Bachelor in Education
Siena, Italy
Bachelor's degree
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
Italian
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
Blended
Key Summary
About: The Bachelor's program in Education and Training Sciences at The University of Siena uses a multidisciplinary approach. It combines disciplinary and technical skills with an international outlook. Active methodologies and experiential learning build reflective practice and teamwork over three years. Focus areas include pedagogy, special education, child psychology, educational services management, multiculturalism and prevention of radicalization.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can work as early childhood educators, social educators, community educators or educational services managers. Workplaces include nurseries, daycare, early childhood centers, family services, rehabilitative communities and social services. Career opportunities involve design and planning, communication, evaluation, research and group management.
The course is characterised by a multidisciplinary approach to educational and training problems that allows the development of professional skills that are able to address problems through a plural and transdisciplinary logic.
The Bachelor's Degree Program in Education and Training Sciences offers a renewed curriculum designed to align with the current perspectives of scientific, cultural, and professional landscapes. In particular, the most significant innovations have been introduced following several principles:
- attention to changes occurring within educational and training professions and the opportunities they present, especially in preparing professionals specialised in multiculturalism and the prevention of radicalisation processes;
- integration of disciplinary knowledge, methodological and technical skills, and professional reference contexts into the educational offering;
- opening the educational project to an international dimension.
Active Development Methodologies
Active development methodologies allow for the enhancement of knowledge and professionalisation throughout the three years by combining what is studied with what will be done in practice.
Objectives: to offer focused and cross-disciplinary activities aimed at building a shared core of knowledge and encouraging exploration of the various disciplinary areas of education sciences from a professional standpoint.
Method: to promote students’ reflective capacity and the acquisition of cross-disciplinary skills relevant to the professional roles for which they are being trained. This is achieved through experiential learning, which facilitates active participation and the ability to work in teams. Group interaction and a participatory, hands-on approach help build the transversal competencies necessary for professional practice.
Several scholarship options are available, please visit the university website for information.
The program is structured into two curricula:
- Educator in early childhood services
- Social educator
A 250-hour professional internship is required, to be carried out in institutions and organisations whose activities are consistent with the objectives of the specific curricula. In addition, there are numerous placement activities.
The three-year program provides a broad view of education sciences as “sciences” in the plural—i.e., focused on the study of educational and training processes across various settings (family, organisations, social contexts) and throughout different stages of life (childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age).
The methodological model integrates theoretical learning with practical experiences to:
- provide in-depth preparation in the knowledge and skills specific to education and training sciences and related studies;
- offer a multi- and interdisciplinary perspective;
- promote the ability to make connections, develop critical thinking, and tap into one’s creativity.
Educator in Early Childhood Services
Role in a Work Context:
Recent studies on the state of welfare in Italy and ongoing global socio-economic and migratory changes highlight the growing need for socio-educational professionals with increasingly broad and specialised skills, including in the field of early childhood.
To this end, the curriculum “Educator in Early Childhood Services” aims to train professionals capable of supporting the development of children within multicultural contexts. These professionals should be able to understand, promote, and enhance specific educational interventions aimed at the “full development” of children's personalities, taking into account their social and cultural backgrounds.
The course focuses on subjects such as Pedagogy and Teaching, Special Education, Child Psychology, and Educational Services Management.
Skills Associated with the Role:
- Design and planning skills
- Communication skills
- Evaluation skills
Career Opportunities:
Graduates in Education Sciences who follow the “Educator in Early Childhood Services” curriculum can work as educators and development facilitators in early childhood services. In particular, they may work as:
- Educators in nurseries, micro-nurseries, early childhood centres, family daycare, and company daycare centres
- Socio-educational educators and facilitators in early childhood services
- Educators in public and private services for families with children
Social Educator
Role in a Work Context:
Recent studies on the state of welfare in Italy and the ongoing global socio-economic and migratory changes underline the need for socio-educational professionals with increasingly broad and qualified skills—particularly in the social field and in mediation within highly multicultural environments.
The “Social Educator” curriculum aims to train professionals specialised in the development, planning, and monitoring/evaluation of educational interventions within institutions and social environments. These interventions are intended both to promote personal growth and to manage complex personal and social situations (resulting from migration flows, intercultural encounters, etc.).
To this end, the program includes in-depth studies in areas such as Social Pedagogy, Pedagogy of Differences and Care, Sociology of Family and Migration, and Intercultural Psychology.
Skills Associated with the Role:
- Design and planning skills
- Communication skills
- Evaluation skills
- Skills in conducting small-scale research
- Skills in managing adult groups
Career Opportunities:
Graduates in Education Sciences who follow the “Social Educator” curriculum can work as educators in associations, enterprises, or rehabilitative communities in the non-profit sector. They may also work as:
- Educators or technicians in public or private recreational and cultural services
- Professionals in community-based personal services
- Workers in social assistance, mediation and integration services
- Educators supporting individuals with disabilities through orientation and educational assistance
Why Studying in Siena?
The University of Siena, located in the historic city of Siena in Italy, is an attractive choice for higher education for various reasons.
Tradition and Prestige: Established in 1240, the University of Siena is one of the oldest universities in Italy and Europe. It has a rich history and a longstanding reputation for academic excellence.
Diverse Course Offerings: The University of Siena offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, medicine, engineering, economics and social sciences. This allows students to pursue their interests and career goals.
International Environment: The University of Siena attracts students from all around the world, creating a diverse and multicultural learning environment. This exposure to different perspectives and cultures can be highly enriching for students.
Quality of Life: Siena is known for its relaxed lifestyle, friendly locals, and delicious cuisine. The city’s manageable size and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal location for students looking to balance their studies with a vibrant social life.
Research Impact: The University of Siena’s research output is recognised globally, with its faculty and researchers contributing to significant advancements in various fields. The university’s research publications and citations in international journals reflect its commitment to high-quality research and global impact.
Research Opportunities: The University of Siena has strong research programs and collaborations with other institutions, both in Italy and internationally. This can provide students with valuable opportunities for research and professional development.
Affordability: Compared to universities in some other countries, tuition fees at the University of Siena are relatively affordable. Additionally, the cost of living in Siena is generally lower than in larger Italian cities like Rome or Milan.
Exchange Programs: The University of Siena participates in several international exchange programs, such as the Erasmus+ program, which allows students to study abroad for a semester or academic year, providing valuable international experience.
Career Prospects: Graduates from the University of Siena have a strong record of finding employment or continuing their education, both within Italy and internationally. The university’s reputation and connections can help students access opportunities in their chosen fields.
Beautiful Location: Siena is a picturesque city with a rich history and stunning architecture. The city’s medieval cityscape and scenic countryside provide a unique and inspiring setting for studying.
Language and Cultural Immersion: Studying in Siena offers the opportunity to learn or improve Italian language skills, as well as gain a deep understanding of Italian culture and history.
Studying Abroad
International students enrolled at the University of Siena can participate in several international exchange programs, such as the Erasmus+ program, which allows our students to study abroad for a semester or one academic year, providing valuable international experience.
Our International programs allow students of the University of Siena to spend a study period (from 2 to 12 months) at one of the other 500 partner universities worldwide.
It is possible to carry out the mobility during each study cycle (bachelor, master of PhD), attend courses and sit exams, prepare thesis work and carry out internship activities. Participants in the International mobility programs will get full recognition for the credits obtained abroad.
In addition to in-presence teaching, which continues to be the preferred method also in the next Academic Year, every single lesson will be simultaneously live-streamed and/or video recorded and uploaded on our digital platform for subsequent viewing. This mode is essential for students who are temporarily unable to be on premises.