Student handbook

Purpose and scope

The purpose of this handbook is to provide clear, accessible and reliable information on the student lifecycle at MACTT, including admission, enrolment, student agreements, teaching and learning, assessment, support services, wellbeing, feedback, complaints, records and certification.

The handbook applies to prospective students, applicants and enrolled students. It should be read together with the programme page, programme specification, student agreement, fee information, assessment briefs, VLE instructions and any programme-specific rules communicated by MACTT.

About MACTT
Sources of official information
Student lifecycle overview
Admission and enrolment
Student agreement, fees, withdrawal and refund
Induction, orientation and online access
Teaching, learning and attendance
Assessment, progression and certification
Academic integrity and student conduct
Student support and wellbeing
Student feedback and student voice
Complaints and appeals
Student records and data protection
Equality, inclusion and accessibility
Health, safety and emergency information
Publication, review and updates

1. About MACTT

MACTT Educational Group Ltd, operating through the Mediterranean Academy of Culture, Technology and Trade, is a Malta-based higher education institution licensed by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority. MACTT provides education and training in areas connected with culture, technology, trade, professional development and related fields, subject to the scope of its licence and programme accreditation.

MACTT operates a proportionate institutional model, reflecting its current scale and relaunch phase. The institution’s quality assurance system is designed to support compliant programme delivery, transparent student administration, student protection and continuous improvement.

The official registered and operational information of MACTT, including address and contact details, is published on the institutional website and in the relevant student agreement. Students should use only official MACTT communication channels for programme, administrative and support matters.

1.1 Institutional values

Student-centred learning and transparent student administration.
Academic integrity, fair assessment and respect for evidence-based learning.
Equity, inclusion and respect for student diversity.
Use of digital tools where appropriate for learning, administration and support.
Continuous improvement based on feedback, records and review.

1.2 Key responsibilities

Role or function	Student-facing responsibility
Head of Institute	Academic oversight, student lifecycle oversight, escalation of academic and serious student matters.
Quality management function	Monitoring of feedback, complaints, student support records and quality improvement actions.
Didactic Secretary / student administration contact	Admissions administration, enrolment records, student communications, certificates and first-line student support.
Programme coordinator / tutor	Academic guidance, module delivery, feedback on learning and identification of academic support needs.
IT / VLE support contact	Support for access to the VLE, online learning tools and digital learning resources.

2. Sources of official information

MACTT aims to make accurate and reliable information available to prospective and enrolled students. Public information is reviewed to reduce the risk of misleading statements and to ensure that programme information reflects the approved or applicable status of each programme.

Information area	Where students should check
Institutional information	MACTT website and official institutional communications.
Programme title, MQF level, ECTS, mode of delivery and duration	Programme page, programme specification and student agreement.
Entry requirements and application deadlines	Programme page and admissions communication.
Fees, payment rules, withdrawal and refund rules	Programme page, fee schedule and student agreement.
Assessment methods and grading information	Programme specification, module information, assessment briefs and VLE.
Support contacts	Website, induction materials, VLE and student communications.
Policies and procedures	Website, VLE, student agreement and student communications, as applicable.

Where a student identifies unclear or inconsistent information, the student should contact MACTT before relying on the information or making a payment. MACTT will review the matter and issue clarification where required.

3. Student lifecycle overview

The student lifecycle describes the main stages through which a student interacts with MACTT. The exact sequence may vary by programme, but the core control points remain the same.

Stage	Main student action	MACTT control point
Information and enquiry	Review published information and ask questions before applying.	Provide accurate programme information and maintain enquiry records where applicable.
Application	Submit the application form and requested evidence.	Check completeness, identity documentation and entry requirements.
Admission decision	Receive conditional or unconditional decision, or refusal where requirements are not met.	Record the decision and the basis for the decision.
Student agreement	Read and sign the student agreement before the programme starts and before any payment is made.	Confirm that the signed agreement is in place before start and payment.
Payment and enrolment	Pay fees in line with the agreement and receive enrolment confirmation.	Record payment, enrolment and student file completion.
Induction and access	Attend or complete induction and access the VLE or learning resources.	Provide orientation and record access/support issues.
Learning and assessment	Attend, participate, submit work and follow academic integrity rules.	Monitor participation, assessment, feedback and support needs.
Feedback and support	Use feedback channels and request support when needed.	Record feedback, support actions and improvement responses.
Completion or exit	Complete the programme, withdraw, transfer or otherwise exit.	Record outcome, certification and student record retention.

