HIGHER EDUCATION Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area

Ministry of Education, University and Research Department for University, Higher Education in Fine Arts, Music and Dance and for Research HIGHER EDUCATION Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area

FOREWORD In 2005, the Ministers of Higher Education of the Bologna Process signatory countries decided to develop the Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area - QF for the EHEA. The Framework comprises the three main cycles of Higher Education, as defined by the Bologna Process, and offers an overview of all qualifications awarded at the end of each cycle, with reference to the number of ECTS credits collected and to the learning outcomes (Dublin Descriptors). The Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area is aimed at facilitating the correct understanding and comparability of qualifications in the Higher Education systems of each country. A further aim of the Framework is to offer a comprehensive overview of the European teaching and learning offer, targeted at the students coming from all over the world. Each country committed to put together a National Qualifications Framework - NQF which is compatible with the Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area. ITALIAN QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK (QUADRO DEI TITOLI ITALIANI - QTI) In 2005 the Italian Ministry of Higher Education started working on the Italian Qualifications Framework, in compliance with the procedures established at European level. At first, CIMEA, the Italian NARIC centre, was asked to develop the first prototype of the National Framework, which was aimed at portraying the reform process which the Italian Higher Education system has undergone since 1999. Subsequently a team formed by technical consultants of the Ministry and the Italian Bologna Experts was set up and started working on the first draft of the Italian Qualifications Framework. The final outcome of their work was carefully scrutinised by numerous parties: the competent internal department and the Directorates General of the Ministry; the relevant institutional representative and consultative bodies, such as the National University Council (Consiglio Universitario Nazionale); the National Council of University Students (Consiglio Nazionale degli Studenti Universitari); the Conference of Rectors of Italian Universities (Conferenza dei Rettori delle Università Italiane); the National Council for Higher Schools of Arts and Music (Consiglio Nazionale per l Alta Formazione Artistica e Musicale); the social partners and the professional associations. Today, at the conclusion of the process of elaboration and consultation, I am delighted to announce the publication of the Italian Qualifications Framework (QTI) for Higher Education: the official document used to describe the Italian system with reference to Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area. Rome, 10 October 2010 Antonello Masia Head of the Department for University, Higher Education in Fine Arts, Music and Dance and for Research Ministry of Education, University and Research

THE ITALIAN QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK FOR THE HIGHER EDUCATION - QTI WHAT IS IT? It is a tool, which describes the qualifications awarded by the Italian Higher Education institutions, in terms of expected competences and learning outcomes It comprises the three Bologna cycles It provides a descriptive overview of Italian qualifications at all levels It is modelled on The Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area - QF for EHEA. WHAT ARE ITS AIMS? Make the Italian Higher Education system more transparent and understandable Promote the Italian Higher Education system Enhance international mobility of Italian students and graduates and facilitate their access to advanced-level studies Facilitate employers understanding and appraisal of the qualifications awarded by Italian Higher Education Institutions Facilitate comparison between Italian and foreign qualifications Facilitate professional and academic recognition of Italian qualifications abroad and enhance the free circulation of students and professionals. WHAT INFORMATION DOES IT PROVIDE? Descriptions of the three Bologna cycles including the Dublin descriptors The comprehensive list of the qualifications awarded in the three cycles by Italian Higher Education Institutions under the Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) The descriptive profile of each qualification The list of the qualifications awarded under the previous system (pre-bologna) The list of the regulated professions in Italy, with links to the corresponding descriptive profiles The description of the learning outcomes for the degree classes of university degrees at all levels and of the academic diplomas awarded in Higher Schools for Art, Music and Dance. Links to the databases of the officially recognised Universities and Higher Schools for Art, Music and Dance in Italy and to the database of the academic programmes offered in Italy. 3

