“I recently decided to take the next step in my career and further education. … My choice was the Elephant & Cross educational center and I am very happy with my choice. … High standards and professional team, they are always there to help you and inform you about everything you need for your studies.”
Online Foundation Diploma in Engineering, Level 4.
A UK foundation diploma in engineering, studied completely online around your job. No exams, no deadlines. €220 a month for twelve months, and Malta refunds up to 70% of it when you finish.
Check if I qualify5.0 on GoogleMost finish in about 10 monthsRecognised in Malta and the EU
Delivered byOnline Business School, UKAwarded by OTHM · Regulated by Ofqual · Recognised by MQRIC
Our students love studying this diploma online.
“The course content was thorough and well-structured, making it easy to follow along and absorb the material. … The support I received throughout the course was phenomenal; the team was always available to answer questions and provide guidance.”
“The team is professional, responsive, and genuinely committed to supporting their students every step of the way. … I would especially like to commend Andrew Critien for his unwavering support and dedication, making the entire process smoother and less stressful.”
€220 a month. Then most of it back.
€220 a month, interest free, for twelve months. Finish, and Malta’s Get Qualified Scheme refunds up to 70% of it.
- The diploma, tutoring, materials and certification
- No sign-up fee, no interest, nothing hidden
- Stop future payments whenever you need to
- Malta’s Get Qualified Scheme, Malta Enterprise
- Claimed once you hold your certificate
- We support you with the application
A minute on how the refund works.
What the Get Qualified Scheme is, who qualifies, and what you send when you finish.
Study anytime. Completely online.
Built so you can keep your job while you do it.

“When I look at the data, most of our students are studying at 6pm and on Sunday mornings. I don’t see that as a problem to fix, it’s the whole point. This course was built for working professionals, parents, busy people.”
Six modules. Six assignments. No exams.
The maths and science underneath every engineering job: units and calculations, electricity, mechanics, design, statistics, algebra and calculus. Each module ends in one written assignment, marked by a tutor with feedback.
Level 4Modules 1 to 66 modules
01Engineering Principles
SI units and measurement; engineering calculations and how to read engineering information.
02Design Technology
Engineering products and design; a systems approach to electrical design, with 2D CAD drawings.
03Electricity
Basic components in circuits; AC and DC circuit theory, power supplies and protection.
04Mechanics
Motion in mathematical terms; energy transfer, forces and elasticity.
05Introducing Statistics
Analysing data; calculating and interpreting statistical diagrams and measures.
06Mathematics
Algebra for engineering problems; geometry, graphs, exponentials, logarithms, trigonometry and calculus.
Then, if you want it: the Level 5.
Delivered by Online Business School
Your 30 credits are the entry to a Level 5 diploma: 120 credits, online, no exams, same portal and tutors. We help you choose the subject. From there, the final year of a bachelor’s degree.
See the Level 5 diplomas- Later, if you want itA bachelor’s degreeFinal year only. One year, online, at Arden University.
- Next, if you want itA Level 5 diploma120 credits, online, no exams. We help you choose the subject.
- You are hereFoundation Diploma in EngineeringLevel 4, this course. The equivalent of A-levels. Gets you into the Level 5 above.

“Most people who start with the foundation didn’t finish school the way they wanted to. A year later they’ve got a Level 4 diploma and they’re ready to progress to Level 5. It’s so rewarding.”
Yes, it is a real qualification.
Before you pay anything, you get a recognition statement from MQRIC, Malta’s recognition centre. It says what the diploma is worth here.
The diploma is awarded by OTHM, a UK awarding organisation, and regulated by Ofqual, the UK government’s qualifications regulator. Level 4 on Malta’s framework and the EU framework, the equivalent of A-levels. Level 5 in Ireland. An employer anywhere in the EU reads it the same way.
Check if I qualifyEvery course at this level: Diplomas in Malta · Diplomas in Ireland
- Qualification
- Foundation Diploma in Engineering
- Awarding body
- OTHM, United Kingdom
- Regulated by
- Ofqual
- Level
- MQF Level 4 · EQF Level 4
- Credits
- 30 credits
Issued to you before you start. Illustration; the wording on the real statement is MQRIC’s.
Still not sure?
The four questions we get asked most, in two minutes each.
Do you qualify?
The formal entry is a Level 3 qualification or equivalent. Age 16 or over, good written English and a computer with internet. Pick what describes you.
Who you are dealing with.
Online Business School delivers the course. Elephant & Cross enrols you and supports you from Malta.
Tuition centreOnline Business School
A UK online school delivering OTHM diplomas, Level 3 to Level 7, to students in more than 100 countries. Every module is taught through its online portal: recorded lectures, notes, and a tutor for the assignments. It offers Ofqual regulated qualifications.
Your support in MaltaElephant & Cross
Online UK qualifications for working adults in Malta, based in Sliema since 2021. Founded by Andrew Critien and Luca Cachia. About 95% of our students work full time. We tell you if you qualify before you pay, handle the enrolment and the paperwork, and support you with the Get Qualified application when you finish.
5.0 on Google148 Tower Road, Sliema
“I had a very positive experience with Elephant & Cross from start to finish. … Their support and guidance throughout the entire process were excellent, and I always felt well informed at every step. … I never encountered any problems along the way and their professionalism really stood out. … I also look forward to continuing my studies with Elephant & Cross in the future.”
Still wondering?
Anything else, ask us. We reply within one working day.
What do I need to get in?
You must be 16 or over, with a Level 3 qualification such as O-levels or an MCAST Level 3 diploma, or equivalent. If you do not have one but have solid experience in a technical or trade role, an exemption is usually granted. Good written English and a computer with internet.
Is the diploma recognised in Malta?
Yes. OTHM, regulated by Ofqual in the UK, awards the diploma. In Malta it is recognised by MQRIC at MQF Level 4, the level of A-levels, and it is read the same way across the EU.
Are there exams?
No. You are assessed through six written assignments, one per module, marked by a tutor with feedback. You can resubmit until you pass.
How long does it take?
Most students finish in about ten months around a full-time job. There are no deadlines, and you can pause for up to 90 days.
How does the 70% refund work?
Malta’s Get Qualified Scheme refunds up to 70% of your fees as a tax credit once you finish. All Malta residents are eligible. We support you with the application.
What happens if I stop paying?
You can stop future instalments whenever you need to, and nothing more is charged. Payments already made are not refunded.
What comes after this?
Your 30 credits are the entry to a Level 5 diploma of your choice: 120 credits, online, no exams, €220 a month. The Level 5 then takes you into the final year of a bachelor’s degree.
When can I start?
Intakes run throughout the year. Send your details and we tell you the next start date.
Check if you qualify.
Fifteen minutes. A straight yes or no. Nothing to pay before the call.
5.0 on Google15-minute callNo obligation
“Highly recommended for anyone wishing to get a degree or diploma with an accredited University while studying at their own pace and having tutor support when requested. … The team at E&C are very helpful, professional and supportive.”