4. Admission and enrolment

4.1 Admission principles

Admission requirements are specified for each programme and are applied consistently and fairly. MACTT may request identity documents, academic evidence, curriculum vitae, language evidence, professional experience evidence or other documents relevant to the programme entry requirements.

Admission to a programme is not automatic. MACTT may refuse admission where the applicant does not meet the published requirements, where required documents are missing or not authentic, where the programme is not active, or where the applicant is not considered able to follow the programme with reasonable prospect of success.

4.2 Documents normally requested

Completed application or registration form.
Copy of a valid identity document or passport.
Curriculum vitae, where relevant to the programme.
Copies of qualifications, transcripts or certificates required for entry.
Evidence of language competence, where required by the programme.
Evidence of professional experience, where relevant.
Any additional evidence specified in the programme information.

Applicants are responsible for submitting accurate information and authentic documents. MACTT may request additional information or verification before confirming admission.

4.3 Recognition, credit transfer and RPL

Where recognition, credit transfer, exemption or Recognition of Prior Learning routes are available for a programme, this will be communicated through programme information or directly by MACTT. Any such decision is subject to programme requirements, applicable MFHEA requirements, evidence submitted by the applicant and academic judgement. No recognition or exemption outcome is guaranteed before formal review.

4.4 Equal treatment in admissions

MACTT applies admissions requirements without unlawful discrimination. Admissions decisions are based on programme requirements, evidence provided by the applicant and the institution’s capacity to support the applicant within the relevant programme.

5. Student agreement, fees, withdrawal and refund

5.1 Student agreement

A written student agreement must be completed for each programme in which a student enrols. The agreement governs the relationship between MACTT and the student for the relevant programme and includes or refers to the programme details, fees, payment rules, withdrawal, cancellation, refund rules, duties, default clauses, dispute resolution and data sharing provisions.

The student agreement must be signed before the beginning of the programme and before the student, or another person acting on behalf of the student, makes any payment to MACTT. Students should not make a payment until the student agreement has been issued and signed.

Student agreement control	Requirement
Programme-specific agreement	A separate agreement is required for each programme in which the student enrols.
Timing	The agreement must be completed before programme start and before payment.
Copy	Both MACTT and the student should retain a copy of the signed agreement.
Language and clarity	The agreement should be clear and understandable to the student.
Priority	In case of inconsistency, the signed agreement and applicable law prevail over general information in this handbook.

5.2 Fees and payment

Fees, payment deadlines and payment methods are communicated in the programme information and student agreement. Students are responsible for paying fees in accordance with the agreed payment terms. Late or missing payment may affect enrolment, access to learning resources, assessment eligibility or certification, subject to the student agreement and applicable rules.

Scholarship, discount or financial support opportunities are published or communicated only where they are available. If no such opportunity is active for a programme, students should not assume that financial support is available.

5.3 Withdrawal, cancellation and refund

Withdrawal, cancellation and refund conditions are programme-specific and are set out in the student agreement. A student who wishes to withdraw must notify MACTT in writing using the official communication channel indicated in the agreement or student communications.

Refunds, where applicable, are processed in line with the signed agreement, the date of withdrawal, the programme rules and any services already provided. Students should request clarification before signing the agreement if they are unsure about withdrawal or refund terms.

6. Induction, orientation and online access

New students are provided with induction or orientation information proportionate to the programme and mode of delivery. Induction may be delivered online, live, through recorded guidance, written instructions, VLE materials or a combination of these methods.

Induction area	Information normally provided
Institutional orientation	Key contacts, communication rules, student responsibilities and escalation routes.
Programme orientation	Programme structure, learning outcomes, assessment methods and expected workload.
VLE and online access	Login instructions, access to materials, online sessions, forums and technical support contacts.
Student support	Academic support, administrative support, wellbeing referral and feedback channels.
Academic integrity	Rules on plagiarism, misconduct, referencing and responsible use of digital tools.
Records and data	Student records, privacy, access to personal records and data protection information.

Students are expected to complete induction activities, check access to the VLE or learning resources at the start of the programme and report access problems promptly.