4

THE ITALIAN QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK FOR THE HIGHER EDUCATION - QTI UNIVERSITY INSTITUTIONS AFAM H.ED. INSTITUTIONS FOR FINE ARTS, MUSIC AND DANCE LAUREA 1 st CYCLE DIPLOMA ACCADEMICO DI PRIMO LIVELLO LAUREA MAGISTRALE / SPECIALISTICA 2 nd CYCLE DIPLOMA ACCADEMICO DI SECONDO LIVELLO DOTTORATO DI RICERCA 3 rd CYCLE DIPLOMA ACCADEMICO DI FORMAZIONE ALLA RICERCA OTHER QUALIFICATIONS Diploma di specializzazione Master universitario di I livello Master universitario di II livello Diploma di perfezionamento OTHER QUALIFICATIONS Diploma accademico di specializzazione (I e II) Diploma di perfezionamento o Master (I e II) H. ED. INSTITUTIONS AUTHORISED TO AWARD RECOGNISED QUALIFICATIONS Higher Schools for Language Mediators - Scuole Superiori per Mediatori Linguistici Specialisation Institutes/Schools in Psychotherapy - Istituti/Scuole di Psicoterapia 5

LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK LAW N. 341, 19 NOVEMBER 1990 Reform of the university system (Published on the Official Gazzette n. 274 of 23 November, 1990) LAW N. 508, 21 DECEMBER 1999 Reform of the Academies of Fine Arts, of the National Dance Academies, of the National Academy of Drama, of the Higher Schools for the Art industry, of Music Conservatories and of Recognised Music Institutes (Published on the Official Gazzette n. 2 of 4 January, 2000) DECREE N. 509, 3 NOVEMBER 1999 Regulation regarding the teaching autonomy of Universities (Published on the Official Gazzette n. 2 of 4 January, 2000) DECREE N. 38, 10 JANUARY 2002 Regulation regarding the reform of the Higher Schools for Language Mediators, in accordance with Law n. 697 of 11 October 1986, adopted to implement art. 17, par. 96, comma a) of Law n. 127 of 15 May 1997 (Published on the Official Gazzette n. 69 of 22 March, 2002) DECREE N. 270, 22 OCTOBER 2004 Amendments to the regulation regarding the teaching autonomy of Universities, passed by Decree of the Ministry of University and of Scientific and Technological Research n. 509 of 3 November 1999 (Published on the Official Gazzette n. 266 of 12 November, 2004) PRESIDENTIAL DECREE N. 212, 8 JULY 2005 Regulation regarding the definition of didactic structures of Higher Schools for Arts, Music and Dance, in compliance with art. 2 of Law n. 508, 21 December 1999 (Published on the Official Gazzette n. 243 of 18 October, 2005) 6

DESCRIPTORS OF CYCLES The descriptions of the Cycles in the IQF are based on the Dublin Descriptors, as defined by the Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area 1 st CYCLE Qualifications that signify completion of the first cycle are awarded to students who: have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in a field of study that builds upon their general secondary education, and is typically at a level that, whilst supported by advanced textbooks, includes some aspects that will be informed by knowledge of the forefront of their field of study; can apply their knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach to their work or vocation, and have competences typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments and solving problems within their field of study; have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their field of study) to inform judgments that include reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues; can communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and nonspecialist audiences; have developed those learning skills that are necessary for them to continue to undertake further study with a high degree of autonomy. 2 nd CYCLE Qualifications that signify completion of the second cycle are awarded to students who: have demonstrated knowledge and understanding that is founded upon and extends and/or enhances that typically associated with the first cycle, and that provides a basis or opportunity for originality in developing and/or applying ideas, often within a research context; can apply their knowledge and understanding, and problem solving abilities in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study; have the ability to integrate knowledge and handle complexity, and formulate judgments with incomplete or limited information, but that include reflecting on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgments; can communicate their conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and nonspecialist audiences clearly and unambiguously; have the learning skills to allow them to continue to study in a manner that may be largely selfdirected or autonomous. 3 rd CYCLE Qualifications that signify completion of the third cycle are awarded to students who: have demonstrated a systematic understanding of a field of study and mastery of the skills and methods of research associated with that field; have demonstrated the ability to conceive, design, implement and adapt a substantial process of research with scholarly integrity; have made a contribution through original research that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work, some of which merits national or international refereed publication; are capable of critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas; can communicate with their peers, the larger scholarly community and with society in general about their areas of expertise; can be expected to be able to promote, within academic and professional contexts, technological, social or cultural advancement in a knowledge based society. 7

