Italian Language and Literature

  • Master
  • Humanities

The programme enables students to study Italian literature, philology and linguistics. Students will focus on the formal, logical and expressive structures of the written text as a key vector of individual thinking and culture. They will study all major Italian works: the texts' many meanings will be explored using an array of analytical tools (genetic criticism, form, content, ideology, relations to the culture and society of the time, etc.), with a focus on philology and history. In linguistic courses, students will study the language as a system (phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics) and as a means of communication and expression. Special attention is paid to the language and style of literary texts (lexicon, syntax, logical links between sentences and paragraphs, etc.). Students will acquire analytical skills alongside writing skills, improving their command of all expressive aspects of the Italian language.

Programme length

1.5 years (3 semesters)

Language of instruction
French

Except for disciplines involving modern languages (Spanish, Italian, English and German), where courses are offered in the relevant language.

3 semesters (max. 6 semesters) | 90 ECTS credits

Chosen discipline (36 credits)
3 teaching modules.

2 elective modules (24 credits)

Dissertation (30 credits)

A Bachelor of Arts with at least 60 credits in the given discipline, or an equivalent degree. Additional courses may be required depending on prior studies.

Deadline for candidates that hold a foreign bachelor's degree: 28 February 2026
(30 April 2026 for candidates that hold a Swiss bachelor's degree at the start of the next academic year AND, according to their nationality, are not subject to a visa for entry into Switzerland for more than 90 days, according to Swiss government requirements and regardless of their current place of residence, or for candidates holding a Swiss residence permit that is valid beyond 30 April.)

www.unige.ch/enrolment

Master's students are encouraged to go on exchange, if possible for a single semester, given the duration of the programme. Students may go on exchange regardless of how many credits they have completed at the Faculty. Under regulations, students may earn no more than 24 credits (2 modules) while on exchange. The dissertation cannot be substituted.

www.unige.ch/exchange

Unlike other fields of study, Arts degrees are not geared toward a specific career and graduates generally need to gain additional experience on the job.
Job opportunities may be found in the following areas: teaching, journalism, radio, television, publishing, libraries, documentation centres, archives, bookshops, museums, heritage protection organisations, international organisations, diplomacy, private companies, banks, administration, staff management, tourism, public relations, cultural activities, art dealerships, galleries, and literary, linguistic or philosophical research and writing, etc.

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES
Uni Bastions
5 rue De-Candolle
1211 Genève 4

STUDENT AFFAIRS
T. +41 (0)22 379 73 16/76
service-etudiants(at)unige.ch

ACADEMIC ADVISORS
Master
Sandra Rubal
T. +41 (0)22 379 73 11
Sandra.Rubal(at)unige.ch

Master Admissions, post-graduate studies, applicants without a Swiss school-leaving diploma, advanced standing
Olivier Frutiger
T. +41 (0)22 379 73 13
Olivier.Frutiger(at)unige.ch

Exchanges
Nicolas Fornerod
T. +41 (0)22 379 73 18
Nicolas.Fornerod(at)unige.ch