Incoming students

Welcome to FiSSUF

The Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences, and Education (FiSSUF) is one of the largest and most interdisciplinary departments of the University of Perugia.

It brings together teaching and research activities in philosophy, education, psychology, social sciences, and anthropology.

The Department is strongly committed to the internationalisation of higher education and actively promotes academic mobility, international cooperation, and participation in the Erasmus+ Programme. Each year, FISSUF welcomes incoming students from partner universities and ensures academic guidance and administrative support throughout the mobility period.

FiSSUF’s main building, Palazzo Florenzi, is located in the historical centre of Perugia, in Piazza Giuseppe Ermini, 1.

Other buildings with lecture rooms and teachers’ offices are located in close proximity such as Palazzo Peiro (Via Aquilone, 8), Palazzina Tartaruga (Piazza San Paolo, 4).

FiSSUF also has a Computer Lab located in Palazzo Silvi (Via del Verzaro, 59).

Further, FiSSUF also has a campus located in the city of Narni..

Internationalization and Erasmus+ Program

FiSSUF participates extensively in the Erasmus+ Program through a broad network of interinstitutional agreements with European partner universities. These agreements support student mobility for study purposes, as well as staff mobility for teaching and training activities.

Incoming Erasmus+ students are fully integrated into departmental academic life and may attend regular courses, seminars, workshops, and other educational activities, subject to approval through the Learning Agreement for Studies.

Academic Offer and Degree Program

The Department offers a wide and articulated academic portfolio covering all degree levels.

Incoming Erasmus+ students may select courses from the following programmes, in accordance with their academic background and approved Learning Agreement:

Bachelor’s Degree Programs:

• Education Sciences
• Philosophy and Psychological Science and Techniques
• Sciences for Investigation and Security (Narni campus)

Master’s Degree Programs:

• Educational Counselling and Coordination of Educational Interventions
• Philosophy and Ethics of Relations
• Socio-Anthropological Sciences for Social Integration and Security
• Assessment of Psychological Functioning in Clinical and Health Psychology

Single-Cycle Degree Program:

Primary Education Sciences

Doctoral Programs (PhD):

• Human Sciences
• Ethics of Communication, Scientific Research and Technological Innovation
• Education and Reading Studies

Teaching activities include lectures, seminars, laboratory work and, where applicable, internships or fieldwork.

Detailed syllabi, learning outcomes, assessment methods and timetables are available through the Department’s official online course catalogue and the Agenda Web system.

Course Selection and ECTS Recognition

FiSSUF fully applies the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Incoming Erasmus+ students select courses in agreement with their home institution and the FiSSUF Erasmus Coordinator.

ECTS Catalogue

The Learning Agreement for Studies must be completed and approved prior to arrival and may be amended during the mobility period in accordance with Erasmus+ regulations. Assessment methods are defined by course instructors and may include written and/or oral examinations, written assignments, or project work.

Language of Instruction and Academic Support

The majority of courses at FiSSUF are taught in Italian. However, selected courses, reading materials and teaching activities may be offered in English, depending on the program and the instructor. In many cases, lecturers are available to support Erasmus+ students through flexible arrangements, including the possibility of taking exams in English, subject to prior agreement.

To facilitate linguistic integration, the University of Perugia offers free Italian language courses for incoming Erasmus+ students through the University Language Centre (CLA). Intensive courses are usually organised before the beginning of each semester and award ECTS credits.

Academic Calendar

The academic year is divided into two semesters:

• First Semester: September/October – December
• Second Semester: February/March – May/June

Exam periods are planned for January-February (3 sessions), April (1 extra session), June-July (3 sessions), and September (2 sessions). Exact dates are published annually by the University of Perugia. Students are advised to consult course schedules and examination periods in advance when planning their mobility.

Student Services and Facilities

Erasmus+ students have full access to university facilities and services, including:

• Departmental and university libraries
• Study rooms and computer laboratories
• University canteens
• Online learning platforms and IT services
• Cultural initiatives, orientation activities and student associations

Department Support Services

The Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences, and Education Sciences (FiSSUF) offers a range of academic, psychological, and well-being services designed to support all students, including incoming Erasmus+ participants. These services complement the academic experience and contribute to students’ personal development and success.

Psychological and Pedagogical Counseling Services (FOCUS-Psi & FOCUS-Ped)

The FOCUS service at the University of Perugia offers free, confidential psychological and pedagogical counselling to all enrolled students, including incoming Erasmus+ students. It supports students in managing personal, emotional, relational, and academic challenges that may arise during their university experience, with particular attention to the needs of students with disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD).

Psychological Counseling (FOCUS-Psi)

This is a supportive listening and intervention space focused on understanding and addressing psychological difficulties such as stress, anxiety, relational or emotional issues, exam-related challenges, or doubts about academic ability. The service aims to help students clarify difficulties, activate internal psychological resources, and support personal growth and change through targeted psychological interventions. Sessions are free, strictly confidential, and available by self-referral. The service typically offers a limited number of structured appointments and may, when appropriate, refer students to additional support (e.g., psychotherapy). Sessions can be held in person or remotely, and are available in English upon request.

From March 2025, the service has been expanded with the “Me.Mo – Mente in Movimento” project, offering voluntary group activities to strengthen skills useful for managing university life and daily challenges.

Pedagogical Counseling (FOCUS-Ped)

This counseling space focuses on learning processes and study skills. It helps students refine their study methodology, redefine their academic path, and identify compensatory strategies or tools for students with specific learning needs. It also supports students with disabilities in clarifying their educational requirements and planning personalised academic goals. Both components of FOCUS are designed to promote overall well-being, academic success, and personal development, offering tailored support throughout the student’s academic journey.

Inclusive Technology and Support Services

The department also links to Inl@b – Inclusive Technologies Laboratory, which focuses on research and support in assistive and inclusive technologies, helping students with diverse learning needs to participate fully in academic activities.

Student Buddies

Every year, the University of Perugia selects a number of studens with Erasmus experience to serve as “student buddies” for incoming and outgoing Erasmus students. Several Buddies are allocated to the Department FiSSUF every year, and hold weekly sessions (in person and/or online) to provide support to Erasmus students during their stay.

Accommodation and Cost of Living

Incoming students may apply for accommodation in university residences managed by ADISU Umbria or independently seek private housing in Perugia.

The University Welcome Office and the International Mobility Office provide assistance and practical guidance.

The estimated monthly cost of living for students in Perugia ranges between €700 and €800, including accommodation, meals, local transport and study-related expenses.

The City of Perugia

Perugia is a historic, medium-sized city located in central Italy and home to a long-standing university tradition.

It offers a rich cultural environment, a lively student community and a welcoming international atmosphere. Its size and quality of life make it particularly suitable for international students seeking an immersive academic and cultural experience.

Application Procedure

Incoming Erasmus+ students must be formally nominated by their home university.

Following nomination, students are required to complete the online application procedure and submit the Learning Agreement and any additional documents within the deadlines established by the University of Perugia. Administrative support is provided by the University International Mobility Office in close coordination with the Department.