Italian Studies (Master's Degree Subject)Expertise in Italian Language, Literature and Culture
The study of Italian offers the opportunity to explore the rich and multi-faceted language, literature, and culture of Italy and of Ticino. The curriculum includes literary studies and linguistics. The program in literary studies consists of philological and historical analyses of literary texts in verse and prose from Dante Alighieri to Vittorio Alfieri and Carlo Emilio Gadda. 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 and textuality. 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.
Focal areas of teaching and research
Italian Studies at the University of Basel is divided into two sections: literary studies and linguistics.
The program in Italian literary studies in Basel focuses on the interpretation of literary texts, with specific emphases on research into dedications, the dialogue between literary texts and the fine arts, and the preparation of critical editions with commentary. The scholars in Basel do research on such authors as Dante, Masuccio Salernitano, E. S. Piccolomini, Boiardo, Sannazaro, Tasso, Alfieri, Foscolo, Leopardi, and Gadda.
The Masters 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 tools for all levels of language use, from lexis, syntax, and punctuation to overall textuality, with particular emphases on textual linguistics and the relationship between grammar and textuality.
The courses in the program are taught in Italian.
Short profile
| Degree | MA in Italian Studies |
| 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 |
Master’s admission requirements
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.
Registration dates
Students must register for their bachelor’s or master’s degree program within a specified timeframe – even in cases of delayed registration.
Information events
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.
Deadlines and dates for the Master's studies
See also factsheets under Documents & Factsheets.
Master's thesis
Fall semester 2024
Fall semester 2026
Master's examinations for students of the subject and degree program
Master's degree
All data subject to subsequent changes.
Career opportunities
The degree course in Italian prepares students for teaching at various levels (lower and upper secondary level, vocational schools, adult education, etc.) and for research work at university, whereby a doctorate inItalian linguistics and Italian literature is possible.
On the other hand, the course provides students with strong linguistic, communicative and cultural skills, so that they can consider working in various professions, e.g. in the media (print media, radio and television, internet), in the translation sector, at publishing houses, in public relations, in tourism or in the advertising industry.
Teaching diploma
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.
Student advisory service
Teaching commission
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