7. Teaching, learning and attendance

7.1 Learning approach

MACTT uses teaching and learning methods that are intended to support applied, student-centred and outcome-based learning. Depending on the programme, learning activities may include lectures, seminars, online sessions, guided reading, case studies, project work, discussions, presentations, self-study and assessment activities.

For online and blended programmes, students may be required to use the VLE, email, video-conferencing tools, digital submissions and other online resources. Students are responsible for ensuring that they have suitable internet access, devices and basic digital competence required for the programme, unless MACTT has agreed otherwise in writing.

7.2 Attendance and participation

Students are expected to attend scheduled sessions, participate in required activities, complete tasks and engage with learning materials. Attendance and participation may be monitored through attendance records, VLE activity logs, submission records, tutor observation or other appropriate evidence.

Where a programme sets minimum attendance or participation requirements, these will be communicated in the programme documentation or assessment information. Failure to meet attendance, participation or engagement requirements may affect progression, assessment eligibility or completion.

7.3 Inactivity and at-risk monitoring

MACTT may identify a student as at risk where there is evidence of non-attendance, missed assessments, limited VLE activity, repeated non-response to communications, low performance, support requests or other indicators suggesting that the student may not successfully complete the programme without support.

At-risk indicator	Possible MACTT response
No or limited engagement with VLE tasks or materials	Reminder, technical check and academic support contact.
Missed assessment deadline	Academic guidance and information on late submission or mitigation rules, where applicable.
Repeated absence or non-participation	Student administration follow-up and tutor escalation.
Student wellbeing concern	First-line support and possible referral to external professional support, subject to consent and circumstances.
No response to repeated official communications	Formal warning and review of enrolment status.

The maximum inactive period and related termination process may be specified by programme or student agreement. Where a student remains inactive after reasonable contact attempts and warnings, MACTT may review the student’s enrolment status in line with the applicable procedure and agreement.

8. Assessment, progression and certification

8.1 Assessment principles

Assessment is designed to measure whether students have achieved the intended learning outcomes of the programme or module. Assessment methods may include assignments, reports, presentations, projects, tests, portfolios, examinations, online tasks or other methods approved for the relevant programme.

Students will be informed of assessment requirements, submission methods, deadlines, grading criteria and feedback arrangements through programme documentation, assessment briefs, the VLE or direct academic communication.

8.2 Submission and feedback

Students must submit assessment work by the stated deadline and through the required channel.
Submitted work must be the student’s own work unless group work is expressly required.
Feedback is intended to support learning and improvement and may be written, oral, rubric-based or delivered through the VLE.
Late submission, non-submission, resubmission and resit rules are programme-specific and will be communicated to students.

8.3 Resit and resubmission opportunities

Students who fail an assessment may normally be granted one resit or resubmission opportunity for the failed assessment component, subject to the applicable programme rules, academic integrity requirements and any conditions set by MACTT. A second resit or resubmission opportunity may be granted only in exceptional circumstances and must be approved by the Head of Institute or delegated academic authority. Where a student does not pass after the permitted opportunities, the student may be required to repeat the module, repeat the relevant assessment component, defer progression, or withdraw from the programme, depending on the programme requirements and the student agreement.

8.4 Progression

Progression depends on the student meeting the academic and administrative requirements of the programme. These may include attendance, participation, completion of required learning activities, successful assessment, payment compliance and compliance with student conduct rules.

8.5 Certification and diploma supplement

Certificates, diplomas or awards are issued only where the student has successfully completed the relevant requirements of an accredited or approved programme and has no outstanding administrative condition preventing certification. The title, MQF level and ECTS shown on certification must correspond to the approved programme information.

Students may request a diploma supplement or additional academic documentation where applicable. Fees may apply for duplicate or replacement documents, as communicated by MACTT.

9. Academic integrity and student conduct

9.1 Academic integrity

Students must act with honesty and integrity in all academic work. Academic misconduct includes plagiarism, collusion, cheating, falsification of data, impersonation, unauthorised use of materials, inappropriate use of artificial intelligence or digital tools, and any conduct that gives an unfair academic advantage.

Students must use references and citations where they rely on the work, ideas, data or words of others. MACTT may use appropriate checks to detect plagiarism or academic misconduct, including tutor review, similarity checks, oral questioning or other verification methods.

9.2 Student conduct

Students must treat staff, tutors, other students and external partners with respect. Behaviour that is abusive, discriminatory, harassing, threatening, disruptive, fraudulent or damaging to the learning environment may be treated as a conduct breach.

