This article discusses questions regarding the role of graduate study lato sensu, its flexibility and the various regulatory levels that are established in the relevant legislation. It emphasizes that the conceptual, regulatory and evaluative aspects of this level of graduate education lack clear definition. The article reviews Resolution n. 1, of April 3, 2001, and the Ministerial Document n. 1180, of May 6, 2004, in an effort to determine which regulatory level prevails, considering that the last Ministerial Document (1180/2004) overlaps with Resolution 01/2001 in some respects.