MATSEC IM History
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ExploreAbout this exam
MATSEC IM History is an Intermediate-level (IM) subject examination offered under the MATSEC Examinations Board, which is part of L-Università ta' Malta. The Board publishes its own regulations, guidelines and policies, syllabi, current session information, past papers, and marking schemes and exemplars as separate sections of its site, so the syllabus document - not second-hand summaries - is the authoritative statement of what the paper assesses and how it is marked. The qualification suits candidates who have already secured the basics of historical study and want a broader, source-based engagement with the discipline: working with evidence, explaining causation and change over time, and constructing argued written answers rather than merely recalling narrative. It is typically taken alongside other Intermediate subjects and is useful for anyone progressing toward humanities or social science study at university level, as well as for candidates returning to study who want a structured historical component in their portfolio.
Preparation should be syllabus-led. Download the current syllabus and read the assessment criteria before choosing topics, then work through the past papers and the marking schemes and exemplars published by the Board to see how marks are actually awarded. Practise timed written answers, build concise evidence banks with dates and sources for each topic, and rehearse the skill of deploying evidence in support of an argument. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced by MATSEC or the University of Malta; always confirm dates, fees and entry requirements directly with the Board using the contact details published on its site.
What you'll study
About MATSEC IM History preparation
Who administers the MATSEC IM History examination?
It is administered by the MATSEC Examinations Board at L-Università ta' Malta. The Board's site lists regulations, guidelines and policies, syllabi, current session information, applications, past papers, and marking schemes and exemplars. The Board can be reached on +356 2340 2814/5/6 or at [email protected], and its address is MATSEC Examinations Board, University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta.
What does the Intermediate History syllabus cover?
The syllabus is published by the Board as its own document, so read that rather than relying on summaries. It sets out the topics examined and the assessment arrangements for the session. Because content and structure can change between sessions, always work from the syllabus listed for the year in which you intend to sit the paper.
How do I find out the exam date and duration?
Check the Board's Current Session Information and Applications sections, which carry the timetable and entry details for the session. This page does not state the duration, date or paper structure, and those details should not be assumed from past sessions. Confirm them directly with the Board before planning your revision schedule.
How is the paper marked, and what do examiners reward?
The Board publishes marking schemes and exemplars. Use them to see how marks are allocated across questions and what distinguishes a strong answer from a weak one. In history papers this usually means rewarding accurate, relevant evidence used to sustain an argument, and penalising narrative that ignores the question. Read several exemplars rather than only one.
Is Intermediate History hard?
Difficulty depends on your prior historical training and on how much you practise writing under time pressure. The main hurdle is not memorising facts but selecting evidence and arguing a case. Candidates who read the syllabus, work through past papers and mark their own answers against the published schemes generally find the demand manageable.
What are the most common ways candidates lose marks?
Typical failures are describing events instead of answering the question asked, ignoring the command word, running out of time on the final question, and citing vague or undated evidence. Another frequent problem is revising only favourite topics when the syllabus requires broader coverage. Practising full papers to time exposes all of these before the real examination.
Can I retake the examination if I am unhappy with my grade?
Retake and resit arrangements are governed by the Board's regulations, which are published on its site. This page does not state a retake policy, so check the regulations and contact the Board on +356 2340 2814/5/6 or at [email protected] for the rules that apply to your session.
In what order should I prepare?
Start with the current syllabus, then obtain the past papers and marking schemes. Map each syllabus topic to at least one past question, build short evidence notes with dates and sources, and move to timed full answers once coverage is complete. Finish by marking your own scripts against the published schemes and revisiting your weakest topics.
Where can I get past papers and exemplars?
The MATSEC Examinations Board site has dedicated Past Papers and Marking Schemes and Exemplars sections. These are the most reliable guide to question style and marking expectations. Use papers from several recent sessions so you are not misled by a single year's question pattern.
Is this page official MATSEC material?
No. This is independent study content produced by an independent study platform. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced by MATSEC or L-Università ta' Malta. For definitive information on syllabi, applications, fees, timetables and regulations, consult the Board's own website or contact the Board directly.