University Study System
Bachelor's Degree – 3 years – 180 university credits (CFU)
Allows students to gain adequate mastery of general scientific methods and content and to acquire specific professional knowledge.
Professional Degree - 3 years, 180 university credits (CFU)
The program includes two years of university education and one year of internship or in-company placements to develop highly specialized professionals in demand in the job market.
Master's Degree - 2 years - 120 university credits (CFU)
Provides advanced training for highly qualified professionals in specialized fields.
Single-Cycle Master's Degree - 5 or 6 years - 300 or 360 university credits (CFU)
This program is available for programs in Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Law, Civil Engineering and Architecture, and Primary Education Sciences. Graduates earn the academic qualification of Doctor or Master.
First-level master's degrees – at least 1 year in duration, 60 university credits (CFU)
These are in-depth thematic courses offered independently by universities with the aim of developing specific professional skills. These are open to those with a bachelor's degree, a single-cycle master's degree, or a second-cycle master's degree.
Second-level master's degrees – at least 1 year in duration, 60 university credits (CFU)
These are scientific specialization and continuing, higher education courses aimed at developing specific professional skills. These are open to those with a single-cycle master's degree or a second-cycle master's degree.
PhD
Doctoral programs are part of the third cycle of higher education and aim to prepare students for advanced scientific research methodology, including internships abroad and attendance at research laboratories.
Admission requires a master's degree and passing a competitive exam. The duration is at least three years and concludes with the preparation of an original research thesis.
Specialization Schools
These are postgraduate university courses designed to train specialists. Upon completion of the training program, a specialization diploma in the chosen field is awarded.
Specialization schools cover the areas of healthcare, veterinary medicine, psychology, cultural heritage, and legal professions.
To be admitted to the specialization schools for legal professions (especially useful for accessing the professions of judge, lawyer, and notary), candidates must pass an annual public competitive exam held locally at the universities. Those who have obtained a Bachelor's Degree (DL) in Law or a Specialist Degree (LS) or Master's Degree (LM) in Law are eligible. The competition announcement is issued by a decree of the Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR), in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice, following a national allocation of positions. The schools are governed by the Ministerial Decree. Decree No. 537 of 21/12/1999 and subsequent amendments.
CFU
University Educational Credit (CFU) is a unit of measurement for the commitment required in terms of study or learning activities.
One credit conventionally corresponds to 25 hours of commitment. Credits for each course or teaching activity are earned upon passing the exam or completing the activities, regardless of the grade obtained.
Degree Classes
Degree classes group together degree programs of the same level with the same educational objectives and the same essential learning activities.
Individual universities may offer one or more degree programs for each class, choose the name, and decide on the study plans. The degree class allows comparison of degree programs with different names offered at various universities. All degrees belonging to a class have the same legal value.
Access to Degree Programs
- Open-access courses
There is no limit on the number of enrollees. However, a knowledge assessment test may be required. If the test is unsuccessful, students may enroll with Additional Learning Requirements (OFA) to be fulfilled within the first year of the course.
- Courses with limited admission (national or local)
These have limited enrollment numbers. Students must take an admission test and be placed appropriately on the ranking list.