Second-Level Degrees

A Laurea Magistrale is a second-level, two-year Italian university degree that represents the second cycle of university studies

To obtain a Laurea Magistrale, students must earn 120 university credits (ECTS) distributed across a maximum of 12 examinations. 

The program lasts two years and, upon completion, students are awarded the Laurea Magistrale and obtain the academic title of Dottore Magistrale (a title equivalent to a second-level graduate degree holder in the Italian system)

The aim of the course is to provide advanced academic and professional knowledge, enabling graduates to access higher-level professions in specific fields as illustrated in the course catalog.

After obtaining a Laurea Magistrale (LM), students are qualified to access: 


Second-level university Master’s programs
Advanced training or continuing education courses
Specialization schools
Doctoral programs

Second-cycle degree programs (Lauree Magistrali) may belong to different classes. The ministerial classes currently established are 94 (plus 4 for second-level degrees in health professions). They group degree programs according to shared educational objectives.

Second-cycle degree programs within the same class have the same legal value, although the study path may differ to some extent due to university autonomy.

For admission to certain regulated professions or participation in public competitions, it may be required in some cases to demonstrate specific competencies in addition to holding a qualification from a given class.