How the FY is organized

The course runs from September 2023 to July 2024*.

The course is divided into two semesters with the possibility to start in the middle of September 2023 (“Early bird” course), at the beginning of October 2023 (“Regular” course), or later for “Dante” and “Music study” programme.

First semester: September – January
Second semester: February – July.

Students enrolled on the PIFY Programme will start the course in Parma according to individually tailored agreements and will receive a reduction on the number of credits needed to complete the Programme in Parma, as determined by the FY Executive Committee.

*PLEASE NOTE: For students enrolled on some special courses offered by Conservatorio A. Boito or who wish to take admission test at Conservatorio, the Foundation Year could last until September 2024.

Students can choose between two study programmes:

General study programme: 310 hours of classroom lessons, 150 hours of blended lessons and 1040 hours of self-study and tutoring, 1500 hours total (60 credits).
Music study programme: 240 hours of classroom lessons, 100 hours of blended lessons e 610 hours of self-study and tutoring, 950 hours total (38 credits).

The Foundation Year includes courses of:

Core subjects
	Italian language
	Italian culture
	Intercultural communication
	Preparation for the exam to obtain a language certificate in Italian
General programme	Courses to be chosen from those offered by the University of Parma in any academic field. This option is aimed at raising students’ awareness of the Italian university system and helping them choose the most appropriate degree course
General programme	Italian history and geography
Music programme	During the whole Foundation Year, up to three of the following courses on offer at Conservatorio A. Boito in Parma may be selected: Choral practice Eartraining History of music Harmony and analysis The tutoring service of Conservatorio will previously assess students’ competences in order to better guide them.