THE RECENT REFORM OF THE UNIVERSITY
UNICAM has put into practice the university reform, established by
ministerial decree 509/1999, to achieve the following objectives:
1) to enable students to finish their degree in the established time
frame and to reduce the number of university drop outs.
2) to wed a methodological-cultural education which has long been a
prerogative of university didactics with an orientation toward the
professional dimension of studies.
3) to create a system of degrees articulated on two levels: the degree
(a bachelors obtained after three years) and the specialization degree
(or masters in the American system, that requires another two years);
apart from these there are parallel courses for both students and
professors such as masters, specializations, qualifying courses and
Doctoral degrees.
4) to help students be more mobile within the national and international
arena. This is also facilitated by a common system of credits.
WHAT ARE THE CREDITS?
Thanks to instituting credits, it is possible today to attribute a
quantitative value to the hours the student must devote to a particular
subject. A credit is defined as 25 hours of both study time and time
spent in the classroom or laboratory. Apart from the credit, which is a
unit of quantitative measure, there is the grade which represents the
qualitative measure of a student's accomplishment. Credits are a
fundamental element in the attainment of the degree and something that
can be 'spent' after the degree, should the student continue his
academic career. UNICAM offers a rich and varied choice of Degrees, as
well as numerous opportunities to continue ones studies with masters and
Doctoral degrees.
THE BACHELOR DEGREE
This is the first degree offered by the university. It is obtained with
180 credits and usually requires three years. It gives a basic
theoretical understanding of the subject matter and is designed for
smooth entrance into the job market. With the introduction of the three
year bachelor degrees the traditional four and five year degrees and
university diplomas are disappearing. The exceptions are degrees in
Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Chemistry and Pharmaceutical
technologies: these are five year masters degrees regulated by the
European Union.
THE SPECIALIZATION DEGREE (masters in the USA)
The specialization degree is a choice open to those with a bachelor
degree. It is obtained with 120 credits and usually requires two years
to complete. The specialization degree prepares the student for specific
professions where elevated competence is required.
THE UNIVERSITY MASTER
These are post bachelor certifications (master of 1o level) or post
specialization degree certifications (master of 2o level). A master
provides professional knowledge and know-how and is open also to the
practicing professional who needs further qualifications. It is obtained
with a minimum of 60 credits.
THE DOCTORATE DEGREE
The Doctor of Philosophy degree represents the highest level of tertiary
education. It lasts 3 or 4 years and is open only to those who have
completed the specialization degree. Admission is by exam and is
reserved for a limited number of students who will eventually receive
the title of Phd.
THE COURSES OF SPECIALIZATION
They are post bachelor or post specialization-degree courses, that
provide knowledge and know-how for the practice of specific professions.
The length of study is at least 2 years and is completed with 300 to 360
credits. The student then receives a diploma of specialization.
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