What are Professional Master's Programmes?

What are Professional Master's Programmes?

Professional Master's Programmes – also known as Professional Master's Programmes – are university programmes involving scientific postgraduate specialization and continuing education to be attended after the achievement of a First or Second Cycle Degree. They belong to the framework of the Italian university system, but they do not correspond to the English meaning of Master's Degrees: as a matter of fact, they provide students with professional knowledge and expertise, at a technical-operational or planning level, and they are also aimed at professionals wishing to retrain. Some of the Professional Master's Programmes of Ca' Foscary University are organized in cooperation with public or private bodies and institutions.

Academic requirements

In order to be admitted to a first-level Professional Master's Programme you need a First Cycle Degree, while a second-level Professional Master's Programme requires a Second Cycle Degree or a Degree prior to the Italian Ministerial Decree no. 509/1999 (i.e. belonging to the so-called 'Vecchio Ordinamento').

Admission

Admission is reserved to a limited number of participants (from a minimum of 15 to a maximum of 150 for the online courses) in order to guarantee the personal guidance of lecturers and tutors. The selection procedure involves interviews or other types of test. Unlike other specialization courses, the university Professional Master's Programmes grant an academic qualification and involve the achievements of at least 60 university credits.

Learning activities

Professional Master's Programmes involve face-to-face lessons, individual study, practical lessons and laboratory activities, and finish with a period of internship in public or private bodies or enterprises. Some of them involve online learning only, while others adopt a blended approach with both face-to-face and online learning activities.

Why choose a Professional Master's Programme?

Professional Master's Programmes are designed to respond to specific learning requirements and to provide advanced knowledge in specific scientific sectors as well as professional training. They develop knowledge previously acquired by students and turn it into professional competences, enhance abilities acquired through work and embody the concept of lifelong learning. Professional Master's Programmes are also open to graduates who are already working.

Different types of Professional Master's Programmes

• Ca' Foscari Professional Master's Programmes: university programmes organized by and held at Ca' Foscari University of Venice.

• Inter-university Professional Master's Programmes: university programmes run by another university, but Ca' Foscari is involved in the relevant learning activities.

• Other partnered Professional Master's Programmes: specialization programmes not included in the official educational range established by the Italian university reform. They are jointly planned and run by Ca' Foscari University and external institutions or bodies.