DESCRIPTORS OF UNIVERSITY QUALIFICATIONS LAUREA AIM: to provide undergraduates with adequate knowledge of general scientific principles, mastery of related methods, and specific professional skills CLASSIFICATION: 1 st cycle degree ACCESS: by the Italian school leaving qualification, or a comparable foreign one WORKLOAD: 180 ECTS credits DURATION: 3 years full time ACADEMIC TITLE: Dottore FURTHER STUDIES: admission to 2 nd cycle programmes [Laurea magistrale/specialistica; Master universitario di primo livello; Diploma accademico di secondo livello; Diploma accademico di specializzazione (I); Corso di perfezionamento o Master (I)] LAUREA MAGISTRALE / SPECIALISTICA AIM: to provide graduates with advanced education for highly qualified professions in specific sectors, as well as with adequate training for advanced independent research CLASSIFICATION: 2 nd cycle degree ACCESS: by a related Laurea, three-years Diploma Universitario, Diploma accademico di primo livello or a comparable foreign degree WORKLOAD: 120 ECTS credits DURATION: 2 years full time ACADEMIC TITLE: Dottore Magistrale FURTHER STUDIES: admission to 3 rd cycle programmes [Dottorato di ricerca; Diploma di specializzazione; Master universitario di secondo livello; Diploma accademico di formazione alla ricerca; Diploma accademico di specializzazione (II); Corso di perfezionamento o Master (II)] SINGLE-CYCLE LAUREA MAGISTRALE / SPECIALISTICA AIM: to provide graduates with advanced education for highly qualified professions in specific sectors, as well as with adequate training for advanced independent research CLASSIFICATION: 2 nd cycle degree ACCESS: by the Italian school leaving qualification, or a comparable foreign one; in most cases, admission by entrance tests WORKLOAD: from 300 to 360 ECTS credits DURATION: from 5 to 6 years full time ACADEMIC TITLE: Dottore Magistrale FURTHER STUDIES: admission to 3 rd cycle programmes [Dottorato di ricerca; Diploma di specializzazione; Master universitario di secondo livello; Diploma accademico di formazione alla ricerca; Diploma accademico di specializzazione (II); Corso di perfezionamento o Master (II)] DOTTORATO DI RICERCA AIM: to provide postgraduates with training for highly specialised research CLASSIFICATION: 3 rd cycle degree ACCESS: by a Laurea magistrale/specialistica or a comparable foreign degree ADMISSION: by public competition WORKLOAD: n.a. DURATION: min. 3 years ACADEMIC TITLE: Dottorato di Ricerca 8

DIPLOMA DI SPECIALIZZAZIONE AIM: to provide postgraduates with knowledge and skills for a few specific professions; Diploma di Specializzazione programmes may be set up exclusively on the basis of specific national laws or EU Directives CLASSIFICATION: 3 rd cycle degree ACCESS: by a Laurea magistrale/specialistica or a comparable foreign degree ADMISSION: by public competition WORKLOAD: from 120 to 360 ECTS credits DURATION: from 2 to 6 years full time ACADEMIC TITLE: Specialista MASTER UNIVERSITARIO DI PRIMO LIVELLO AIM: to provide graduates either with advanced scientific knowledge in a given field or with further professional education and training for better occupational opportunities CLASSIFICATION: 2 nd cycle degree ACCESS: by a Laurea or a comparable foreign degree WORKLOAD : min. 60 ECTS credits DURATION : min. 1 year FURTHER STUDIES: the qualification does not allow access to PhD and to 3 rd cycle programmes, since this type of course does not belong to the general requirements established at national level, but it is offered under the autonomous responsibility of each university MASTER UNIVERSITARIO DI SECONDO LIVELLO AIM: to provide graduates either with advanced scientific knowledge in a given field or with further professional education and training for better occupational opportunities CLASSIFICATION: 3 rd cycle degree ACCESS: by a Laurea magistrale/specialistica or a comparable foreign degree WORKLOAD : min. 60 ECTS credits DURATION : min. 1 year FURTHER STUDIES: the qualification does not allow access to PhD and to 3 rd cycle programmes, since this type of course does not belong to the general requirements established at national level, but it is offered under the autonomous responsibility of each university DIPLOMA DI PERFEZIONAMENTO AIM: these courses fulfil the cultural need to deepen specific study fields or to get further professional training or re-training, in the framework of continuous education CLASSIFICATION: university certificate ACCESS: by academic qualification (Laurea, Laurea magistrale/specialistica). Access requirements are set by the offering institutions WORKLOAD : n.a. DURATION : usually, 1 year FURTHER STUDIES: the qualification does not allow access to any kind of courses 9

