning elements:

1) Pre-recorded audio-visual material for the students to follow the presentation in pdf and tutor explanation. There are twelve such sessions per core module.

2) Downloadable Powerpoint presentations linked to the audio-visual lectures.

3) Reference list to allow students to follow-up in more details on issues raised during the pre-recorded audio-visual lectures.

4) Reading list to provide additional material, articles, books and digital resources for students to get a deeper and broader understanding on the subject that dealt with in the course module.

5) Self-assessment tests which will include varied type of question types such as multiple choice, True or False. There are twelve such tests in each core modules and 6 tests in each specialist modules.

6) Online chat facility to enable students to put forward queries or requests for additional information from members of Faculty.

7) Discussions Forum in the elearning platform for the students to post their contribution towards the forum question/s updated in the collaborative area of respective module. There will be four discussion forum questions in each Core modules and two discussion forum questions in each specialist modules.

8) Online video conferencing tutorials through the e-learning platform to discuss the content of the session, details regarding case study assignment and any related topics to the module sessions. Six online tutorials are included per each core module and three online tutorials are included in each specialist module.

There are 8 Specialist Modules accredited at 4 ECTS credits, delivered over a Three-week period and comprise the following learning elements:

1) Pre-recorded audio-visual material for the students to follow the presentation in pdf and tutor explanation. There are six such sessions per core module.

2) Downloadable Powerpoint presentations linked to the audio-visual lectures.

3) Reference list to allow students to follow-up in more details on issues raised during the pre-recorded audio-visual lectures.

4) Reading list to provide additional material, articles, books and digital resources for students to get a deeper and broader understanding on the subject that dealt with in the course module.

5) Self-assessment tests which will include varied type of question types such as multiple choice, True or False. There are six such tests in each core modules and 6 tests in each specialist modules.

6) Online chat facility to enable students to put forward queries or requests for additional information from members of Faculty.

8) Online video conferencing tutorials through the e-learning platform to discuss the content of the session, details regarding case study assignment and any related topics to the module sessions. Three online tutorials are included per each core module and three online tutorials are included in each specialist module.

A specific username and password will be issued for each student to access the e-learning platform (https://elearn.aea.academy/) from the website of Advenio eAcademy (https://aea.academy/).

Delivery Format

Online: Access course materials through the eLearning platform at www.aea.academy
Onsite (for blended learning students): Easy School of Languages, 21 St. Ursula Street, Il-Belt Valletta, VLT 1230

Language of Instruction: English

Assessment Methods

Core Modules:

Assignment / Case Study: 50% of the module grade
Forum Discussions: 30% of the module grade
Tutorial Participation: 20% of the module grade

Specialist Modules:

Assignment / Case Study: 60% of the module grade
Forum Discussions: 20% of the module grade
Tutorial Participation: 20% of the module grade

Passing Criteria:

Students must achieve an aggregate of 50% or higher across the three components to pass each module.

Average Student Pass rate for the Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship Programme: 57%

Fee Structure

Registration Fee: €90

This fee must be paid along with the submission of the application form. This amount will be deducted from outstanding fees for those applicants who are successful in their application for the programme.

Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship (EQF/MQF Level 5 – 90 ECTS):

Online Programme: €6,030 (Part-Time, 74 weeks)
Blended Learning Programme: €7,930 (Full-Time, 52 weeks)

Individual Course Module Fees:

Core Modules (EQF/MQF Level 5 – 8 ECTS):

- Online: €610 (Part-Time, 6 weeks)
- Blended Learning: €810 (Full-Time, 6 weeks)

Specialist Modules (EQF/MQF Level 5 – 4 ECTS):

- Online: €410 (Part-Time, 3 weeks)
- Blended Learning: €610 (Full-Time, 3 weeks)

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

2026 Intakes to be announced

Admission Process

Click here to download the ARPEL process guideline support document.
Submit the official application, Application Link : https://forms.office.com/e/Btvb30TM7q
Pay the registration fee. Direct payment link: https://buy.stripe.com/cNifZh3LJaesb07bRJ8og05
Send the support documents

Address where programme is offered

Online Tutorials – eLearning platform link: https://elearn.aea.academy/eblearn/

Onsite Support Classes– Easy School of Languages, 21, St Ursula Street, Valletta VLT 1230, Malta

For inquiries, please reach out to us at:

Email: admin@aea.academy

Programme Leaflet

Download the Programme Leaflet

How to Apply

The Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship is an excellent opportunity to develop essential skills for thriving in the dynamic world of social enterprises. This programme is structured into three comprehensive stages, each designed to provide you with practical knowledge and tools in effective social enterprise 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 social enterprises, empowering you to make a meaningful impact in your community and beyond.

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.
Pay the registration fee. Direct payment link: https://buy.stripe.com/cNifZh3LJaesb07bRJ8og05
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

Please refer to the International Student Support page for more information and guidance.

Overview
Online Learning
Blended Learning

PROGRAMME: Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship

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

Accreditation Category of the Programme: Higher Education Programme

Type of Qualification: Qualification

Programme Application Procedure for Students (Online Learning Programmes)

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 Easy School of Languages, 21, St Ursula Street, Valletta VLT 1230, Malta

Programme Application Procedure for Students (Blended Learning Programmes in Malta)

The following are the course modules within the programme:

EQF/MQF Level 5

Award in Essentials of Management

6 weeks

3 weeks

Members only

Advenio eAcademy

Award in Practical Applications of Business Simulation

EQF/MQF* Level 5 - *European Qualification Framework/Malta Qualification Framework Accreditation Category: Higher Education Course

EQF/MQF Level 5

3 weeks

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