The Specializing Masters Programme (Master universitario) is a high-level scientific qualification. It can be attained after having earned a Bachelor’s degree (1^st level  Specializing Masters Programme) or a Master’s degree/laurea specialistica-magistrale  (2^nd  level  Specializing Masters Programme). It provides for a minimum of 60 credits (ECTS).  Candidates holding a degree belonging to the old university system (vecchio ordinamento), pre-dating Ministerial Decree no. 509/1999, can be admitted to both 1^st and 2^nd level Specializing Masters Programmes.

The Specializing Masters Programme is an academic course aiming at training mid-level professionals (1^st level Specializing Masters Programme) or more specialized experts (2^nd level Specializing Masters Programme).

In many cases the Specializing Masters Programme is one of the main tools available to recent graduates to invest in their professional future, since it stems from the close cooperation with the public and private sector or with other Universities, with an eye to facilitating access to the world of work for qualified professionals. In particular, 1^st level Specializing Masters Programmes, referred to as “professionalizing” Masters Programmes, aim at training mid-level professionals by enriching their cultural background and laying stress on subjects and sectors that were not examined in depth during undergraduate studies.

These programmes are also a qualified training opportunity for those students who do not enrol in a Master’s degree programme.

The Specializing Masters Programmes are also offered in accordance with the format of the so called “Advanced Education and Research Apprenticeship” (Apprendistato di Alta Formazione e di Ricerca), in cooperation with one or more private companies.

By enrolling in a Specializing Masters Programme, students begin their career: this includes training activities in the classroom and a curricular internship, normally taking place when classes come to an end. As a general rule, the Specializing Masters Programme has a duration of 12 months. Specializing Masters Programmes, offered in accordance with the apprenticeship format, alternate training sessions in the classroom and on-the-job training in a private company, over a period of 24 months.

The final qualification is awarded to students provided that they have passed all the exams included in the Curriculum and have completed the internship, earning all the corresponding academic credits (ECTS).

The Specializing Master’s diploma must be attained within the academic year of enrolment (except for Specializing Masters Programmes following the apprenticeship format, which have a longer duration).

In case of failure to complete the programme, students can ask for a certificate of the single exams they have passed.