DESCRIPTORS OF AFAM QUALIFICATIONS DIPLOMA ACCADEMICO DI PRIMO LIVELLO AIM: to provide students with adequate mastery of artistic methods and techniques, as well as with specific professional and disciplinary skills CLASSIFICATION: 1 st cycle degree ACCESS: by the Italian school leaving qualification, or a comparable foreign one. Admission may also require candidates to take an entrance exam to assess an adequate level of knowledge, in accordance with institutional regulations WORKLOAD: 180 ECTS credits DURATION: 3 years full time FURTHER STUDIES: admission to 2 nd cycle programmes [Diploma accademico di secondo livello; Diploma accademico di specializzazione (I); Diploma di perfezionamento o Master (I); Laurea magistrale/specialistica; Master universitario di primo livello] DIPLOMA ACCADEMICO DI SECONDO LIVELLO AIM: to offer students an advanced level of education for complete mastery of artistic methods and techniques, as well as a high level of professional competency CLASSIFICATION: 2 nd cycle degree ACCESS: by a related Diploma accademico di primo livello or a comparable foreign degree. There may also be specific requirements as defined by the different institutional regulations WORKLOAD: 120 ECTS credits DURATION: 2 years full time FURTHER STUDIES: admission to 3 rd cycle programmes [Diploma accademico di formazione alla ricerca; Dottorato di ricerca; Diploma accademico di specializzazione (II); Diploma di perfezionamento o Master (II); Master universitario di secondo livello] DIPLOMA ACCADEMICO DI FORMAZIONE ALLA RICERCA AIM: to provide the competences to plan and carry out high-level research activities CLASSIFICATION: 3 rd cycle degree ACCESS: by a Diploma accademico di secondo livello or a comparable foreign degree WORKLOAD: n.a. DURATION: min. 3 years 10

