Italian University System
In 2001/2002 academic year - after a reform of Italy's education system - universities have adopted three study cycles: the first cycle, three years in length, concludes with the award of a first-level degree (laurea or bachelor of science); the second cycle, lasting two years, concludes with the award of a second-level specialised degree (laurea specialistic or master of science) while the third cycle, lasting three years, leads to the award of a doctorate. Furthermore, there are a number of specialised postgraduate programmes.
For an overview, please, visit http://www.luiss.edu/academics/italian-university-system