MATSEC IM Information Technology

MATSEC Intermediate Matriculation (IM) Information Technology

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About this exam

The Intermediate Matriculation (IM) Information Technology is one of four examination levels offered by the MATSEC Examinations Board at L-Università ta' Malta, alongside SEC, SEAC and AM. MATSEC publishes a subject syllabus for each year, and a syllabus' year is the year in which the final assessment is scheduled, so candidates should always study from the syllabus document for their own examination year rather than an older one. IM level sits between the secondary education certificates and Advanced Matriculation, and is typically taken by students who need an intermediate-level IT qualification for matriculation or entry requirements; it also suits private candidates returning to study. Because the syllabus defines the content, assessment structure and objectives, the syllabus page is the authoritative starting point: choose the year of your final assessment and download the IT syllabus for that year. Preparation should follow the syllabus topic by topic, then be tested against past papers and marking schemes, which MATSEC publishes separately from the syllabi. Note that this page is independent study material and is not affiliated with MATSEC or the University of Malta; always confirm details such as dates, fees and access arrangements directly with the Board. General enquiries: [email protected] or +356 2340 2814/5/6.

What you'll study

Common questions

About MATSEC IM Information Technology preparation

Which syllabus version should I study from?

The one for the year in which your final assessment is scheduled. MATSEC states that a syllabus' year is the year in which the final assessment is scheduled, and the syllabi page lists documents from 2011 through 2029. If you are sitting next year's session, download next year's document, not the current one.

Where do I find the IM Information Technology syllabus?

On the MATSEC syllabi page of the University of Malta website. Select the year of your final assessment, then locate Information Technology at IM level within that year's list. The syllabi section sits alongside Regulations, Past Papers, Guidelines and policies, Marking Schemes and Exemplars, and Current Session Information.

What does the exam cover?

The syllabus document for your year is the definitive statement of content, learning objectives and assessment structure. Read it before buying any textbook, because topic lists are revised between years. This page does not restate the topic list; treat anything that does not trace back to your year's syllabus with caution.

How long is the exam and what is the pass mark?

Those details belong to the syllabus and regulations for your specific year, and they are not stated on the pages summarised here. Check the syllabus document for your assessment year and the MATSEC regulations section. Do not rely on figures quoted by other candidates, since they may refer to an older syllabus.

Can I resit if I do not get the grade I need?

Resit and repeat arrangements are governed by MATSEC regulations rather than by the subject syllabus, and they are not set out on the pages summarised here. Consult the Regulations section of the MATSEC website or contact the Board directly at [email protected] before planning a resit.

How should I organise my study time?

Work through the syllabus topic by topic first, ticking off each objective, because examiners set questions against those objectives. Only then move to past papers and marking schemes, which show how marks are actually awarded. Leave the most recent papers for timed practice close to the exam so you are not reusing them as open-book revision.

What are the most common ways candidates lose marks?

Answering questions from a general IT textbook rather than from the current syllabus, ignoring command words such as describe or compare, and skipping the marking schemes. Another frequent problem is preparing from a syllabus year that is not the year of the final assessment, which means revising topics that have moved or been dropped.

Are there access arrangements for the examination?

MATSEC lists Access arrangements as a separate section on its website, distinct from the syllabi. Candidates who need adjustments should raise this with the Board well before the examination session rather than assuming the subject syllabus covers it. Contact [email protected] or +356 2340 2814/5/6 for guidance.

How do I contact MATSEC with a question?

Email [email protected] or telephone +356 2340 2814/5/6. The postal address is MATSEC Examinations Board, University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta. The Board's site also has a Frequently asked questions page and a contact form, which are worth checking before you call.