Licentiate in Safeguarding
Join us in growing the network of safeguarders
The Licentiate in Safeguarding is a multidisciplinary, two-year program. It is one of the few holistic programs on a second-cycle degree level in its field and aims to prepare scholars for the culturally-tailored adaptation of safeguarding measures in their native countries or countries of employment. Its goal is to train experts for the practical application of the comprehensive theoretical understanding of safeguarding.
All graduates are equipped to confront complex safeguarding situations with strategic approaches, drawing on theoretical and practical competencies to create, carry out, and evaluate safeguarding measures. They are capable of guiding and managing safeguarding teams.
Prevention and Intervention Specialists
We offer two specialized tracks: prevention specialists and intervention specialists. Prevention specialists are able to perform and lead risk assessments, train others, and develop safeguarding guidelines, policies, and programs in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
Intervention specialists focus on addressing disclosure and allegations of abuse. They are able to deal with the necessary measures for intervention in relation to victims, perpetrators, affected institutions, parishes, families, etc. They also show critical awareness of the need to collaborate with people working in other disciplines related to safeguarding and intervention.
Our licentiate students come from countries all over the world. Some are religious or priests, others lay people. They have backgrounds in educational science, social work, psychology, theology, (canon) law, and related disciplines. Some hold bachelor’s, others master’s or doctoral degrees. Some have had ample work experience inside or outside the field of safeguarding. Yet, they all have at least one thing in common: the determination to make the world a safer place for children and vulnerable adults – especially in church contexts.
Course Description
Students acquire specialized and interdisciplinary competencies within the field of safeguarding through this comprehensive two-year course, during which they will accumulate 120 European Credit Transfer System credits (ECTS), leading to a Licentiate in Safeguarding. During the first semester, they will participate in the diploma course (and will aquire the Diploma in Safeguarding of Minors), followed by two theoretical semesters and an internship. They are asked to relate the content of the course to their own cultural reality and therefore learn to critically assess both. All successful graduates develop a comprehensive range of cognitive and practical skills, which allows them to solve the challenges they will encounter in their safeguarding activities and deal with them in creative ways. Aiming to prepare graduates for professional careeers, this course fosters the growth of students’ abilities to effectively create change and implement preventative measures.
Applying for the Licentiate
Candidates must receive approval from the CCP’s administration by completing the rolling admission process before being able to follow the PUG’s application procedures.
Step 1: Fill out the CCP Application Form and send both the form and required documents (see below) in one email to ccp-cand@unigre.it during the application period, which starts 2 January 2021 and ends 15 March 2021.
Required documents:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate / 1st cycle degree certificate OR master’s degree certificate / 2nd cycle degree certificate related to one of the following disciplines: theology, canon law, education, psychology/psychotherapy
- Proof of English language proficiency (if possible) of an intermediate level, e.g., B1 according to the European framework of reference for languages
- Curriculum vitae
- Completed application form
- From your bishop, superior, or employer, a letter of recommendation presenting you as a candidate and briefly and precisely explaining your future in the safeguarding field, e.g., your professional responsibilities after graduation, the position you will hold in your diocese or congregration
Step 2: You will be contacted by us to schedule an online personal interview with one of the CCP’s administrators.
Step 3: You will receive notification of acceptance, or otherwise, thereafter.
Step 4: In the case you need to obtain a visa from your designated Italian embassy or consulate, write to ccp-secr@unigre.it. For further information about the visa process, click here. Please note that our offices will be closed from July 31st to August 23rd.
Step 5: Starting September 2021, you will need to complete the PUG’s pre-registration process and payment process. This can be started online from your home but must be completed in person in Rome.
In Rome, the PUG’s Foreign Students Office may be helpful.
Tuition
The cost of tuition for academic year 2019/2020 is €3300.
Applicants who need financial aid may be eligible for scholarships.
Please contact us directly at ccp-secr@unigre.it for more information.
Application Form
This form must be submitted with the required documents by 15 March 2021.
Thesis Guide for Current Licentiate Students
The guide includes an abridged version of the Gregorian’s typographical norms.