Possible conduct issue	Possible response
Minor breach or misunderstanding	Informal guidance, reminder or written clarification.
Academic misconduct allegation	Review of evidence, student response opportunity and academic decision.
Serious or repeated breach	Formal investigation, restrictions, penalty or termination of status where justified.
Risk to safety or wellbeing	Immediate protective measures and referral to appropriate authority or external service where required.

Any penalty must be proportionate to the breach, evidence available, programme rules and applicable institutional procedure. Students will be informed of the outcome and any right to appeal where applicable.

10. Student support and wellbeing

10.1 Academic and administrative support

MACTT provides proportionate academic and administrative support to help students understand programme requirements, access learning resources, engage with learning activities and progress through the programme. Support may include tutor guidance, student administration assistance, VLE guidance, reminders, feedback and referral to the appropriate internal contact.

Students should request support as early as possible. MACTT cannot guarantee that difficulties raised after deadlines or after assessment outcomes can be fully remedied, but will consider requests fairly and in line with programme rules.

10.2 Career and professional guidance

Career and professional guidance is provided in a proportionate manner and may include academic guidance on applied learning, project work, employability-related discussions, information on relevant professional skills or referral to external resources. MACTT does not guarantee employment, placement, internship or career outcome unless expressly included in the approved programme and confirmed in writing.

10.3 Wellbeing and psychological support

MACTT has established a student wellbeing and psychological support mechanism supported by a signed and dated agreement with external professionals. The arrangement is activated where a wellbeing-related need is identified or raised by a student, subject to student consent, confidentiality requirements, professional availability and the nature of the support required.

This arrangement is an external professional support mechanism. It is not presented as an internal clinical service, emergency service or continuous counselling service for all students. Where urgent or emergency support is required, students should contact the relevant emergency, medical or public support services immediately.

Support route	How it works
Student request	A student may contact the designated MACTT student support contact to request wellbeing support.
Initial discussion	MACTT identifies the nature of the request and whether academic, administrative, technical or wellbeing support is appropriate.
External referral	Where appropriate and with student consent, MACTT may facilitate referral to external professionals under the signed arrangement.
Confidentiality	Sensitive information is handled on a need-to-know basis and only the minimum necessary information is recorded by MACTT.
Follow-up	MACTT may record non-clinical follow-up actions, such as academic adjustments, administrative support or confirmation that referral information was provided.

10.4 Reasonable adjustments and diverse needs

MACTT takes into account the needs of mature, part-time, employed, international and other students, as well as students who may require reasonable support due to disability, accessibility needs, caring responsibilities or other circumstances. Students should notify MACTT as early as possible where they require reasonable adjustment or support.

Reasonable adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis and must be compatible with the learning outcomes, assessment integrity, available resources, health and safety and applicable programme requirements.

10.5 Technical and VLE support

Students using online or blended learning must report VLE, email, access, submission or technical issues promptly. MACTT will provide or signpost technical support through the official contact points communicated in the programme information, VLE, syllabus or induction material.

A technical issue does not automatically extend a deadline. Students should keep evidence of the issue, including screenshots, error messages and date/time details, and contact MACTT as soon as the problem occurs.

11. Student feedback and student voice

Student feedback is part of MACTT’s quality assurance system. Students may be asked to provide feedback during induction, during the programme, at the end of a module or programme, and after completion where appropriate. Feedback may cover teaching, learning resources, VLE, assessment, student support, administration and overall experience.

Feedback channel	Purpose
Student survey or feedback form	Collect structured feedback on programme and services.
Direct communication with tutor or student administration	Raise immediate academic or administrative issues.
Complaints procedure	Raise concerns that require formal or informal resolution.
Post-course follow-up	Collect information on programme usefulness and outcomes where applicable.
Management response note	Record MACTT’s response to feedback and any improvement actions.

MACTT reviews feedback proportionate to the number of students, programmes active and evidence available. Where feedback identifies a valid improvement need, MACTT may record actions in an action log and monitor implementation.

12. Complaints and appeals

12.1 Complaints

A complaint is a concern about the quality or delivery of a service received from MACTT. Complaints may relate to academic services, non-academic services, information, teaching, resources, facilities, student support, staff conduct or student conduct.

