Master’s Degree in Primary Education

The programme prepares future nursery and primary school teachers through an integrated path that combines theoretical training, workshops and extensive fieldwork. The content covers the educational relationship, pupils' cognitive and emotional development, innovative teaching and the management of classes and multicultural contexts, an aspect that is particularly relevant in a territory characterised by a strong presence of several languages and cultures. Students acquire the pedagogical, psychological and subject-specific tools needed to design and lead learning activities suited to different age groups. Particular attention is paid to multilingualism, which in the South Tyrolean context is an integral part of school life: students learn to support children's language learning and to value the cultural diversity present in classrooms.

Teaching combines lectures, small-group workshops, a teaching workshop and direct practical experience. The teaching workshop makes it possible to experiment with materials, methods and teaching situations in a protected environment, while the compulsory internship, worth 45 credits, takes place at partner schools and allows students to observe and lead activities with pupils under the guidance of experienced teachers. The programme lasts five years, corresponding to 300 credits, and is held in person, full time, at the Bolzano campus, with the option of following part of the activity online. The languages of instruction are Italian, German and Ladin, consistent with the local linguistic context; for this reason candidates must have language skills suited to the languages of instruction. The cyclical alternation between study and practice makes it possible to progressively integrate knowledge with professional practice. The activities in partner schools, given the large number of credits devoted to them, are a central element: they make it possible to gradually build a professional identity and to try out, under supervision, the techniques learned in workshops and lectures.

The aim is to train qualified teachers: the degree directly qualifies graduates to teach in nursery and primary schools and allows them to take part in the competitive examinations for access to a teaching post. The university reports that AlmaLaurea data indicate a high rate of satisfaction and employment one year after graduation. After the programme it is also possible to continue with specialist masters or research doctorates. The programme is aimed at those who wish to build a career in children's education, with a vision attentive to inclusion, to the quality of the relationship with pupils and to the ability to work in teams with colleagues and families in multilingual contexts. The programme is suited to those with strong educational motivation, who can work in a team and who wish to contribute to children's growth in school settings that require flexibility, intercultural sensitivity and the ability to innovate.