Scheme of the University System in Italy
degree-courses |
degrees |
credits earned |
years |
1st cycle - undergraduate studies/students
Laurea degree course |
1st degree / Laurea degree |
180 |
3 |
2nd cycle - graduate studies/students
2nd (Laurea) degree course |
2nd degree (2nd Laurea) |
120 |
2 |
1st (level) Specialisation degree course |
1st (level) Specialisation degree |
120-180 |
2-3 |
1st (level) University Master degree course |
1st (level) University Master degree |
60+ |
1+ |
3rd cycle - postgraduate studies/students
Research Doctorate programme |
Research Doctorate degree |
|
3+ |
2nd (level) Specialisation degree course |
2nd (level) Specialisation degree |
60-300 |
1-5 |
2nd (level) University Master degree course |
2nd (level) University Master degree |
60+ |
1+ |
The Italian University System
|
I. First cycle. II. Second cycle. CLS are aimed at providing graduates with an advanced level of education for the exercise of a highly qualified activity in specific areas. Access to CLS is by the Italian 1st degree (L) or a foreign comparable degree; length is 2 years. The final degree, Laurea Specialistica-LS (2nd degree), is awarded to graduates who have earned a global amount of 300 credits, including those of the 1st degree that have been recognised for access to the CLS (max. 180); besides, the drawing up of an original dissertation is also compulsory. A limited number of CLS regulated by specific EU directives (CLS in dentistry, human medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, architecture) share the following different features: access is by the Italian school leaving diploma or a foreign comparable qualification; admission is always subject to entrance exams; length is 5 years (human medicine takes 6 years). CS1 are devised to provide the knowledge and abilities needed for the practice of highly qualifying professions; they may be established exclusively in application of specific Italian laws or EU directives. Access is by a Laurea (1st degree) or a foreign comparable degree; admission is subject to the passing of a competitive examination; course length varies between 2 and 3 years. The final degree, called Diploma di Specializzazione di 1° livello-DS1 (1st level specialisation degree) is conferred to graduates who have earned 300-360 credits globally, including those of the 1st degree that have been recognised for access to the CS1. CDR aim at training postgraduates for very advanced scientific research or for professional appointments of the highest consequence; they envisage the use of suitable teaching methodologies such as updated technologies, study periods abroad, stages in specialistic research centres. Access is by an Italian 2nd degree (LS) or a foreign comparable degree; admission is subject to the passing of very competitive exams; official length is min. 3 years; the drawing up of an original dissertation is necessary for the awarding of the 3rd degree called Dottorato di Ricerca-DR (research doctorate). * Degree courses sharing the same educational objectives and the same fundamental types of teaching-learning activities are organised in groups called "classi di appartenenza" (classes of degree courses). University Educational Credits: degree courses are structured in credits (crediti formativi universitari). A university credit corresponds to 25 hours of work per student, time for personal study included. The average annual workload of a full time student is conventionally fixed at 60 credits. |