The Bologna Process is an international agreement designed to make education systems more comparable across Europe. It establishes common standards for higher education degrees and creates a framework for easy recognition of qualifications.
The Italian Higher Education System
3-year undergraduate degree/ B.Sc. (“Laurea Triennale”)
Course duration: 3 years
ECTS/Credit points: 180
Undertaken after a high school diploma obtained after a minimum of 12 years of previous global schooling, and achieved after at least 2 years of attendance within the same national education system, it aims to provide a solid foundation in the core subjects as well as more specialized, professional training. Students holding a 3-year undergraduate degree can either enter the job market or continue their studies by applying for a Master of Science or Specializing Master programme.
2-year M.Sc. degree (“Laurea Magistrale”)
Course duration: 2 years
ECTS/Credit points: 120
Undertaken after the undergraduate degree and aims to provide rigorous, advanced training in more highly specialized areas. . Obtained after a minimum of three years of study (180 ECTS) and in a subject that is relevant to the chosen degree course. Enables students to apply for a PhD at any Italian or international university.
1-year specializing Master (“Master Universitario”)
Course duration: 1 year
ECTS/Credit points: 60
A professionalizing programme providing practical knowledge and training through coursework, consultancy projects and internships. These masters programmes within the Italian education system do not generally allow access to a Ph.D. programme upon completion of the Master. Recognition of the Specializing Master towards a Ph.D. programme outside of Italy will depend on local state regulations or individual doctoral programmes.
Doctoral programme - Ph.D. (“Dottorato di Ricerca”)
Course duration: 3 years
ECTS/Credit points: 180
Undertaken after the completion of a Master of Science or an equivalent graduate degree. It aims to develop the professional competence to carry out high level research in manufacturing and service companies, public bodies and universities.
Italian grading system
The Italian grading system for exams registered in the study plan ranges from 18/30 to 30/30. The highest mark is 30/30eLode (with high distinction). All the exams with a score lower than 18/30 are considered as not passed and thus are not registered on the transcript of the academic records.
The grading system for the final grade (graduation mark) ranges from 66/110 to 110/110, the highest mark being 110/100eLode (with high distinction).
ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) is a numerical value allocated to measure courses' workload. The workload includes lectures, practical work, seminars, tutorials, fieldwork, home study and examinations or other assessment activities.
Degree programmes are usually structured with a workload of 60 ECTS per year:
- 1 ECTS corresponds to 1 CFU (Credito Formativo Universitario - university credit unit).
- 1 CFU corresponds to 25 hours of work and home study.