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Get ready for a PhD in Philosophy

Master in Philosophy

2 years, 120 ECTS

MAP

Join now our Master in Philosophy

The Master in Philosophy offered in Lugano by the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is a two-year graduate programme designed to provide students with a rigorous and comprehensive education in philosophy. It is one of the most advanced and innovative Master programmes in philosophy worldwide.

The programme is taught entirely in English and focuses on four core areas: Metaphysics, Philosophy of Mind, Logic, Philosophy of Physics.

The programme is characterized by its small class sizes and its emphasis on close interaction between students and faculty. Students can work closely with professors of international stature, both in seminars and in one-on-one tutorials.

The Master in Philosophy is strongly research-oriented and students are encouraged to engage with the broader philosophical community by attending conferences and workshops, participating in reading groups and discussion forums, and presenting their own research at conferences and seminars. Students further develop their presentation and discussion skills by submitting regular written work and producing research papers.

Furthermore, the Master in Philosophy offered by USI guarantees a personal tutor, who is usually chosen among the professors of the Master and who provides regular one-on-one tutorials, feedback on written work, and guidance about future academic careers.

Why should you choose this Master in Philosophy? Because we prepare our students for the most demanding PhD programmes in Philosophy. Various strategies and opportunities have been designed for students to be ready for their PhD applications. Thanks to such strategies and the disciplinary focus of the programme, most of the MAP students who applied for a PhD programme received an offer before graduating.

Studying at USI

Attending the MAP was an invaluable opportunity that greatly benefited my career development. I was able to improve my research skills and learn how to effectively write academic papers, thanks to the significant support of the professors.

Lorenzo Lorenzetti, PhD student at the University of Bristol, Master of Arts in Philosophy, 2021

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Why l'Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)?

USI is a young and agile university that offers its students a quality education and an enhancing study experience. International faculty teach students with an interdisciplinary, engaging and interactive approach, leaving room for practical application.

The quality of the study curricula is complemented by USI small size, its cosmopolitan environment and its informal and dynamic culture.

These elements make USI a hub of opportunity open to the world, where students can engage in direct dialogue with their professors and define their educational path, discover unexpected horizons, and embrace international careers.

Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is a recognised or accredited Swiss university. Academic qualifications obtained at USI Faculties are therefore also recognised abroad, on the basis of international conventions.

L'USI in figures

4'190 Enrolled students
1/7 Teacher / student ratio
97% Employment rate
In THE World's Best Small Universities ranking

USI's campus in Lugano

The USI campus in Lugano is a modern and dynamic environment dedicated to higher education and research. Situated in the eastern part of Lugano, it offers innovative and functional architecture, modern classrooms, equipped laboratories, libraries, and green spaces. It is an ideal place for study and research, fostering collaboration and student well-being.

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Where to find us

The lessons of the Master in Philosophy take place in presence in the West Campus of the Università della Svizzera italiana. The exact address is via Buffi 13, Lugano (Switzerland).

Parking is very limited in the area, so we recommend using public transportation.

You can reach the university from Lugano train station in 8 minutes by taking bus number 6 in the direction of Cornaredo and getting off at the "Università" stop (you can find the bus schedule here).

Download brochure

Register to this form to download the brochure and to know more about the Master.