Students should first raise a concern informally with the relevant contact, normally the Didactic Secretary or student administration contact. If the matter is not resolved informally, the student may submit a formal complaint in writing to the Head of Institute. Where the complaint concerns the normal contact person, the student may escalate the matter to the CEO or another designated institutional contact.

Complaints are handled in good faith, with confidentiality and without penalising the student for raising a genuine concern.

12.2 Academic appeals

An academic appeal is a request to review an academic decision, such as an assessment or progression outcome, on permitted grounds. Dissatisfaction with a mark alone may not be sufficient unless the student identifies a procedural irregularity, evidence of error, bias, unfairness or other valid ground recognised by MACTT.

A formal appeal should be submitted within the deadline communicated in the applicable policy or programme information. The appeal must include the decision being appealed, the grounds of appeal and supporting evidence. MACTT will review the appeal fairly and communicate the outcome in writing.

12.3 External escalation

Where applicable, and after internal procedures have been exhausted, students may have the right to seek guidance or submit a complaint to the relevant external authority. MACTT will not prevent a student from exercising lawful rights of external complaint or regulatory referral.

13. Student records and data protection

13.1 Student records

MACTT maintains student records to support admission, enrolment, attendance, assessment, progression, certification, student support, regulatory compliance and quality assurance. Records may include personal data, admission documents, student agreements, attendance, VLE records, submissions, assessment results, communications, support records, certificates and transcripts.

Students are responsible for keeping their contact information accurate and updated. Changes to name, address, contact details or relevant status should be notified to MACTT in writing and supported by evidence where required.

13.2 Access and correction

Students may request access to their records or correction of inaccurate personal data using the official communication channel. MACTT will process requests in line with applicable law, identity verification requirements and institutional procedures.

13.3 Confidentiality and disclosure

MACTT treats student records as confidential and does not disclose personal information for commercial purposes. Disclosure may occur where required or permitted by law, regulation, accreditation, audit, student consent, student transfer, financial administration, legal defence, health and safety, or other legitimate institutional purpose consistent with applicable data protection requirements.

13.4 Retention

MACTT retains student records in line with its student records policy, applicable legal and regulatory requirements and the need to evidence certification and student history. Student academic records may be retained for an extended period, including at least 40 years where required by institutional policy.

14. Equality, inclusion and accessibility

MACTT is committed to treating students fairly and to avoiding unlawful discrimination. Students are expected to contribute to an inclusive learning environment and to treat others with dignity and respect.

Students who require support because of disability, accessibility need, health condition, caring responsibility, employment pattern, international status or other relevant circumstances should contact MACTT early. MACTT will consider reasonable and proportionate measures, subject to evidence, available resources, academic standards and programme requirements.

Harassment, bullying, discrimination, victimisation or abusive behaviour may be treated as a conduct breach and may result in action under the relevant procedure.

15. Health, safety and emergency information

Students must follow health and safety instructions communicated by MACTT, venue providers, tutors or authorised staff. For face-to-face activities, students must use approved teaching venues and follow venue rules, emergency procedures and any instructions given during induction or at the venue.

For online learning, students are responsible for maintaining a safe and suitable learning environment and for using digital systems responsibly. Students must not share login credentials, disrupt online sessions, record sessions without permission or misuse digital resources.

For emergencies, students should contact the relevant emergency services or local medical/public support services immediately. MACTT student support channels are not emergency response channels.

16. Publication, review and updates

This handbook is approved for website publication and student use. It will be reviewed annually, or earlier where required by MFHEA requirements, programme changes, student feedback, regulatory updates, audit findings or operational need.

MACTT may update this handbook from time to time. The applicable version will be identified by version number, status and effective date. Programme-specific updates may also be communicated through the student agreement, VLE, email or programme documentation.

Student responsibilities summary

Read the programme information, student agreement and this handbook before enrolment.
Provide accurate information and authentic documents during admission and enrolment.
Sign the student agreement before programme start and before making any payment.
Pay fees according to the agreed payment terms.
Attend, participate and engage with learning activities and VLE tasks.
Submit assessments on time and comply with academic integrity requirements.
Use official communication channels and keep contact details updated.
Ask for support early where academic, technical, administrative or wellbeing needs arise.
Provide feedback responsibly and use complaints or appeals procedures where appropriate.
Respect staff, tutors, students, partners, digital systems and learning resources.