MATSEC AM History
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ExploreAbout this exam
MATSEC Advanced Level History - often called Advanced Matriculation (AM) History - is a subject examination offered under the MATSEC Examinations Board of L-Università ta' Malta, the body that administers Matriculation and Secondary Education Certificate examinations in Malta. The board publishes its regulations, guidelines and policies, syllabi, current session information, applications, past papers, marking schemes and exemplars, and research and reports through its own section of the University of Malta website. Candidates preparing for AM History should treat the official syllabus as the controlling document: it defines the periods, themes and skills assessed and is revised from time to time, so an older syllabus or an older past paper may not reflect the current paper. The examination is normally taken by students completing post-secondary study who need Advanced Level passes for university entry, but private and repeat candidates also sit MATSEC papers. Because this page is written by an independent study platform, it is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the MATSEC Examinations Board or the University of Malta; always confirm administrative details such as session dates, application deadlines and fees directly with MATSEC. Effective preparation means working from the current syllabus, practising with genuine past papers and marking schemes, writing timed essays and source-based answers under exam conditions, and getting feedback on essay structure, use of evidence and historiographical awareness rather than simply re-reading notes. The board can be contacted on +356 2340 2814/5/6 or at [email protected], and its office is at the MATSEC Examinations Board, University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta.
What you'll study
About MATSEC AM History preparation
Who sets and administers the AM History examination?
It is administered by the MATSEC Examinations Board at L-Università ta' Malta, which publishes the regulations, syllabi, session information, applications, past papers and marking schemes on its section of the University of Malta website. This page is independent and has no official affiliation with the board or the university.
How do I find out the current syllabus and paper structure for AM History?
Download the current syllabus from the MATSEC website's Syllabi section rather than relying on older copies or second-hand summaries. The syllabus states the topics and skills examined and the assessment structure. Check that the version you are using is the one for your session, because syllabi are revised periodically.
Where do past papers and marking schemes come from?
MATSEC publishes past papers and marking schemes and exemplars through its own website sections of those names. Use them under timed conditions and read the marking scheme alongside your answers to see how marks are actually awarded. Avoid unofficial reconstructions, which may misstate question wording or mark allocations.
How do I apply to sit the examination, and what does it cost?
Application routes, session dates and any fees are set by MATSEC and published in its Applications and Current Session Information pages. This page does not state fees or deadlines because they change between sessions. Confirm them with MATSEC directly at [email protected] or on +356 2340 2814/5/6 before you plan.
Can I retake AM History if I do not get the grade I need?
Retake arrangements, including which sessions are available and any restrictions, are governed by MATSEC regulations and are not stated on this page. Read the current regulations on the MATSEC website and contact the board's office to confirm your position as a repeat or private candidate before the application window closes.
How difficult is Advanced Level History compared with SEC level?
Expect a substantial step up: longer essays, heavier reading, and demands for argument, precise evidence and awareness of historical debate rather than narrative recall. The main difficulty is not knowing facts but selecting and deploying them to answer the exact question asked, within tight time limits.
What is the most effective order to study for AM History?
Start from the syllabus to map the periods and themes, build a timeline and topic notes for each, then move to past papers early rather than late. Practise timed essays and source questions, mark them against the scheme, and revisit weak topics. Leave the final weeks for full timed papers under exam conditions.
What are the most common ways candidates lose marks?
Typical failures are narrating everything you know instead of answering the question, ignoring the command word, unbalanced coverage of a paper's sections, weak source evaluation, and running out of time on the last essay. Practising timed planning and checking the rubric before writing addresses most of these.
How much time should I allow for preparation?
There is no official figure, and this page will not invent one. As a practical guide, plan steady weekly work across the whole course with additional timed practice in the months before the examination. Build in time for reading, note revision and marked practice essays rather than relying on last-minute cramming.
How do I contact MATSEC with an administrative question?
Phone +356 2340 2814/5/6 or email [email protected]. The office address is MATSEC Examinations Board, University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta. For general university enquiries the main switchboard is +356 2340 2340 and [email protected].