Qualifications of the AFAM system

The organisation of the AFAM system following the Bologna Process three cycles is as follows (diagram of the AFAM system):

First cycle

It comprises courses of the Diploma accademico di primo livello which have the aim of guaranteeing to students a sufficient command of artistic methods and techniques and the acquisition of specific professional and sectorial competences. The minimum requirement to accede is the “Diploma di Esame di Stato conclusivo dei corsi di istruzione secondaria superiore” (“State Exam Diploma upon the conclusion of the upper secondary school courses”) - commonly known as “Diploma di Maturità” - or an equivalent foreign qualification and admission is dependent upon passing eventual entry tests designed to verify a sufficient initial competence. Diploma accademico di primo livello courses last three years.

Diploma accademico di primo livello

Classification: Bologna process first cycle qualification/EQF level 6

Access: by the upper secondary school leaving qualification, or a comparable foreign one; the possession or acquisition of a sufficient initial competence verified through an admission exam is required

Workload: 180 ECTS

Duration: 3 years

Further studies: admission to Diploma accademico di secondo livello; Diploma accademico di specializza zione (I) and Diploma di perfezionamento or Master (I).

Second cycle

It is composed of Diploma accademico di secondo livello courses which offer the student an advanced level of education for the full command of artistic methods and techniques and for the acquisition of highly qualified professional competences. Access to these courses is dependent on a Diploma accademico di primo livello or a comparable foreign qualification and admission is regulated by specific requirements. Diploma accademico di secondo livello courses last two years.

Diploma accademico di secondo livello

Classification: Bologna process second cycle qualification/EQF level 7

Access: by a Diploma accademico di primo livello, or a comparable foreign degree; it is necessary that the acquired preparedness is coherent and adequate for the second level and verified through an admission exam

Workload: 120 ECTS

Duration: 2 years

Further studies: admission to Diploma accademico di formazione alla ricerca; Diploma accademico di specializzazione (II) and Diploma di perfezionamento or Master (II).

Third cycle 

It comprises Diploma accademico di formazione alla ricerca courses which have the aim of supplying the necessary competences for the programming and realization of research activities of superior qualification.

Diploma accademico di formazione alla ricerca

Access: by a Diploma accademico di secondo livello, or a comparable foreign degree

Workload: n.a.

Duration: minimum 3 years

AFAM institutions can also propose:

• Corsi accademici di specializzazione (I): provide superior professional competences in specific areas. Access to these courses is dependent on the possession of a Diploma accademico di primo livello or a comparable foreign qualification.
• Corsi accademici di specializzazione (ll): provide superior professional competences in specific areas. Access to these courses is dependent on the possession of a Diploma accademico di secondo livello or a comparable foreign qualification.
• Corsi di perfezionamento o master (l): respond to cultural needs for follow-up in specific study areas or for update needs or professional requalification and permanent education. They offer the award of at least 60 ECTS credits. Access to these courses is dependent on the possession of a Diploma accademico di primo livello or a comparable foreign qualification.
• Corsi di perfezionamento o master (ll): respond to cultural needs for follow-up in specific study areas or for update needs or professional requalification and permanent education. They offer the award of at least 60 ECTS credits. Access to these courses is dependent on the possession of a Diploma accademico di secondo livello or a comparable foreign qualification.