Studying in Florence means living an experience that combines history, culture, research, and innovation. A city that symbolises the Renaissance and creativity, Florence is also a centre of scientific and technological excellence: this is where ideas and discoveries that helped change the world were born, and today it is home to universities, research centres, and companies of international significance. Choosing Florence means studying in a dynamic environment, open to the challenges of the present and oriented towards building the future.The University of Florence is one of the most prestigious Italian public universities. Founded in 1321 under the name of Studium Generale, it is a comprehensive university that explores all fields of knowledge across 360 degrees: from mathematics to psychology, from economics to architecture. Thanks to an educational offer structured into both Italian and English-taught degree programmes, a highly international environment, and numerous collaborations with partner companies for internships and job placement, the University of Florence represents a highly attractive choice for students from all over the world. Orientation services Educational Offer At the University of Florence, there are more than 150 degree programmes, including first cycle (bachelor's) degree programmes, second cycle (master's) degree programmes, and single-cycle (master's) degree programmes. We are here to help you understand how the university works and how to choose the path that best suits you.In Italy, if you have an upper secondary school diploma (or a high school diploma), you can enrol in a first cycle (bachelor's) degree programme (3 years) or a single-cycle (master's) degree programme (5 or 6 years). After a bachelor's degree, you can continue with a second cycle (master's) degree programme and then proceed with advanced training and research pathways (such as a Ph.D. programme). However, there are many opportunities to build your learning path tailored to your interests.Consult the diagram (in Italian) to understand the main stages of the university system and which opportunities you can choose after completing each qualification. First cycle (bachelor's) degree programme It is the first university level, following the upper secondary school diploma (or high school diploma). It lasts 3 years and allows you to acquire basic knowledge of a discipline through 180 ECTS. After completing it, you can continue with a second cycle (master's) degree programme. Discover First Cycle and Single Cycle Degrees Single-cycle (master's) degree programme It is a single, continuous 5 or 6-year path. This is the case for Architecture, Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Pharmacy, Law (including Italian-French and Italian-German double degrees), Medicine and Surgery, Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics, and Primary Teacher Education. Discover First Cycle and Single Cycle Degrees Second cycle (master's) degree programme It is the path you can enrol in after obtaining a first cycle (bachelor's) degree programme. It lasts 2 years and allows you to acquire 120 ECTS. It enables you to deepen your skills in a specific disciplinary and professional field. Discover Second Cycle Degrees Professional Master’s courses These are advanced professional training pathways that allow you to acquire specialised skills. They last 1 year and lead to the acquisition of 60 ECTS.There are two types of Master Courses: First-level Professional Master’s Programmes, which you can access after completing a first cycle (bachelor's) degree programme; Second-level Professional Master’s Programmes, accessible after completing a second cycle (master's) degree programme or a single-cycle (master's) degree programme. Discover the Professional Master’s courses Specialisation Schools These are pathways dedicated to specific professions. They are aimed at those who have already obtained a second cycle (master's) degree programme or a single-cycle (master's) degree programme and are particularly widespread in the healthcare area, but also present in other disciplinary fields. Their duration varies depending on the chosen path and the regulations governing the relevant profession. Discver the Specialisation Schools Ph.D. Programmes The Ph.D. programmes represents the highest level of university education. It is aimed at those who wish to delve deeper into a subject through advanced research activities, contributing to the development of new knowledge and innovations. It has a minimum duration of three years and is carried out under the supervision of faculty members and researchers. Discover the Ph.D. Programmes Not sure where to begin? If you do not know which path is best suited for you, take part in the University Open Days or book a student guidance appointment. Visit the orientation services webpage