First Level Master’s Degree in “Teaching Italian as a Non-Native Language”

The Master’s programme aims to:

• provide specialised training for Italian and international graduates working in Italy and abroad in teaching Italian to students whose first language is not Italian
• train teaching staff from any academic discipline in the fields of intercultural communication and the learning/teaching of Italian as a non-native language, offering theoretical, linguistic-cultural knowledge, and developing practical skills

The Master's programme aims to deepen knowledge of the structures, uses and varieties of the Italian language for teaching Italian as a first language, as a non-native language, and the main theories regarding the acquisition of Italian as a second language (L2) and language teaching methodologies.

The objectives include the development of specific practical skills for teaching the Italian language and culture as a foreign language (Italian abroad) and as a second language (for immigrant students).

The possible employment sectors where the qualification can be utilised are as follows:

• collaborator and language specialist at university language centres in Italy, teaching Italian to international students participating in mobility programmes
• Italian L2/LS language assistant at Italian Cultural Institutes (IIC) or at foreign universities
• Italian language teacher at public institutions and private and/or state-accredited schools in Italy and abroad.

Obtaining the Master's degree may also result in the allocation of points or credits for teaching staff in schools and public or private institutions abroad, in compliance with applicable local laws and regulations.

This Master's qualification (pursuant to Ministerial Decree No. 92 of 23/02/2016 of MIUR) is also recognised as a specialisation in Italian as a Second Language (L2), valid for participation in selection procedures for the A-23 teaching position “Italian language for non-native speakers”.

For the provincial ranking lists (GPS), the note by the Ministry of Education, Department for the Education and Training System, No. 162 of 02.02.2021, awards 3 points to specialisation titles in Italian L2 as set out in Annex A of Ministerial Decree No. 92 of 23/02/2016.

The University Educational Credits (CFU) / European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) earned in the Master's programme may be recognised within higher education institutions, in Italy and internationally (bachelor’s and/or master’s degree programmes or equivalent study programmes abroad).

The attainment of the Master’s degree in Teaching Italian as a Non-Native Language allows direct entry into the second year of the Master’s Degree Programme in Teaching Italian to Foreigners (ItaS), linguistic track, at the University for Foreigners of Perugia (see the Call for Applications for the Master’s programme). In this way, over the course of two academic years, the candidate can obtain the Master’s degree and, the following year, the Master's Degree. These two interconnected pathways provide highly qualified and competitive expertise in the field of teaching Italian as a second and foreign language. 

Bachelor’s degree under the current system or four-year degree under the previous system (prior to Ministerial Decree 509/1999), in any field of study, or a foreign qualification recognised as equivalent.

Foreign applicants are required to provide certification of Italian language proficiency at B2 level: CELI, CILS, PLIDA, cert.it (Università degli Studi Roma 3).

Foreign applicants are exempt from providing Italian language proficiency certification at B2 level if they:

• hold a degree obtained in Italy
• hold a foreign degree that included at least three years of Italian language studies
• hold a doctoral degree awarded in Italy

Scientific Director
Prof. Francesca Malagnini
 Curriculum vitae

Scientific Committee
Internal member: Prof. Francesca Malagnini – Full Professor SSD: LIFI 01/A (former L-FIL-LET/12)
Internal member: Prof. Letizia Cinganotto – Associate Professor SSD: GLOT-01/B (former L-LIN/02)
Internal member: Dr. Federica Aucone – Expert Linguistic Assistant t. ind.
Prof. Borbala Samu – Associate Professor SSD: GLOT-01/B (former L-LIN/02)
Dr. Claudia Fedeli – Expert Linguistic Assistant t. ind.

Substitute members:
Prof. Roberto Dolci – Full Professor SSD: GLOT-01/B (former L-LIN/02)
Prof. Valentina Gasbarra – Associate Professor SSD: GLOT-01/A (former L-LIN/01)
Dr. Catia Mugnani – Expert Linguistic Assistant t. ind.

Remote learning format:
6 months (October 2026 – April 2027) of mainly asynchronous instruction with pre-recorded lectures and 2 months (May 2027 – June 2027) of synchronous teaching.

Language of instruction: Italian

Recognised ECTS credits: 60

Participants: minimum: 20 – maximum: 50

Tuition fee: €2,800.00 payable in three instalments

The master's programme has a duration of 1,500 hours (60 ECTS credits).

It is characterised by the adoption of diverse and varied forms of online learning, combining synchronous teaching sessions (which will in any case be recorded) and asynchronous methods. This variety of instructional approaches, together with e-tivities and discussion forums, is highly beneficial for learning and for acquiring skills to manage multilingual and multicultural classrooms. 

Specifically, the Master includes the following for the three Educational Clusters: 

1. Synchronous teaching activities with online tutoring
   Synchronous online lessons, which will also be recorded, are designed to foster a sense of community among participants. Synchronous sessions facilitate dialogic exchange and direct interaction with academic staff. Additionally, key points from the lessons will be reviewed and discussed in forums led by tutor-supervisors.
2. Asynchronous teaching activities
   These are pre-recorded video lessons and represent the main mode of instruction for the Master. To facilitate direct, real-time exchanges with teaching staff, approximately two hours will in any case be delivered synchronously.
3. Monitored distance 'internship' activities
   The Practicum, a distinctive element of the entire programme, bridges the substantial theoretical content with practical experience. The Practicum is a highly professional internship involving intensive practical exercises coordinated by experienced tutor-academics and is conducted via the EDUNEXT online platform. 
   It consists of three phases, during which participants receive continuous support and guidance from tutors:
   1. Monitored Teaching Activities (ADM)
   2. Observation of pre-recorded lessons of different types
   3. Live synchronous observation (optional)

A tutor manager will support participants throughout the e-learning and Teams-based lessons, acting as a key liaison between participants, teaching staff, and Technical and Administrative Staff.

Assessment is envisaged at the end of each cluster and at the close of synchronous lessons; the Practicum activities will be evaluated by Practicum tutors. A final examination is foreseen at the end of the programme.

Final examination 

Participants are required to submit a written report. 

The report will comprise two sections: a critical reflection on the entire learning journey, or an in-depth analysis of a topic of choice addressed during the Master, and a reflection on the internship experience, with particular attention to self- and peer-observation. 

The report will be discussed with the examination board, composed of the Director, academic staff, and tutors, and will be assessed accordingly. 

The final mark, expressed out of thirty, is calculated as the weighted average of the marks gained in the final assessments of the Educational Clusters, synchronous modules on Teams, the Practicum, and the final assessment (report and discussion). 

The marks are allocated as follows: 

• three Educational Clusters: 55%
• practicum: 35%
• final assessment: 10%