Presentation
Why choose this programme
the curriculum spans Education Sciences and Linguistics. It is the first Master's level programme in Italy for communication assistants (assistenti alla comunicazione), a key profession in any school attended by students, both deaf and hearing, who use LIS as their main communication language (e.g. with non-verbal autism, non-verbal syndromes, etc.)
the three partnering universities specialise in a variety of issues related to deafness and Italian Sign Language and offer specific training in this field
the Master’s degree programme is blended, i.e. it is designed with both on-site and online classes to allow students from the partnering Universities to take part in the training activities together. This will maximise the number of on-site activities, ensure interaction and favour workshops and active learning
Overview
This Master’s Degree Programme is Italy's first advanced university course dedicated to training communication assistants — professionals essential for ensuring the full educational and social inclusion of both deaf and hearing students who use Italian Sign Language (LIS) as their primary means of communication (for example, in cases of non-verbal autism or other types of non-vocal communication).
The three participating universities combine extensive research and teaching expertise in deaf studies, applied linguistics, and inclusive education. Each institution contributes its unique disciplinary knowledge, providing an integrated and multi-faceted approach to training.
Courses primarily concentrate on educational sciences and languages, with particular focus on communicative mediation processes, inclusive teaching methods, and accessible educational design.
Teaching is delivered in a blended format, enabling joint participation by students from all three universities. This structure encourages in-person interaction, peer collaboration, and experiential workshops designed to develop strong, versatile professional skills applicable across various educational and training settings.
Opinions
Programme coordinator
“The programme combines pedagogical sciences with Italian Sign Language, providing comprehensive training in education, inclusion, and accessibility. It examines theoretical and methodological aspects of inclusive communication, preparing skilled professionals to work in educational, socio-cultural, and institutional settings with specialised expertise in mediating for and promoting the inclusion of deaf people.”
What you will study
Study plans for the academic year 2025/2026
For the study plan, please refer to the Degree Programme website managed by the University of Palermo.
After graduation
graduates of this Master's Degree programme can work as communication assistants in schools of all levels, educational and vocational training centres, universities (as tutors for students), or in networking projects for families
as freelancers, they will be able to offer their specific skills in communication and LIS to third-sector organisations or individuals
pedagogists with specializations in educational research, i.e. professionals involved in the coordination, supervision, and pedagogical consultancy in second-level educational and training schools requiring a qualified pedagogical input. This includes services to individuals, groups, and communities in education, health, community services, and welfare
Where
Classes take place at the three partnering Universities:
- University of Palermo, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement (SPPEFF)
- Roma Tre University
- Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Department of Linguistics and Comparative Cultural Studies (didattica.dslcc@unive.it) and Department of Philosophy and Cultural Heritage (didattica.fbc@unive.it)
Contacts
Linguistic Campus
ADiSS - Linguistic Campus
Polo didattico San Basilio [ITA], dock no. 5, 30123 Venice (Italy)
Campus services: campus.linguistico@unive.it
Linguistic area internships: stage.campuslingue@unive.it
Information tutors: tutor.campuslingue@unive.it
Degree programme website (permalink): www.unive.it/degree/lm85