In the Italian Language and Literature program at the University of Basel, students have the opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the language, literature, and culture of Italy and Ticino (the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland). The master’s degree subject in Italian literature has a strongly interdisciplinary perspective. Works of Italian-language literature are considered in the context of their European or global reception (in translations, adaptations, or revisions), and the skills and knowledge acquired in a Bachelor's degree are linked to wider-ranging issues in philosophy, anthropology, and cultural history.
The program in Italian linguistics is focused on the written and oral language used for communication in the past and the present, with particular emphases on grammar, textuality, and pragmatics. On the Master level, students can choose to focus on the exegesis and interpretation of literary texts or on descriptive and theoretical linguistics. They will acquire independent research experience in the theory and practice of both fields and extend their practical skills in the Italian language.
Italian Studies at the University of Basel is divided into two sections: literary studies and linguistics.
The master’s degree subject in Italian literature considers literary texts through the problematization and contextualization of historical, cultural, philosophical, and anthropological issues, with a particular focus on the circulation of texts, their material history, and the rewriting and revision of classic works.
The Master curriculum in Italian linguistics has two goals: the description of linguistic varieties of the Italian language (in Italy as well as in Switzerland), and the development of theoretical tools for studying all levels of language use, including lexis, morphology, syntax, punctuation, prosody, textuality, and pragmatics. Research in Basel focuses on theoretical textual linguistics and on issues of language varieties, such as written and spoken Italian, formal and informal Italian, digital and analogue Italian, or Italian from Italy and from Switzerland.
The courses are taught in Italian.
| Degree | MA in Italian Language and Literature |
| Type | Subject |
| Start date | February, September |
| Credit points | 120 |
| Study structure | The Master's degree is the second degree after the Bachelor's degree and comprises a total of 120 credit points (CP). Italian Studies is studied with a second, independent subject, each worth 35 CP. The subject in which the Master's thesis (30 CP) is written becomes a major, the other a minor. In addition, there is the free elective area (20 CP). One ECTS credit point corresponds to approximately 30 hours of work. |
| Subject combination | A subject from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences or a non-faculty subject can be considered as a second Master's subject. Students can choose it according to their interests and professional goals. The free elective area consists of freely selectable courses that can be used to deepen knowledge of the subjects, to gain insight into other subjects offered by the University of Basel or to acquire language skills. |
| Language of instruction | Italian |
| Subject area | Italian Linguistics and Literary Studies |
Admission to master’s programs is regulated by the university student regulations and the stipulations of the individual degree program descriptions. More details of the general master’s admission requirements are provided here.
For students to be admitted with no additional requirements, they must hold a bachelor’s degree worth 180 CP from a higher education institution recognized by the University of Basel.
Subject-related requirements are defined in the admission requirements (section 3) of the study program for the relevant subject. The guidelines may also contain further useful information that is key to successful studies.
Students must register for their bachelor’s or master’s degree program within a specified timeframe – even in cases of delayed registration.
The University of Basel organizes regular information events for bachelor’s and master’s programs. Details can be found on the events page of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Some subject areas also offer their own separate information or welcome events. Please consult the page for the relevant subject area for event dates and locations.
See also factsheets under Documents & Factsheets.
All data subject to subsequent changes.
The study of Italian Language and Literature prepares students to be teachers of L1 and L2 learners of Italian at various levels, such as middle schools, high schools, vocational schools, or adult education). Alternatively, it prepares students for university research and offers the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in Italian linguistics or Italian literature.
The program also provides students with advanced skills in language, communication, and cultural competence. These skills prepare students for work in such fields as media (print, internet, radio, and television), translation, publishing, tourism, advertising, and public relations.
Graduates who are interested in the teaching profession can study for a teaching diploma for the lower secondary level (Sekundarstufe I) or upper secondary level (Sekundarstufe II). For details and teaching diploma regulations, please consult the relevant school for teacher education (such as the FHNW School of Education) or the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education.