Universities and High level arts and music education institutions (Afam) may organise programmes aimed at scientific in-depth study, at high level education and at specialisation.

Courses can be organised as second and third-cycle programmes. Access to courses and their duration are centrally established. Courses lead to second and third-cycle qualifications other than master degrees and PhDs.

All qualifications are described in the NQF. Qualifications issued by universities and Afam institutions are also described in the Italian qualification framework of Higher education (QTI).

Finally, universities and Afam institutions can offer courses leading to certification that are not classified as second or third-cycle qualifications. Single institutions establish the structure of courses and access criteria. Courses usually last for a few months and students' workload corresponds to a limited number of credits (less than 60 CFU).

At completion of courses, institutions issue either an attendance certification or a certification which name varies according to the institution offering the course.

Specific Second-Cycle Programmes

University Education

Beside mainstream second-cycle courses leading to laurea magistrale, universities may organise scientific in-depth studies as well as high level education and specialisation courses leading to other second-cycle qualifications.

Courses last minimum one year (60 CFU credits) and lead to the qualification called Master universitario di primo livello (First-level university master).

Access to courses leading to a First-level university master requires the possession of a laurea (first-cycle qualification); universities may also require candidates to pass an admission exam or to meet further specific requirements.

The First-level university master qualification does not give access to third-cycle programmes. In fact, courses are not organised according to national programmes and single universities issue the relevant qualification under their own autonomous responsibility.

High Level Arts and Music Education (Afam)

Beside mainstream second-cycle programmes leading to Diploma accademico di secondo livello, Afam institutions may organise courses leading to the acquisition of the following second-cycle qualifications:

• Diploma accademico di specializzazione I (Specialisation academic Diploma I)
• Diploma di perfezionamento o Master I (In-depth Diploma or Master I). Courses are addressed to holders of a Diploma Accademico di primo livello (first cycle degree).

Courses leading to a Specialisation academic Diploma I aim at providing students with high-level professional competencies in specific sectors.

Courses have a minimum length of two years (120 CFA).

Courses leading to the In-depth Diploma or Master I, aim at meeting the cultural needs of in-depth studies in certain study sectors as well as of professional refreshing or requalification and lifelong learning needs. Their duration is minimum one year (60 CFA credits).

Holders of a First-level academic diploma can have accessible to both courses.

None of the two programmes gives access to third-cycle programmes.

Specific Third-Cycle Programmes

University Education

Beside the PhDs courses, universities may organise courses leading to the following third-cycle qualifications:

• Master universitario di secondo livello (Second-level university Master).
• Diploma di specializzazione (Specialisation Diploma). Courses leading to a second-level university Master aim at ensuring scientific and high level education.

Admission to courses leading to a second-level university Master requires a second-cycle degree (laurea magistrale); universities may also require candidates to pass an admission exam or to meet further specific requirements.

Courses last minimum one year (60 credits).

The Second-level university master qualification does not allow access to third-cycle programmes. In fact, courses are not organised according to national programmes and single universities issue the relevant qualification under their own autonomous responsibility.

Courses leading to a Specialisation diploma are designed to provide knowledge and abilities for particular professional activities. Courses can be set up exclusively according to specific regulations or European directives. Courses are mainly activated for clinical surgical subjects and offer specialised training for legal professions (lawyers, judges, notaries).

Admission to courses leading to a Diploma di specializzazione requires a second-cycle degree, or another equivalent qualification attained abroad; specific ministerial decrees establish specific admission requirements for each course, which may include further credits, additional to the qualification required for the admission. Beside the required qualifications, candidates should also pass an open competition.

The duration of courses varies from 2 up to 6 years (120-360 credits).

High Level Arts and Music Education (Afam)

Beside the courses leading to the Diploma accademico di formazione alla ricerca (Research academic diploma), Afam institutions organise courses leading to the acquisition of the following qualifications:

• Diploma accademico di specializzazione II (second-level specialisation academic diploma)
• Diploma di perfezionamento o Master II (second-level in-depth diploma or master).

Courses leading to a Specialisation academic Diploma II, aim at providing students with high-level professional competencies in specific sectors.

Courses have a minimum length of two years (120 CFA).

Courses leading to the In-depth Diploma or Master II, aim at meeting the cultural needs of in-depth studies in certain study sectors as well as of professional refreshing or requalification and lifelong learning needs.

Courses last a minimum of one year (60 CFA credits).

Both courses are addressed to holders of a Diploma accademico di secondo livello (second cycle degree).

None of the two qualifications allows access to Phd courses.

Legislative references

Ministerial Decree of 8 February 2013, no. 45 (accreditation of doctoral courses)

Law of 30 December 2010, no. 240 (organisation of universities)

Decree of the President of the Republic (DPR) of 8 July 2005, no. 212 (organisation of the Afam sector)

Decree of the President of the Republic (DPR) of 28 February 2003, no. 132 (autonomy of Afam institutions)

Ministerial Decree of 22 October 2004, no. 270 (organisation of universities)

Regulation of 3 November 1999, no. 509 (autonomy of universities)

Law of 21 December 1999, no. 508 (Afam)