Course presentation

The Degree Course in Informatics provides access to the Second-cycle Degree Courses in Informatics offered by Italian universities in the LM-18 class.
As of the academic year 2020-2021, the Second-cycle Degree in Informatics at the University of Parma has started! Students have a comprehensive and up-to-date training course at their disposal!

Our course catalogue is in step with the best national and international standards, and this is testified by the high degree of satisfaction of our students, particularly with the skills they acquire in the world of work.
There are many opportunities open to you both as a freelancer and in companies in the sector, which are particularly present and active in northern Italy.
You will be designing and developing software, implementing networks and information systems. In addition, you will be able to find your 'habitat' in all those companies that deal with the most innovative aspects of software development.
What awaits you with a degree in computer science is above all a constantly creative and challenging career path from working with customers to implementing solutions.
In April 2022, the Degree Course in Informatics at the University of Parma received the GRIN 2020 certification, a true seal of quality for university-level computer science education.
 Details at the GRIN (Association of Italian Computer Science University Professors) website

For those considering enrolling in a scientific/technological course of study

What are the possible job opportunities for an Informatics graduate?

The possibilities are manifold, both as a freelancer and within companies in the sector, which are very present and active in Northern Italy.
The main tasks performed by an informatics graduate range from the design and development of software to the implementation, deployment and maintenance of information systems and networks in companies (small, medium-sized, large), banks and public bodies.

Is it true that an informatics graduate will most likely go to work in a software-house doing repetitive and unfulfilling work? 

Job opportunities are many and varied, and as a rule an informatics graduate has ample opportunity to choose the occupation that suits him or her best.
Finally, it is worth remembering that work in the software field is not limited to programming, but ranges from the analysis and specification of requirements (in close contact with customers), to design, via figures such as project managers and product managers.
In summary, a career in software is anything but repetitive and unfulfilling; on the contrary, it ensures a consistently creative and challenging path.

What are the differences between Informatics and Computer Engineering at the University of Parma?
By comparing the distribution of university credits (ECTS credits) in the two courses of study, we can state that: informatics offers more compulsory credits related to classical computer science subjects such as: programming languages, object-oriented programming, algorithms and data structures, etc. On the contrary, informatics offers fewer compulsory credits related to computer science-related subjects such as: electronics, telecommunications, industrial robotics, etc. Both courses of study have substantially the same number of ECTS credits in basic subjects such as mathematics and physics: electronics, telecommunications, industrial robotics, etc. both courses of study have substantially the same number of credits in basic subjects such as mathematics and physics Finally, it is important to note that informatics places a strong emphasis on subjects relating to programming and software development, whereas computer engineering better develops the more distinctly technical aspects of computer systems.

Is mathematics more difficult in informatics or computer engineering?

The number of credits that the two courses of study reserve for mathematics is almost identical. In addition, the topics that are covered are essentially identical and common to most science/technology courses of study.
Do you find it easier to work as an informatics or computer engineering graduate?
From the point of view of job opportunities, there are currently no problems with either degree. In addition, the type of employment is similar for informatics and computer engineering graduates.
Statistically, graduates from both courses of study find employment immediately, even within days of graduation.

For those wishing to enrol in Informatics

Is it necessary/opportune to already have knowledge of computer science in order to follow the course of study profitably?

No specific knowledge is required. The course of study takes all the notions of computer science from the beginning, without requiring any prior knowledge.
Is it necessary/appropriate to already have an advanced knowledge of mathematics in order to follow the course of study profitably?
No specific knowledge is required. The course of study takes up all the notions of mathematics from the beginning, including those from high school. An inclination towards a scientific approach in general, combined with good study skills are important qualities.

Is there a closed number for access to the study course?
No, there is no limited number.
 

Is attendance compulsory?
No, attendance is not recorded.

For those who have just enrolled in Informatics

Is there a self-assessment entrance test?

Yes, there is an orientation test to assess initial preparation ('entry test'). The test will be held at the University departments approximately at the end of September (date, time and location will be published on this site).
The test consists of multiple-choice questions relating to basic mathematical knowledge and skills.
Students who have already obtained a degree or are transferring from another degree course and students who have already successfully taken the entrance test at another degree course or the advance national scientific knowledge test are exempt from the test.

What happens if I do not take/pass the self-assessment entrance test (from a.y. 2022/2023)?

The test result has no value for the student's career and does not affect the possibility of maintaining enrolment in the course of study. Students who do not take the test or who fail it will have an additional educational obligation (OFA) to pass the Elements of Logic and Discrete Structures exam (1st year 1st semester) before they can take other exams in the second semester or subsequent years. 
It remains possible for all students to take the maths remedial course scheduled for October/November.

Is it true that there is a pre-course in September? Is it compulsory to follow it?

Yes, there is a preparatory course ('pre-course') on basic mathematics topics during the month of September. The pre-course is not compulsory, but it is strongly recommended to follow it. Specific information on times and locations will be posted on the degree course website.

For those about to graduate in Informatics

Is it possible to continue my studies with a Second-cycle degree in Informatics?

In the a.y. 2020/2021 the Second-cycle degree in Informatics was activated in Parma, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence and Secure Software. It is the natural continuation of Second-cycle degree studies for informatics graduates.
For information on content, see here

What does it mean for an informatics graduate to sit for the Professional Association of Engineers state examination?

Graduates in informatics and computer engineering can participate, without distinction, in the state examination that allows entry into the Register of Engineers.
This means that, once they have passed the state examination, informatics and computer engineering graduates have the same professional qualification and can enter an identical career in the liberal professions. 

For those already working (part-time students)

Is it possible to follow the degree course even if you are working? Are there special facilities for working students?

Yes, it is possible. Since there is no control over class attendance, there is no formal obstacle to taking the exams. 
A six-year part-time curriculum (30 ECTS credits) with a half-load has been envisaged. 
The wide availability of information on the Web and the possibility of telematic communication with the teaching staff are certainly helpful for working students.

Is it possible to recognise my professional activity in the field of information technology as a substitute for certain examinations in the degree course?

It depends on the specific professional activity performed. The Course Council decides on a case-by-case basis at the student's request and in any case up to a maximum of 12 ECTS credits. In particular, the compulsory internship (9 ECTS credits) is a typical activity for which recognition can be requested.