The dual degree represents a revolution in career guidance and young people’s access to the job market.

With the dual degree in Italy, we are witnessing a revolution in high school guidance and young people’s access to the job market. Or are we?

THE CONTEXT

Thanks to the repeal of a 1933 law, it is now possible to enroll in two degree programs simultaneously, starting from the 2022-2023 academic year.

IN SHORT

For example, you could enroll in “Civil Engineering” and combine it with “Law,” or “Political Science” combined with “Modern Languages and Literatures.”

DOUBLE DEGREE IN ITALY

DO NOT CONFUSE: The Doppia Laurea (Double Degree) is not the same as the internationally recognized Double Degree.

The latter involves completing part of your academic path in Italy and part at a foreign university. The law from 1933 had prevented Italian universities from forming agreements with other Italian universities to grant joint degrees. However, it did not prevent them from establishing partnerships with foreign universities to offer integrated study programs culminating in a “joint degree” or “double degree.”

IN GENERAL

What you can actually enroll in:

• Two different three-year degree programs;
• Two master’s degrees;
• Or you can add a Master’s (first or second level) to your degree program;
• A doctoral or specialization course (non-medical);

Specific cases may also allow enrollment in:

• A doctoral or Master’s program combined with a specialization (non-medical);
• Two academic degree programs, first or second level, at AFAM institutions (Fine Arts, Music, and Dance Academies);
• Even at foreign universities.

WHAT TO PAY ATTENTION TO:

• The two chosen courses must belong to different degree classes, even if offered by different universities. For example, you cannot combine “Business Administration” at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore with “Economics and Management” at the University of Milan;
• The programs must differ by at least two-thirds of their content;
• It’s not possible to enroll in two medical specialization programs;
• If one course requires attendance, the other must not;
• Simultaneous enrollment in doctoral programs and medical specialization schools will be regulated by specific university rules;
• Full or partial exemption from fees is available only for those whose ISEE is below a certain threshold;
• If you receive a scholarship, it will only apply to one of the two courses.

ENROLLMENT AND FEES

Enrollment procedures will be specified in the academic regulations of the individual universities or educational institutions.

According to the Ministerial Decree of July 29, 2022, universities may facilitate enrollment by offering:

• Part-time study options;
• Distance learning (with in-person exams).

So, is this an “academic revolution” that will challenge both secondary school guidance and young people’s access to the job market? Or is it simply a way to modernize a law that was limiting where it wasn’t necessarily needed?

What do you think? Would you be interested in the possibility of earning a double degree?

Let us know at community@habacus.com.