Presentation

Educational aims

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES Educational objectives of the programme The Bachelor's Degree in Psychological Sciences and Techniques aims to train professionals in psychological sciences capable of performing technical and operational activities in the psychological field with individuals, groups, social organisations, and communities. The main objective of the programme is to provide students with the foundational preparation needed to operate professionally in technical and operational roles, within coordinated activities and under the supervision of a Master’s graduate in Psychology. Graduates will be able to perform functions related to prevention, support, assessment, and promotion of well-being in various areas, including health, family and relationship services, human resources development, institutional settings, and community contexts. The course provides a solid and up-to-date grounding in the various branches of psychology—particularly general, social, and developmental psychology; the psychophysiological mechanisms underlying behaviour; the understanding of human relationships at individual, familial, group, and institutional levels; clinical psychology; and psychological research methodology. The programme also includes interdisciplinary knowledge in fields relevant to psychology, such as anthropology, philosophy, and social statistics. Students also acquire basic skills in information technology and English. The theoretical and methodological training is complemented by experiential and laboratory activities. In accordance with the Interministerial Decree no. 654 of 5 July 2022 (implementing Law no. 163), students must complete 10 ECTS through a practical-evaluative internship (TPV). This involves supervised, hands-on activities designed to provide direct observation and engagement, promoting experiential learning and the development of procedural and relational skills essential for professional practice. Upon completing a six-month post-graduate professional internship, graduates in Psychological Sciences and Techniques are eligible to take the State Examination for registration in Section B of the Register of Psychologists, allowing them to carry out professional activities at a technical-operational level. To qualify for full professional practice as a Psychologist, graduates must complete a five-year educational pathway. The Master’s Degree in Psychology (LM-51) grants direct qualification for professional practice, as established by Interministerial Decree no. 654 of 5 July 2022. The course is designed to equip students with the theoretical and methodological tools necessary to work effectively in: - diagnostic, supportive, and developmental interventions for individuals, families, and groups to promote well-being and reduce distress; - analysis and improvement of communication processes; - prevention, assessment, and intervention in psychological distress related to maladjustment, social deviance, trauma, and mental or physical illness; - support activities in residential and semi-residential facilities for minors, families, elderly people, substance-dependent individuals, and psychiatric patients; - public and private services (maternal and child health, educational institutions, social services, youth centres) aimed at promoting development, learning, and well-being; - assessment of children and parental figures, both in preventive contexts (e.g. mother-child bonding, at-risk pregnancies) and in support of parenting through the life cycle; - empowerment programmes for individuals and communities; - public and private services aimed at optimising human resources through the understanding of psychological and social processes affecting performance, relationships, and professional goals; - collaboration with public and private organisations in designing interventions for well-being, organisational development, and human resource management; - evaluation of community well-being and quality of life in local areas through surveys, research, and promotion of social networks; - programmes promoting social coexistence and inclusion, especially in multicultural and multiethnic contexts, as well as support in reception services, crisis response, and cultural mediation. Programme structure The first year provides a solid foundation in the main areas of psychology, including general psychology, psychobiology, physiological psychology, developmental and educational psychology, together with interdisciplinary studies in anthropology and the history of philosophy. Courses in IT, quantitative analysis, and English are also offered. All courses combine a basic theoretical and methodological component with a practical approach. The second year focuses on a more applied approach, with compulsory courses in dynamic and clinical psychology, social and developmental psychology, psychometrics, and social statistics, complemented by laboratories and internal practical training focused on relational skills and psychological assessment techniques. The third year deepens operational and professional skills with courses in work and organisational psychology, external internships, and laboratories for qualitative and quantitative research practice. Elective courses allow students to tailor their learning to specific academic and professional interests, particularly those leading to Master’s programmes. All courses include practical exercises and laboratory work to foster the application of acquired knowledge. The TPV activities also promote the development of transferable skills. At the end of the programme, students will have acquired foundational knowledge across the main areas of psychology and skills in research methods and data analysis applicable to psychological practice and investigation.

work perspectives

Profile: Graduate in Psychological Techniques for Services to Individuals and Communities Functions: Social Services Technician Competences: The graduate in Psychological Sciences and Techniques can carry out technical and operational activities in the field of psychology with individuals, groups, social organisations and communities. In particular, the functions in a work context may concern: - participation in the planning and evaluation of psychological and psycho-social interventions, - implementation of psycho-educational interventions, - use of interviews, observation, psychological tests and other analytical tools solely for evaluating behaviour, personality, cognitive processes and attitudes, - collection and statistical processing of psychological data for research purposes, - activities aimed at diagnosis, understanding and support of the individual, the family and groups, in order to promote development and well-being and reduce distress, - analysis and development of communication processes, - promotion of programmes and interventions for the empowerment of individuals and local communities, - design of interventions for the promotion of well-being, organisational development and human and professional resources, - evaluation of community profiles for defining the quality of life of neighbourhoods, towns, services and organisations, and for the development of spontaneous, informal and formal associative networks in the community, - implementation of programmes promoting coexistence, including in multicultural and multiethnic contexts, as well as support interventions within reception services, in critical emergencies and in intercultural mediation. Career Opportunities: The Bachelor’s graduate in Psychological Sciences and Techniques can work in public and private institutions carrying out the functions described above. In particular, in: - residential and semi-residential facilities for minors, families, elderly people, individuals with addictions, psychiatric patients, - educational, school and extra-school institutions; - public and private healthcare institutions (such as hospitals, clinics, etc.); - social-educational, therapeutic, reception, recovery and rehabilitation communities; - public and private research institutes or organisations; - public and private organisations (including social enterprises) that provide services to individuals, groups and communities (Local Health Authorities, Local Authorities, training bodies, educational and social service cooperatives, national and international NGOs); - school and career guidance centres; - public administrations; - freelance practice.

Characteristics of the final exam

To obtain the degree, the student must have earned 180 ECTS credits, including those related to the final examination. The final examination aims to assess the graduate’s level of maturity and critical ability with respect to the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme, completing the activities provided for in the curriculum. The final examination will consist of an oral discussion on one of the topics covered during the degree programme, or on a subject chosen from a list of topics prepared by the Degree Course Council and published annually on the course website. During the discussion, the student must demonstrate the ability to analyse, explore, and critically re-elaborate the chosen topic. The communicative effectiveness, originality, and creativity of the presentation will also be evaluated.