Master in Adoption, Foster Care and New Parenthood (AANGEN) – First Level

The first-level Master in Adoption, Foster Care and New Parenthood (AANGEN) is offered by the Department of Human and Social Sciences of the University of Salento, in Lecce. It integrates four areas: psychological, pedagogical, legal and social services, relating to adoption, foster care and new forms of family, with theoretical lessons, practical activities, individual study and a compulsory 400-hour internship. The pathway is aimed at those who wish to deepen and update their skills, with a structure that links theoretical reflection to concrete applications in the relevant professional context. The information available on the page remains brief, so it is advisable to explore the teaching plan with the university.

The master lasts one year, for 1,500 hours, in a weekend format. Credits are not stated. The language is not declared and Italian is presumed. The cost is €1,800. The start date is not stated. The internship takes place at partner public and private organisations. The concrete organisation of lessons, laboratories and assessments is defined by the regulations and the teaching calendar, which the university communicates to admitted candidates. Any aspects not indicated on the page, such as credits, venues or teaching staff, should be clarified with the secretariat.

The aim is to train professionals who work with autonomy and sensitivity in vulnerable family and social contexts, with attention to child protection and the management of family conflicts. The career opportunities are family psychologist, child protection expert, social services coordinator, forensic psychologist and family mediator. Upon completion, those who successfully finish the pathway obtain the qualification provided and can use the skills acquired in their own professional field or in further study. Concrete prospects nevertheless depend on each participant's starting profile and experience. Before applying it is advisable to compare this information with that published on the university's official website, which may be more up to date than the page. It is also advisable to contact the department's teaching office to clarify any doubts about attendance, lesson calendar, assessment methods and organisation of the final exam. Those who work should carefully assess the commitment required, in terms of weekly hours and attendance, to understand whether the programme is compatible with other professional or personal commitments. It may also be useful to ask whether information sessions or orientation days are held, in which lecturers present the course and answer candidates' questions. Finally, it is advisable to check the application deadlines and the documents to attach, because enrolment deadlines may be short and vary from one academic year to the next.