Italy is famous for many things, but when it comes to higher education, there are certain graduate studies that totally help Italian universities and colleges stand out.
Many international students choose Italy to pursue a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Arts, or Architecture, and anything related to the Humanities field. And they have good reasons to do it. Let’s see why these subject areas are so popular in Italy and why you should consider studying them.
1. You say study in Italy, you say Masters in Design
In Italy, you can apply to numerous Design degrees, from Fashion Design to Interior Design, Transportation Design, Graphic Design and Accessories Design. Italy is home to many fashion houses with famous names such as: Trussardi, Prada, Gucci, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Valentino, Gianfranco Ferre, Roberto Cavalli.
As you can see, it’s hard not to consider Italy if you want to become a design expert. Here are a few Design programmes to get you started:
- M.A. at Istituto Europea di Design (IED)
- Master's at POLI.design Milan
- Master's at University of Pavia
Within design schools, you are guaranteed to have a unique study experience. The teaching style focuses on theoretical lectures and seminars, but also on workshops and research work that is made in collaboration with some of the most famous Italian names and brands, like: Alfa Romeo, Bulgari, Diesel, Fendi and others. Some of the best cities in Italy to study Design are Rome, Milan, Turin.
Ida, who studied Visual Design in Italy, told us about her experience: “Looking back at this experience, I don’t think I would do anything differently if I had the chance to do it all again.”
2. Study an Arts degree in the place where art was born
According to UNESCO, many of the world heritage sites and artworks are found in Italy. From Visual Arts (painting, drawing, sculpture), to Music or Art History, Italy provides plenty of study opportunities for international students like you. Here, you can take advantage of the fact that you can see and admire the original pieces of all the famous artworks.
Here are a few Arts programmes to get you started:
- Master's at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
- Master's at SDA Bocconi School of Management
- M.A. at Istituto Europeo di Design (IED)
If you are gifted with musical talents you can further develop them at conservatories located in all of the big cities – Rome, Milan, Bologna and others. The dream to perform at the world-famous opera stage of La Scala can come true. But you should prepare for some extensive studies which can last around 5 years.
3. Study Architecture in Italy to learn all about restoration
Some of the first most impressive and iconic buildings of the world were built in Italy, particularly in Rome (the Colosseum, the Forum, the Pantheon). Without a doubt, the architectural heritage of Ancient Rome has deeply influenced the design and construction of buildings worldwide.
Here are a couple of Architecture programmes to get you started:
Architecture schools in Italy have studios built in a contemporary style which are meant to enable you to develop and put into practice their creative ideas. You will also have the opportunity to get involved in plenty of research and collaboration projects and contribute to the local renovation and restoration of buildings. Some of the best cities in Italy to study architecture are Rome, Siena, Mantova.
4. Follow in the footsteps of great minds with a Humanities degree
Apart from a worldwide well-known history, Italy has made its great contribution in philosophy and literature. The work of Italian philosophers and writers, such as: Umberto Eco, Nicollò Machiavelli, Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, Dante, Boccaccio were exported to other parts of Europe and beyond.
For this reason, Italian universities have a wide range of study programmes in Philosophy, History, or Creative writing. Here are some Humanities programmes to get you started:
- M.Sc. at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
- M.A. at Ca' Foscari University of Venice
- M.A. at University of Pavia
Some of the best cities in Italy to study humanities are Venice, Siena, Bologna.
Italy’s culture is closely linked to its universities
Italy is regarded as one of the major cultural capitals of the world. And rightly so! After all, we are talking about a country with a rich history and the homeland of Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Dante Alighieri and many other famous artists, sculptors, architects, poets, and writers.
Whether you’re interested in Architecture, Design, or Humanities, Italian universities and colleges are probably the perfect destination for you. Your learning experience won’t simply be about school classes. It will be like experiencing an open-air museum. Just imagine how exciting practical classes at museums and galleries can be. Plus, you will be studying at some of the oldest universities in Europe. Just picture what amazing libraries they might have.
Have an unforgettable learning experience in Italy!
For all of the fields listed above, you can find courses available in Italian, but for many you can opt for English-taught degrees. But while English language will often be enough, some basic knowledge of Italian will be helpful to understand certain contexts. So don't shy away from some language courses to polish your "Ciao".
In a nutshell, Italy is a fantastic study abroad destination, where you will not only enrich your academic knowledge, but you will improve cultural awareness and intelligence. Plus living costs and tuition fees are quite affordable, so all the more reasons to say "Yes" or "Si" to a Master's degree in Italy!