Study systems in Europe

Italy follows the Bologna system; credits are called CFU (equivalent to ECTS):

• Laurea – bachelor's degree, 180 CFU, i.e. 3 years,
• Laurea magistrale – master's degree, 120 CFU, i.e. 2 years, ending with a thesis,
• Laurea magistrale a ciclo unico – single-cycle master's degree: 5 years (300 CFU) or 6 years (360 CFU); this is how you study medicine, dentistry, law, architecture, pharmacy and veterinary medicine, among others,
• Dottorato di ricerca – doctorate, at least 3 years.

The academic year usually starts in September or October. Exams take place in several sessions during the year, and many of them are oral.

Italy – bachelor's programmes
Italy – integrated (single-cycle) programmes
Italy – master's programmes