This scheme summarises the structure of the Italian university system: 

1. Bachelor’s Degree Programme (laurea triennale)
    – Duration: 3 years
    – Credits: 180 ECTS
    – After completing this degree, students can continue their education in two main ways:
   1st Level Postgraduate Courses (master di 1° livello)
   Master’s Degree Programme (laurea magistrale)
2. Master’s Degree Programme (laurea magistrale)
    – Duration: 2 years
    – Credits: 120 ECTS
    – After this degree, students have access to:
   2nd Level Postgraduate Courses (master di 2° livello)
   Doctoral Studies (dottorato di ricerca)
   Specialising Courses (corso di specializzazione)

Please note that in Italy a postgraduate specialisation programme is usually called master which is different from the laurea magistrale - master’s degree.

The Italian grading system is based on a scale from 18 to 30: 18 is the lowest passing grade and 30 is the highest. You may also be awarded a 30 cum laude for excellence.

Credits (CFU or ECTS) are awarded if you pass the final exam of the related course/workshop. 1 credit (CFU) corresponds to 25 hours of work, including lessons, exercises, etc., as well as home study.

Attendance is highly recommended in consideration of the practical approach of the courses. For all laboratories, for example, the attendance is usually compulsory up to 70% of the total number of hours of lessons.