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Brilliant landscapes, quaint towns and World Heritage sites, there is so much to see and do while you study a Masters in Italy. Not to forget the lovely Italian people and food that make Italy one of the most sought-after postgraduate study destinations. Studying a Masters in Italy gives you the opportunity to study at universities that have existed for centuries and live in a cultural and gastronomical centre.
Italian universities offer courses that are more theoretical and follow a structure that is similar to the one in the UK and other parts of the world. There are usually two kinds of Masters courses available to study at an Italian university:
Institutes for Higher Artistic Education offer courses in fields like visual arts, music, dance, drama and design. Courses at these institutes are organised in a three-cycle system. A Masters course at such institutions is provided as a second-level academic degree (also called Diploma accademico di secondo livello) Studying usually last two years and the courses are equivalent of a Bologna process second cycle qualification.
To gain admission into a second cycle degree you need to have obtained a first cycle degree from an Institute for Higher Artistic Education or an equivalent foreign degree that is recognised in the country.
An Italian Masters usually takes two years and is awarded after obtaining 120 ECTS made up of core courses, electives, seminars and the dissertation. The dissertation itself is worth 30 ECTS.
Studying a Masters in Italy will mainly involve lectures, tutorials, group work and course work. You can expect to have additional practical sessions too if you are studying Engineering or Science. The last semester of your course is focused solely on your dissertation which could be based on theory, placement or a research project.
A Masters degree is usually divided into four semesters: two semesters for each year of study. The first semester usually runs from September/October to January/February and then the second runs from February to July. You should consult your university website for exact dates and academic calendars.
Italy has so much to offer outside of the classroom from some of the best food to discoveries in science and arts. Be sure to immerse yourself in the culture of the country while you are there. Have a peek into what your everyday like could look like in our living in Italy guide.
If you think Italy could be the place for you to study your Masters then find out more information on applications, fees, funding and visas below.
Search our database of Masters courses in Italy
Our guide tells you everything about the application process for studying a Masters in Italy.
Read moreOur guide tells you everything about the cost of a Masters in Italy and where you can find funding for it.
Read moreThis guide tells you everything about what visa you'll need to study a Masters abroad in Italy and how to apply for it.
Read moreWhat's it like to live in Italy as a Masters student? Read a detailed guide to postgraduate accommodation, living costs and working whilst studying.
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