Second-level Master's in "Teaching Italian as a Non-Native Language"

Upon completion of the course, participants will have acquired advanced knowledge and skills in teaching Italian as a non-native language, with particular reference to teaching Italian as a second/foreign language (L2/LS) in migration, school, academic, and professional contexts. Specifically, they will be able to:

• analyze the linguistic, educational, and sociocultural needs of diverse learners and design Italian L2/LS learning pathways tailored to the specific teaching environments and learning objectives
• plan courses, syllabi, learning units, and teaching activities by selecting appropriate methodologies, techniques, and tools according to learners’ profiles and course objectives
• select, adapt, and develop teaching materials and resources for Italian language instruction, including in digital and blended environments, aligned with 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 didactic transposition
• design educational interventions for developing Italian language skills, with particular attention to Italian for study purposes, for the workplace, and for both general and specific purposes
• make effective and informed use of tools and technologies for in-person and online teaching
• design, analyze, and assess tests and language proficiency assessment tools, in alignment with educational aims and the main theoretical and methodological frameworks in the field
• recognize the intercultural dimension of language teaching and address cultural differences, socio-pragmatic conventions, potential communicative barriers, and the overcoming of stereotypes
• observe, manage, and critically assess teaching and learning processes, developing reflective skills on their own and others’ teaching practices
• work independently in classroom management and contribute to the design and organization of training pathways in complex contexts

The Master's program provides advanced knowledge and develops highly specialized skills in the field of teaching Italian as a non-native language (L2/LS), training teachers who are able to work in various educational contexts characterized by diverse linguistic needs. In particular, the program prepares professionals capable of designing, implementing, and evaluating educational interventions for:

• teaching Italian as a second language (L2) to adult non-native speakers residing in Italy
• school-based teaching of Italian as a second language (L2) to pupils and students from non-Italian (or limited Italian-speaking) families
• teaching Italian as a second/foreign language (L2/LS) for general or specific purposes (academic or professional), both in Italy and abroad

The awarded qualification enables graduates to work with and collaborate with educational institutions, organizations, associations, and public and private agencies active in the fields of reception, language training, and the promotion of Italian language and culture worldwide.

Furthermore, the Master's qualification may be used to obtain additional points when applying for teaching and educational staff rankings at Italian schools and institutions of every level.

University Educational Credits (CFU), equivalent to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), are recognized and transferable within universities both in Italy and abroad.

To enroll in the master's program, applicants must hold a second-cycle degree, single-cycle degree, specialist degree, or a degree under the previous system in the specific fields indicated in the call for applications. Alternatively, a second-cycle degree in any discipline is also accepted if accompanied by a first-level university Master's degree in Teaching Italian as a Foreign Language or a Specialization 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

Blended delivery mode:

• a distance learning phase lasting approximately six months (2 November 2026 – 30 April 2027), delivered via the EduNext digital 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 affiliated institutions
• a final week dedicated to assessments (24 – 28 May 2027), which may take place either in person or remotely.

Language of instruction: Italian

ECTS credits awarded: 60

Participants: minimum 20 – maximum 50

Tuition fee: €2,800.00 payable in three instalments

Master’s recognition for A023 teaching class
By 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," the Ministry of Education and Merit has included the Second Level Master in L2 Didactics in the list of qualifications valid for entry to the A023 teaching class.

The master's program has a total duration of 1,500 hours (60 ECTS credits) and is structured as an integrated learning pathway that combines online teaching, practical workshops, in-person internships, and a final assessment. The program includes:

11 online learning modules
The modules are delivered remotely through the EduNext platform and combine asynchronous activities (video lectures and study materials) with live interactive sessions with instructors. The content covers the main theoretical and methodological areas in Italian as a second/foreign language teaching: language acquisition, language typology, intercultural pragmatics, Council of Europe tools for language teaching, course design, technologies for language learning, assessment of language skills, and teaching of contemporary Italian structures.

3 interactive workshops related to the chosen specialization track
The workshops represent the practical component of the program and are dedicated to designing teaching activities and materials for specific instructional contexts. Participants, guided by expert tutors, will work on developing teaching units, activities, and resources 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.