The University of Rome “Foro Italico” is a vocational university, the only Italian state university dedicated to sports and exercise sciences. It was created in 1998 as Istituto Universitario di Scienze Motorie IUSM when it replaced Rome’s Istituto Superiore di Educazione Fisica (ISEF), whose activity had been focused on higher education for Ph.E. teachers. IUSM, now “Foro Italico University” extended the ISEF’s scope, to cover all the fields of interest related to human physical activity: scientific research, coaching for recreational sports and for high level competitive sports, teaching, fitness, re-education and rehabilitation, organization of sport events, management of sports facilities, etc.
FACILITIES
The University is situated in the northern district of Rome; the area, known as Foro Italico, was built in 1932 when a number of impressive buildings and facilities were conceived as Rome’s sports center. The area represents a typical example of Fascist architecture, characterized by a wide use of white marble and triumphal statues and obelisks. The Olympic Stadium, at the back of the Institute, was built on the occasion of the Rome Olympic Games (1960) and has since been the venue of the World Championships in Athletics (1987) and of the World Soccer Championships (1990). Foro Italico University facilities include modern education structures (11 lecture halls, a computer center, a language center, a specialized library), up-to-date sports facilities (10 fully equipped gyms, 2 swimming pools, a rowing center on the River Tevere) research centers (more than 20 laboratories). The University also has its own audiovisual center for the production of educational and non-professional materials and conference halls for national and international congresses.
FACULTY AND PROGRAMMES
The University is currently structured into 3 research-based Departments:
- Human Movement and Sports Sciences,
- Health Sciences,
- Educational Sciences
Teaching offerings within the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Sciences include first and second-tier programs and research-oriented doctoral programs. First-tier Laurea Triennale (Three-year degree Bachelor) Bachelor in Sport and Exercise Sciences – 3 years, 180 ECTS This assures students a basic theoretical preparation and an adequate command of general scientific methods and content, in addition to the acquisition of specific professional know-how. It requires 180 credits, which can generally be accumulated within 3 years. Second tier Laurea Magistrale
- Laurea Magistrale in Sports Sciences and Techniques – 2 years, 120 ECTS
- Laurea Magistrale in Preventive and Adapted Physical Activity – 2 years, 120 ECTS
- Laurea Magistrale in Sports Management – 2 years, 120 ECTS
- Laurea Magistrale in Health and Physical Activity, 2 years 120 ECTS Course taught in the English language
A “Laurea Magistrale” affords a more sophisticated level of education. This second level qualification is open to graduates with a three-year degree and requires an additional 120 credits, which can be accumulated over an average of two years. A minimum degree level and specific curricula may be required for admission
MASTER / MASTERS
Master in Sports Psychology (2nd Level, 1 year, 60 ECTS) A Masters is an intermediate university qualification and can be obtained both after a three-year degree (1st level Masters) and after a Higher degree (2nd level Masters). These courses last at least one year and involve the acquisition of 60 credits for each academic year. Their purpose is to build on a student’s knowledge and to convert it into specific professional skills. Doctoral School of research (3 years) Doctoral Course: Health and Physical Activity:
- Biomedical and Methodological Aspects
- Curricula A Applied Biomedical/Methodological Approach
- Curricula B Integrative Biology Approach – European Curriculum
Doctoral Course Sport, Exercise and Ergonomics Doctoral Course: Culture, disability and inclusion: education and training
COURSES
Courses mainly are annual courses and students are allowed to take examinations at the end of the second semester. Teaching methods include lectures and practical work, as well as seminars and tutorials, where students play an active role. Lectures provide the basic framework of the course: students are expected to organize their own homework in view of the examination. Tutors are always ready to help. All courses are given in Italian, except for Laurea Magistrale in Health and Physical Activity. Classes are scheduled in the morning and in the afternoon, Monday through Friday