DIPLOMA ACCADEMICO DI SPECIALIZZAZIONE (I) AIM: to provide high level professional competences in specific areas CLASSIFICATION: 2 nd cycle degree ACCESS: by a Diploma accademico di primo livello or a comparable foreign degree WORKLOAD: min. 120 ECTS credits DURATION: min. 2 years full time FURTHER STUDIES: the qualification does not give access to programmes leading to a Diploma accademico di formazione alla ricerca or other 3rd cycle programmes DIPLOMA DI PERFEZIONAMENTO O MASTER (I) AIM: to provide in-depth study in specific sectors as well as professional development, retraining and continuing education CLASSIFICATION: 2 nd cycle degree ACCESS: by a Diploma accademico di primo livello or a comparable foreign degree WORKLOAD: min. 60 ECTS credits DURATION: min. 1 year full time FURTHER STUDIES: the qualification does not give access to Diploma accademico di formazione alla ricerca programmes or other 3 rd cycle degree programmes since this type of course does not belong to the general requirements established at national level, but it is offered under the autonomous responsibility of each institution DIPLOMA ACCADEMICO DI SPECIALIZZAZIONE (II) AIM: to provide high level professional competences in specific areas CLASSIFICATION: 3 rd cycle degree ACCESS: by a Diploma accademico di secondo livello or a comparable foreign degree WORKLOAD: min. 120 ECTS credits DURATION: min. 2 years full time FURTHER STUDIES: the qualification does not give access to programmes leading to a Diploma accademico di formazione alla ricerca or other 3rd cycle programmes DIPLOMA DI PERFEZIONAMENTO O MASTER (II) AIM: to provide in-depth study in specific sectors as well as professional development, retraining and continuing education CLASSIFICATION: 3 rd cycle degree ACCESS: by a Diploma accademico di secondo livello or a comparable foreign degree WORKLOAD: min. 60 ECTS credits DURATION: min. 1 year full time FURTHER STUDIES: the qualification does not give access to Diploma accademico di formazione alla ricerca programmes or other 3 rd cycle degree programmes since this type of course does not belong to the general requirements established at national level, but it is offered under the autonomous responsibility of each institution HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AUTHORISED TO AWARD RECOGNISED QUALIFICATIONS HIGHER SCHOOLS FOR LANGUAGE MEDIATORS - SCUOLE SUPERIORI PER MEDIATORI LINGUISTICI DIPLOMA DI MEDIATORE LINGUISTICO AIM: to provide intensive training at academic level in at least two languages other than Italian and the related cultures. Furthermore, they aim to develop specific technical and linguistic skills both written and oral to train students to practice the profession of language mediators CLASSIFICATION: 1 st cycle degree ACCESS: by the Italian school leaving qualification and adequate linguistic knowledge WORKLOAD: 180 ECTS credits DURATION: 3 years full time FURTHER STUDIES: these qualification allows access to Laurea specialistica programmes in the same field of study 11 SPECIALISATION INSTITUTES/ SCHOOLS IN PSYCHOTERAPY ISTITUTI/SCUOLE DI PSICOTERAPIA DIPLOMA DI SPECIALIZZAZIONE IN PSICOTERAPIA AIM: to provide professional training for the profession of psychotherapist, both for individual and group therapy, following methods, theoretical and cultural approaches recognised at international level CLASSIFICATION: 3 rd cycle degree ACCESS: by Laurea magistrale/specialistica in Psychology or in Medicine and Surgery and registration in the corresponding professional councils DURATION: min. 4 years

PROFESSIONAL TITLES GRANTED TO HOLDERS OF THE FOLLOWING ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS: 1 st CYCLE Agronomo e forestale iunior - Agronomist and Forester Assistente sanitario - Sanitary Assistant Assistente sociale - Social Worker Architetto iunior - Junior Architect Attuario iunior - Junior Actuary Biologo iunior - Junior Biologist Biotecnologo agrario - Agricultural biotechnologist Chimico iunior - Junior Chemist Collaboratore restauratore di beni culturali - Junior Restorer of Cultural Heritage Consulente del lavoro - Labour consultant Consulente in proprietà industriale - Consultant in Industrial Property Dietista - Dietician Dottore in tecniche psicologiche - Junior Psychologist Educatore professionale - Educator Esperto contabile - Expert in accounting Fisioterapista - Physiotherapist Geologo iunior - Junior Geologist Geometra laureato - Graduate Land Surveyor Igienista dentale - Dental hygienist Infermiere - Nurse Infermiere pediatrico - Children s Nurse Ingegnere civile iunior - Junior Civil Engineer Ingegnere dell'informazione iunior - Junior Information Systems Engineer Ingegnere industriale iunior - Junior Industrial Engineer Logopedista - Speech therapist Ortottista / Assistente di oftalmologia Orthoptist/Opthalmology assistant Ostetrica/o - Midwife Perito agrario laureato - Graduate Agricultural Technician Perito industriale laureato - Graduate Industrial Technician Pianificatore iunior - Junior Planning and Regional Development Expert Podologo - Podiatrist Tecnico audiometrista - Audiometrician Tecnico audioprotesista - Audio Prosthesis Technician Tecnico della fisiopatologia cardiocircolatoria e perfusione cardiovascolare - Cardiocirculatory physiopathology and cardiovascular perfusion technician Tecnico di neurofisiopatologia - Technician in Neurophysiopathology Tecnico ortopedico - Technician in Orthopaedics Tecnico sanitario di laboratorio biomedico - Laboratory Technician Tecnico della prevenzione nell'ambiente e nei luoghi di lavoro - Technician for Prevention in the Occupational Environment Tecnico sanitario di radiologia medica - Radiology technician Tecnico della riabilitazione psichiatrica - Technician for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Tecnologo alimentare - Nutrition technician Terapista della neuro e psicomotricità dell'età evolutiva - Rehabilitation Therapist for patients with neuro-and psycho-motor pathologies of infancy and childhood Zoonomo - Expert in Animal Husbandry 12

