Program Overview

Master in Philosophy

The Master in Philosophy at USI stands out for the international stature of its professors and is research-oriented, aimed at preparing its students for the most demanding PhD programmes around the world. The programme focuses on four core areas: Metaphysics, Philosophy of Mind, Logic, and Philosophy of Physics.

Key Facts

• Language: English
• Degree Issued: Master of Arts in Philosophy
• Location: Lugano, Switzerland
• Standard Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
• ECTS: 120
• Format: Full-time
• Degree recognised by the Swiss government
• Ideal number of students per year: 20
• First edition of the programme: 2017/2018

Why this Master

1. Get ready for a PhD: The MAP is designed to prepare its students for the most demanding PhD programmes and supports them in assembling their PhD applications.
2. Study with a clear disciplinary focus: The Master focuses on four core areas: Metaphysics, Philosophy of Mind, Logic, Philosophy of Physics.
3. Pursue your own research: The research-oriented approach of the Master quickly introduces students to some of the many lively contemporary debates in philosophy.
4. Study with some of the most eminent scholars in the world: Many of the professors are among the best scholars in the world in their respective fields.
5. Assessments and personal supervision: The Master requires students to submit regular written work, produce research papers, and improve their speaking skills by giving several presentations.
6. Personalise your curriculum: MAP students have various ways to personalize their curriculum, including a pool of many MAP elective courses, elective courses chosen from MA programmes in Philosophy from any Swiss university, and more.

Professors

The Master in Philosophy at USI boasts an impressive list of professors, including but not limited to:

• Kevin Mulligan
• Damiano Costa
• Paolo Gigli
• Franz Berto
• Claudio Calosi
• Fabrice Correia
• Paolo Crivelli
• Kit Fine
• Alessandro Giordani
• Kathrin Koslicki
• Řystein Linnebo
• Lorenzo Lorenzetti
• John Marenbon
• Anna Marmodoro
• Tim Maudlin
• Bence Nanay
• Paolo Natali
• Thomas Sattig
• Peter Simons
• Barry Smith
• Achille Varzi
• Francesca Vidotto
• Timothy Williamson
• Stefan Wolf
• Christian Wüthrich

Application Procedure

• Required documentation:
  • Copy of past diplomas
  • Official transcript of results of university examinations
  • Certified translation of any diplomas written in a language other than Italian, German, French, English, or Spanish
  • Curriculum vitae (Resume) - in the language of the Master's programme
  • Personal letter of motivation drafted by the candidate - in the language of the Master's programme
  • Official certification of proficiency in English
  • Copy of an identity card or passport
  • Copy of residence permit for foreign nationals already domiciled in Switzerland
• Application deadline:
  • Autumn Semester 2026 (September): Application will open on 9 December 2025
  • Spring Semester 2027 (February): Application will open on 14 September 2026
• Late applications: Will be considered only in the case of available places.

Admission

• Formal requirement: A Bachelor's degree granted by a recognised university in the field of Philosophy or related disciplines.
• Interview: An interview aimed at assessing the candidate's background in the areas of the Master and their potential for future development is part of the selection process.
• Language requirements: Admission to English-language Master programmes at USI requires a good command of English. Non-native English speakers applying to the Master's or whose previous degree was obtained in another language are required to provide an internationally acknowledged language certificate equal to the B2+ level as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Language Learning (CEFR) or equivalent.

Structure and Contents

• Mandatory courses:
  • Metaphysics
  • Logic
  • Philosophy of Mind
  • Philosophy of Physics
  • Ancient Metaphysics
  • Research Skills in Philosophy
• Elective courses:
  • Topics in Metaphysics
  • Topics in Philosophy of Mind
  • Topics in Logic
  • Topics in Ancient Philosophy
  • Topics in Philosophy of Physics
  • Logic and Metaphysics
  • Mind and Metaphysics
  • Advanced Logic and Metaphysics
  • Advanced Philosophy of Physics
  • Philosophy and Artificial Intelligence
• Teaching methods: Lectures, master classes with eminent specialists, discussion of presentations by students, general discussions, group work, and individual discussions of papers produced by students.

Tuition and Scholarships

• Tuition fees: CHF 2'000.- per semester (from the A.Y. 2022/23).
• Grants:
  • The scholarship "Contributo Sociale", based on both academic merit and financial need.
  • Several Student Assistant Positions, renewed each semester, to assist the direction of the Master in administrative, teaching or research activities.
  • Various scholarships from private or public foundations.

Career Prospects

• PhD placements: Many graduates have gone on to pursue PhDs at prestigious universities.
• Career stories: Alumni have found success in various fields, including academia, research, and industry.

Open Days and Study Advisory

• Open Days Master's Degrees: An opportunity to discover the Universitŕ della Svizzera italiana and its study programmes.
• Master Info Day: A half-day event that includes a general introduction to the university and its services, followed by a more specific presentation of the Master's programme.
• Master Meetings: An opportunity to sit in on real lectures of the Master's programme, helping to gain a clearer understanding of the content and teaching methods.
• Master's Aperitifs: An informal opportunity to discover USI's Master's programmes while enjoying a pleasant aperitif.

FAQ

• Part-time studies: All Master's programmes are full-time.
• Working besides studying: The residence permit for study purposes does not grant students automatic entitlement to paid employment.
• Distance learning/e-learning programmes: Not available.
• Recognition of degrees: Universitŕ della Svizzera italiana (USI) is a recognised or accredited Swiss university, and academic qualifications obtained at USI are recognised abroad based on international conventions.
• Visa and residence permit: Students from non-EU
  on-EFTA countries must request a student visa from the Swiss embassy or consulate in their home country before entering Switzerland.