Upon completion of the programme, participants will have acquired advanced knowledge and skills in the teaching of Italian as a non-native language, with particular emphasis on Italian as a second/foreign language (L2/FL) instruction in migratory, educational, academic, and professional contexts. Specifically, graduates will be able to:
- analyse the linguistic, educational, and sociocultural needs of diverse learners and design Italian L2/FL courses consistent with teaching contexts and learning objectives
- plan courses, syllabi, learning units, and teaching activities by selecting methodologies, techniques, and tools appropriate to student profiles and course aims
- select, adapt, and create teaching materials and resources for Italian language instruction, including in digital and blended environments, tailored to students’ language proficiency levels and specific needs
- reflect on the Italian language at its various levels of analysis—phonetic-phonological, grammatical, lexical, textual, pragmatic, and sociolinguistic—for effective pedagogical adaptation
- design educational interventions to develop Italian language skills, with particular attention to academic Italian, Italian for the workplace, and Italian for general and specific purposes
- consciously use tools and technologies for face-to-face and online teaching
- develop, analyse, and assess evaluation tests and tools for measuring language proficiency, aligned with educational goals and the main theoretical-methodological approaches in the field
- recognise the intercultural dimension of language teaching and operate with sensitivity to cultural differences, socio-pragmatic norms, potential communication barriers, and the overcoming of stereotypes
- observe, manage, and critically evaluate teaching and learning processes, cultivating reflective practice regarding both their own and others’ instructional approaches
- work independently in classroom management and collaborate in the design and organisation of educational programmes in complex settings
The Master’s program provides advanced knowledge and skills in the field of teaching Italian as a non-native language (L2/LS), training educators who are equipped to work in a variety of educational contexts with diverse linguistic needs. In particular, the program prepares professionals to design, implement, and assess instructional interventions for:
- teaching Italian as L2 to non-Italian-speaking adults residing in Italy
- teaching Italian as L2 in schools to pupils and students from families that are not, or only partially, Italian-speaking
- teaching Italian as L2/LS for general or specific purposes (academic or professional), both in Italy and abroad
The qualification awarded allows graduates to work with and contribute to educational institutions, organizations, associations, and public and private agencies engaged in welcoming, linguistic training, and promoting the Italian language and culture worldwide.
Additionally, the Master’s degree is recognized and can be evaluated for the assignment of points in the ranking lists for teaching and educational staff in Italian schools and institutes of all types and levels.
University Educational Credits (CFU), equivalent to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), are recognized and transferable for academic purposes both in Italy and abroad.
To enroll in the master's program, applicants must hold one of the following: a second-cycle degree, a single-cycle degree, a specialist degree, or an old-system degree in the specific fields indicated in the official call; or a second-cycle degree in any disciplinary area together with either a first-level university Master's degree in Teaching Italian as a Foreign Language, a Specialization School diploma in Teaching Italian as a Foreign Language, or equivalent qualifications obtained abroad.
Scientific Director
Borbala Samu
curriculum vitae
Executive Committee
Prof. Borbala Samu, Associate Professor of Modern Language Teaching
Prof. Stefania Scaglione, Associate Professor of Glottology and Linguistics
Dr. Nicoletta Santeusanio – Expert Language Collaborator
6th Edition A.Y. 2026-2027
Application deadline
29 September 2026, 1:00 PM
Period of implementation
2 November 2026 – 26 May 2027
Cost
€2,800.00
Blended format:
- a remote learning phase lasting approximately six months (2 November 2026 – 30 April 2027), delivered via the EduNext online platform
- an in-person internship period lasting approximately three weeks (3 – 21 May 2027), held at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia facilities or at partner institutions
- a final week dedicated to assessments (24 – 28 May 2027), which may take place either in person or remotely.
Language of instruction: Italian
Recognised ECTS credits: 60
Number of participants: minimum 20 – maximum 50
Tuition fee: €2,800.00, payable in three instalments
Master’s degree recognition for A023 teaching qualification
The Ministry of Education and Merit, with Decree No. 130 of 6 July 2023 “Amendments to the Decree of the Minister of Education, University and Research of 23 February 2016, No. 92” has included the Second Level Master in L2 Teaching in the list of qualifications valid for access to teaching in subject class A023.
The master's program has a total duration of 1,500 hours (60 ECTS credits) and is structured as an integrated educational pathway that combines online teaching, workshop activities, in-person internships, and a final assessment. The curriculum includes:
11 online teaching modules
The modules are delivered remotely via the EduNext platform and combine asynchronous activities (video lectures and study materials) with interactive synchronous sessions with instructors. The content addresses the main theoretical and methodological areas of teaching Italian as a second or foreign language: language acquisition, linguistic typology, intercultural pragmatics, Council of Europe tools for language teaching, course planning, technologies for language learning, competence assessment, and the teaching of contemporary Italian structures.
3 interactive workshops linked to the chosen specialization track
The workshops constitute the practical component of the program and focus on designing teaching activities and materials for specific educational contexts. Participants, guided by expert tutors, will work on the development of teaching units, activities, and materials aimed at various learner profiles (adult migrants, foreign students in Italian schools, learners of Italian for general or specific purposes), through collaborative activities and online e-tivities.
In-person Internship (225 hours – 9 ECTS)
The internship takes place at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia or other institutions and represents a key moment integrating theoretical training with practical teaching experience. The activities include:
- classroom observation
- syllabus design and preparation of teaching materials
- teaching lessons (with video recordings)
- peer and tutor feedback
- critical analysis of teaching practices
It is possible to request the recognition of academic credits and consequent partial or total exemption from the internship based on previous teaching experience or relevant training already completed. For detailed information on application procedures and required documentation, please refer to the call for applications.
For the purposes of calculating credits eligible for recognition, the following equivalence applies:
1 ECTS corresponds to:
- 150 hours of teaching Italian as a second/foreign language (L2/FL) in public or private institutions
- 450 hours of teaching Italian language and literature in schools of any level with multicultural classrooms
- 450 hours of teaching another foreign language (such as English, Chinese, etc.) in public or private institutions
- at least 6 months of work as an assistant in Italian departments or courses abroad
Some previous training activities may also be recognised proportionally to their duration. Specifically:
- the internship completed as part of the first-level Master's in “Didactics of Italian as a Non-native Language” at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia entitles you to the recognition of 3 ECTS
- internships required by similar Master's programs obtained at other universities may be recognised by the Selection Committee proportionally to the duration of the activities carried out
- internships completed as part of a Master's degree may be recognised according to the same criterion
The recognition of credits grants a progressive exemption from internship attendance:
- with at least 3 ECTS recognised, exemption from the first week of the internship is granted
- with at least 6 ECTS recognised, exemption from the first two weeks of the internship is granted
- with 9 ECTS recognised, full exemption from the internship is granted
The final assessment consists of presenting either a multimedia project work or a podcast on a topic relevant to the chosen specialization, as well as designing and delivering a lesson on teaching Italian as a second or foreign language (L2/LS) within the same area of specialization.