The University system

Find out how university studies are organised and which are the reference laws.

Programme catalogueUniversity studies are divided into three cycles:

First cycle and Single cycle degree programmes: First Cycle Degrees, Single Cycle Degrees.

Second cycle degree programmes: Second Cycle degree programme.

Third cycle degree programmes: Doctoral studies (PhD) and Specialisation Schools.

The University also runs vocational programmes including first and second level Professional Master's Programmes, Post-Graduate programmes, Lifelong Learning Courses and Intensive Courses.

The qualifications awarded are: first cycle degree (laurea - L) and second cycle degree (laurea magistrale - LM). To obtain a first cycle degree, students must acquire 180 educational credits (CFU) in a maximum of 20 exams; to obtain a second cycle degree they must acquire 120 CFU, in a maximum of 12 exams.

Key

1st cycle
First cycle degree: 180 credits, duration 3 years.
Qualification required: High School Diploma.
Academic qualification: Dottore (in Italy).
What is a first cycle degree programme

2nd Cycle
Second cycle degree (Magistrale): 120 credits, duration 2 years.
Qualification required: First cycle degree.
Academic qualification: Dottore magistrale (in Italy).
What is a second cycle degree programme

Single Cycle
300 credits: Architecture, Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Pharmacy, Law, Building and Architectural Engineering, Primary Teacher Education, Veterinary Medicine.
360 credits: Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry and Dental Prostheses.
Qualification required: High School Diploma.
Academic qualification: Dottore magistrale (in Italy).
What is a Single Cycle Degree Programme

3rd Cycle
PhD programme: duration 3/4 years.
Qualification required: Second or Single cycle degree.
Academic qualification: PhD (doctor).

Specialisation School: programme duration established in the relative teaching regulation.
Qualification required: Second or Single cycle degree.
Academic qualification: Specialist.

Vocational programmes
First level Professional Master's Programme: 60 credits, duration 1 year.
Qualification required: First, Second or Single cycle degree.
No qualification awarded.

Second level Professional Master’s Programme: 60 credits, duration 1 year.
Qualification required: Second or Single cycle degree.
No qualification awarded.

What is a Professional Master's Programme