Malta Starts Masters Program in Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology

Malta is an island in the Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast. It has now constituted a government body to evaluate and attest platforms for DLT. The country has developed regulations for smart contracts and also developed a framework for conducting ICOs.

Malta also introduced a blockchain master’s program. The University of Malta started its Masters in Blockchain Technology and Distributed Ledger Technology in October 2019; it is one of the few such programs across the world. The first batch constituted of only around 35 students.

Prime minister Joseph Muscat announced strategies to make Malta a “global trail-blazer” in the DLT industry in April 2017.

The administration of the country passed crypto-friendly laws leading to prestigious industry members such as Binance, which is the largest cryptocurrency exchange by adjusted volume changing its base to the island.

According to Joshua Ellul, Director of Master Program and chairman of Malta Digital Innovation Authority, 15 companies have contacted their DLT program students for offering them a job. He also said that there is a high demand for government-backed blockchain contracts, projects, and initiatives.

Speaking at Malta’s DELTA Summit, where the University’s DLT Masters’ program was announced, Ellul said,

In 2018, the Malta government gave out €300,000 in grants to sponsor various scholarships.

The master’s course inclines students in DLT-related laws and regulations, business and finance, and information and communications technology (ICT). Students in the three semesters focus on these subjects along with courses in two other fields.

Ellul explained that students are trained in various subjects and learn about many diverse blockchain-related topics. He said,

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