The university education system is divided into three cycles, each comprising different types of programmes with:
- specific entry requirements;
- a prescribed duration;
- a certain number of CFU (university educational credits) to be acquired.
Besides, each course corresponds to a level of the European Qualifications Framework. The EQF is an 8-level system that makes the comparison of knowledge, skills and competences - achieved through the educational path undertaken by European citizens in different countries - possible.
1ST CYCLE
First level degree programme
- Qualifications required to join: high school or secondary school diploma or equivalent qualifications obtained abroad
- Duration: 3 years
- CFU to be acquired: 180
- EQF level: European Qualifications Framework - 6
- Academic qualification: Dottore (in Italy)
- Purposes: acquisition of general scientific methods and contents and specific professional skills, also through internships
- What you may do next: second level degree programmes, first level professional master’s programmes, advanced training programmes.
Single cycle degree programme
- Qualifications required to join: high school or secondary diploma or equivalent qualifications obtained abroad
- Duration: 5 or 6 years, there is no distinction between the initial two year period and the following two/three year period
- CFU to be acquired: 300 or 360
- EQF level: European Qualifications Framework - 7
- Academic qualification: Dottore magistrale (in Italy)
- Purposes: acquisition of advanced level education for highly qualified activities in specific fields (medicine and health, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, law, education, architecture and civil engineering)
- What you may do next: PhD programmes, second level professional master's programmes, specialisation schools, advanced training programmes.
2ND CYCLE
Second level degree programme
- Qualifications required to be admitted: First level degree or equivalent qualifications obtained abroad
- Duration: 2 years
- CFU to be acquired: 120
- EQF level: European Qualifications Framework - 7
- Academic qualification: Dottore magistrale (in Italy)
- Purposes: acquisition of advanced level education for highly qualified activities in specific field
- What you may do next: PhD programmes, second level professional master's programmes, specialisation schools, advanced training programmes.
First level Professional Master’s programme
- Qualifications required to be admitted: First level degree (or equivalent qualifications obtained abroad)
- Duration: 1 year (with some exceptions)
- CFU to be acquired: at least 60
- EQF level: European Qualifications Framework - 7
- Academic qualification: no qualification awarded
- Purposes: it is an in-depth and further training programme course for the acquisition of professional, design and technical-operational skills and knowledge. It may involve the collaboration of private and public bodies organisations or institutions.
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Advanced training programmes
- Qualifications required to be admitted: First or second level degree
- Duration: It varies according to the teaching format and the skills that the programme aims to provide
- CFU to be acquired: no credits to be acquired
- Livello EQF: European Qualifications Framework - 7 (in case of a 1st cycle degree) or 8 (in case of a 2nd level degree)
- Academic qualification: attendance certificate
- Purposes: professional and scientific updating.
3RD CYCLE
PhD programmes
- Qualifications required to be admitted: Second or single cycle degree programme (or equivalent qualifications obtained abroad)
- Duration: 3 or 4 years
- EQF level: European Qualifications Framework - 8
- Academic qualification: PhD (doctor)
- Purposes: acquisition of the scientific knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in academia. It represents the highest level of university education.
Specialisation schools
- Qualifications required to be admitted: Second or single cycle degree programme (or equivalent qualifications obtained abroad)
- Duration: at least 2 years, but it is established by the educational regulation
- CFU to be acquired: between 120 and 360, as stated in the education plan
- EQF level: European Qualifications Framework - 8
- Academic qualification: Specialisation diploma (Specialist)
- Purposes: acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary to perform professions in specific areas (health, veterinary, psychology, law, cultural heritage). In some cases, it is necessary to obtain a professional license.
Second level Professional Master’s programme
- Qualifications required to be admitted: Second or single cycle degree programme (or equivalent qualifications obtained abroad)
- Duration: 1 year
- CFU to be acquired: at least 60
- EQF level: European Qualifications Framework - 8
- Academic qualification: no qualification awarded
- Purposes: it is an in-depth and further training programme course for the acquisition of professional, design and technical-operational skills and knowledge. It may involve the collaboration of private and public organisations bodies or institutions