MATSEC SEC Social Studies
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) is a qualification awarded through the MATSEC Examinations Board, which is listed on the University of Malta website as a distinct section alongside Regulations, Guidelines and policies, Syllabi, Current Session Information, Applications, Past Papers, and Marking Schemes and Exemplars. Social Studies is one of the subjects offered at SEC level, and it is typically taken by secondary school students in Malta as part of their portfolio of SEC subjects, and also by private candidates who register directly through MATSEC. The subject draws on ideas from sociology, geography, history, economics, politics and citizenship education, and asks candidates to apply concepts to Maltese and wider social realities rather than simply recall definitions. Because MATSEC publishes a syllabus for each subject, the syllabus is the single most reliable statement of what the exam covers, how it is assessed and what skills are rewarded. Preparation should therefore begin with the current syllabus, then move to the published past papers and marking schemes, which show the standard expected and the way marks are allocated. Candidates should practise structuring written answers, using specific examples and correct terminology, and interpreting data such as tables, charts and short extracts. This page is independent study support and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the MATSEC Examinations Board or the University of Malta; always confirm details on the official MATSEC pages.
What you'll study
About MATSEC SEC Social Studies preparation
Who sets and awards the SEC Social Studies qualification?
The MATSEC Examinations Board, based at the University of Malta in Msida. Its website lists the Board's regulations, guidelines and policies, syllabi, current session information, applications, past papers, and marking schemes and exemplars. Use those official pages as the authoritative source for anything about the subject.
What does the exam actually cover?
The content is defined by the current MATSEC syllabus for the subject, not by third-party summaries. Download the syllabus from the MATSEC site and treat its list of topics and learning outcomes as your checklist. Social Studies generally rewards applying concepts to real social issues rather than reciting definitions alone.
How do I find out the format, duration and number of papers?
These details belong to the syllabus and current session information published by MATSEC. This page does not state them because they were not confirmed in the source material used. Check the syllabus document and the current session pages, and confirm with MATSEC directly if anything is unclear before you plan your revision.
Where can I get past papers and marking schemes?
MATSEC publishes Past Papers and Marking Schemes and Exemplars as separate sections of its website. Work through several recent papers under timed conditions, then read the marking scheme to see how marks are earned. This is the most efficient way to learn the expected depth and the style of wording that scores.
Is Social Studies SEC a difficult subject?
Difficulty is personal, but candidates commonly lose marks through vague answers, missing command words, and no concrete examples. The subject rewards clear structure and specific Maltese or international examples. Practising full answers and comparing them with marking schemes is the fastest way to close the gap.
What are the most common failure modes?
Answering the question you wished had been asked, writing everything you know instead of what the command word requires, ignoring data in tables or extracts, and running out of time on longer responses. Also common: no examples, no conclusion, and unclear handwriting or structure that makes marking harder than it needs to be.
Can private candidates sit the exam, and how do they apply?
MATSEC maintains an Applications section covering registration. The specific eligibility rules, deadlines and fees for a given session are published there and in the current session information. Because these change between sessions, read the current documents rather than relying on what earlier candidates tell you.
What happens if I fail or want to improve my grade?
Retake arrangements are governed by MATSEC regulations and session rules, which are published on the Board's site. The source material used for this page did not confirm a specific retake policy, so check the regulations and current session information, or contact MATSEC, before assuming you can resit in a particular session.
In what order should I study?
Start with the syllabus and map every topic to a confidence rating. Then work topic by topic using a textbook or class notes, building a bank of examples for each theme. Finish with timed past papers and marking-scheme review, returning to weak topics. Keep a log of errors so revision targets real gaps.
How do I contact MATSEC with a question?
The MATSEC Examinations Board is at the University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta, with phone +356 2340 2814/5/6 and email [email protected]. The University's general contact is +356 2340 2340 and [email protected]. Confirm opening arrangements before visiting in person.