Geography at UM

19/10/2026

Congratulations to MA Geography student Sasha Farrugia Cini on being awarded the 2026 International Ocean Institute Elisabeth Mann Borgese (EMB) Award!

Under the supervision of Prof. Ritienne Gauci and co-supervision of Prof. Adam Gauci, Sasha is applying GIS-based spatial analysis to assess coastal vulnerability and its potential impacts on cultural and natural heritage sites located within highly vulnerable coastal zones. Her research aims to support more effective monitoring, conservation and protection of these valuable heritage assets.

This achievement marks the third EMB Award secured by Geography students at the University of Malta, following the successes of Dr Alicia Bugeja Said and Ms Joanna Causon Deguara. A proud moment for Geography at the University of Malta and which testifies the continued relevance of geographical research in coastal and marine dimensions.

The 2026/2027 EMB Bursary was awarded to Ms Sasha Farrugia Cini to develop a locally adapted Coastal Vulnerability Index for the southeastern coastline of Malta.

14/05/2026

The Mediterranean Across Disciplines: An Interdisciplinary Roundtable

Friday May 29, 6.00-8.30pm, Gateway Hall A

On behalf of the Erasmus-funded project ‘(Re)-Visiting the Mediterranean: Literature, Culture, Environment’, and in conjunction with the Department of English, we invite you to join us for The Mediterranean Across Disciplines: An Interdisciplinary Roundtable, on Friday May 29, 6.00-8.30pm, Gateway Hall A.

The roundtable will feature presentations by academics working on the Mediterranean across different fields: Dr Simone Azzopardi (History); Dr Judith Gatt (Classics and Archaeology); Prof. Ritienne Gauci (Geography); Dr Julian Mamo (Institute of Earth Systems); Prof. Norbert Bugeja (Mediterranean Institute); Dr Gilbert Calleja (Art and Art History); Prof. Krista Bonello Rutter Giappone (English); Prof. Daniela DeBono (Anthropological Sciences); Prof. David Zammit (Civil Law); in conversation with Prof. Stella Borg Barthet.

Drinks and a small reception will follow. We hope to see you there!

22/04/2026

Happy Earth Day! 🌍

Where else would you find our geography students and staff on a day like this?

Out in the field—where geography comes alive by observing physical landscapes and the processes that shape them over time.

Led by Prof. Ritienne Gauci, our GEO1016 students explored the geology and geomorphology of Għar Lapsi, examining how tectonic controls and surface processes have sculpted the landscape, alongside the more recent impacts of Storm Harry.

Get in touch with us if you are interested in attending our undergraduate courses.

20/04/2026

Last Saturday, students taking part in the GEO1011 field visit—within the Diploma in Maltese History in Context—explored Marsaxlokk Bay as an example how geographical landscapes shape and are shaped by human activity.

Led by Prof. John Schembri and Prof. Ritienne Gauci, the students examined how natural coastal landscapes have interacted with centuries of human activity—from traditional fishing practices, salt panning, historic defences and settlement patterns to contemporary economic, industrial and touristic uses.

Marsaxlokk Bay remains a textbook rich example for students to understand how physical and human geography influence the historical evolution of livelihoods from the coast and the sea and the complex coexistence of mutiple coastal land uses.

17/04/2026

Back from Easter recess and back to geography in action!

Led by Prof. Ritienne Gauci and Prof. John Schembri, our Geography undergraduates explored hydrology and water management through a field trip spanning key sites across Malta.

From the historic washhouse at Għajn Ħasselin in Msida, to the innovative Għajn National Water Conservation Centre in Rabat, and on to Fiddien and the recently rehabilitated Chadwick Lakes, students engaged with water management through historical, physical, and societal lenses.

A sincere thank you to Ms. Joanna Galea and Ms. Vanessa Maria Vella from the Energy and Water Agency for sharing their expertise and helping make this field trip such a valuable learning experience.


& Water Agency
Programme