2 nd CYCLE Architetto - Architect Assistente sociale specialista - Specialised Social worker Attuario - Actuary Avvocato - Lawyer Biologo - Biologist Chimico - Chemist Conservatore dei beni architettonici ed ambientali - Architectural and Environmental Curator Dottore agronomo - Agronomist Dottore commercialista - Chartered accountant Dottore forestale - Graduate Professional Forester Farmacista - Pharmacist Geologo - Geologist Ingegnere civile - Civil Engineer Ingegnere dell'informazione - Information Systems Engineer Ingegnere industriale - Industrial Engineer Insegnante di scuola primaria - Teacher in Primary School Insegnante di scuola secondaria - Teacher in Secondary School Insegnante di scuola dell infanzia - Teacher in Nursery School Medico chirurgo - Doctor of Medicine/Surgeon Notaio - Notary Odontoiatra - Dentist Paesaggista - Landscape Expert Pianificatore territoriale - Planning and Regional Development Expert Psicologo - Psychologist Restauratore di beni culturali - Restorer of Cultural Heritage Veterinario - Veterinary 3 rd CYCLE Medico-chirurgo specialista - Specialised Doctor of Medicine; Specialised Surgeon Odontoiatra specialista - Specialised Dentist Psicoterapeuta - Psychotherapist 13

WEB SITES EUROPEAN HIGHER EDUCATION AREA - EHEA: http://www.ehea.info - European Qualifications Framework: http://www.ehea.info/uploads/quali!cation/050218_qf_ehea.pdf LISTS OF ITALIAN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS - University institutions: http://cercauniversita.cineca.it - Academies of Fine Arts: http://www.afam.miur.it/argomenti/istituzioni/accademie-di-belle-arti-.aspx - Legally recognised - Non-State - Academies of Fine Arts: http://www.afam.miur.it/argomenti/istituzioni/accademie-di-belle-arti-legalmente-riconosciute.aspx - National Academy of Drama: http://www.afam.miur.it/argomenti/istituzioni/accademia-nazionaledi-arte-drammatica-.aspx - National Dance Academy: http://www.afam.miur.it/argomenti/istituzioni/accademia-nazionale-didanza-.aspx - State Music Conservatories: http://www.afam.miur.it/argomenti/istituzioni/conservatori-dimusica.aspx - Recognised Music Institutes: http://www.afam.miur.it/argomenti/istituzioni/istituti-musicali-pareggiati-.aspx - Higher Schools of Design (ISIA): http://www.afam.miur.it/argomenti/istituzioni/istituti-superioriper-le-industrie-artistiche-(isia).aspx LISTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AUTHORISED TO AWARD RECOGNISED QUALIFICATIONS - Higher Schools for Language Mediators: http://www.istruzione.it/web/universita/elenco-delle-scuole - Specialisation Institutes/Schools in Psychotherapy: http://www.miur.it/elencosspweb ITALIAN UNIVERSITY DEGREE PROGRAMMES DATABASE - Laurea programmes: http://offf.miur.it - Laurea magistrale programmes: http://offf.miur.it/advanced.html - Diploma di Specializzazione programmes: http://offf.miur.it/specialistic.html ITALIAN AFAM DEGREE PROGRAMMES DATABASE - http://www.afam.miur.it/argomenti/offerta-formativa.aspx DIPLOMA SUPPLEMENT - University: http://www.istruzione.it/web/universita/diploma-supplement - AFAM: http://attiministeriali.miur.it/anno-2008/dicembre/nota-05122008.aspx SITE: www.quadrodeititoli.it MAIL: info@quadrodeititoli.it CIMEA - viale XXI Aprile 36, 00162 Roma Tel. 06-86321281 www.cimea.it 14