Master in Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry at University of Bologna
Two-year English-taught LM-71-R master at Bologna's Department of Industrial Chemistry, part of the five-university ASC Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in spectroscopy, starting in Lille. Entry needs a chemistry degree and English at B2; applications were paused in September 2026.
Master
2 years
Bologna
English
University of Bologna
Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-71-R) taught in English at the University of Bologna as part of ASC, an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master with four other European universities. Entry needs a chemistry or related degree, English at B2 and a consortium review. As of September 2026, applications were paused and Erasmus Mundus scholarships had ended.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Bologna's Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry master, part of the ASC Erasmus Mundus Joint Master, asks for a bachelor's in chemistry or a closely related field, English at B2 and a positive consortium review of your academic record, CV, motivation letter and two recommendation letters. Applications were on pause as of September 2026. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree requirement
You need a three-year university degree, or a foreign qualification recognised as suitable, and you must meet the curricular requirements. You must hold one of these: [1]
- an Italian degree in class L-27, Chemical sciences and technologies, or the older class 21
- the Chemistry Eurobachelor®
- at least 90 CFU in chemistry or chemical engineering subjects (sectors CHIM/01 to 12 and ING-IND/21 to 27)
You also need foundations in general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry and analytical chemistry. For foreign degrees, the committee checks this knowledge from your previous studies. [1]
The consortium accepts a bachelor's in chemistry or equivalent education in chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry or chemical physics. The University of Bologna's page adds that you need at least 180 ECTS before the ASC courses begin. [2][3]
What this means for your transcript
The selection board screens both the content and the level of your degree. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Sc. (Honours) in Chemistry, or a B.Sc. with chemistry as the main subject and papers across organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry.
- Check carefully: a B.Sc. in Biochemistry, a three-subject B.Sc. with Chemistry, a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering or a B.Pharm. The consortium says pharmacy graduates have completed the course before but may have had to catch up in some fields of chemistry. [3]
- Often short: a B.Sc. in Biology or Physics without core chemistry papers, a B.Tech in Computer Science, a BCA, B.Com, BBA or BA.
English
English at CEFR level B2 is required. [1] The University of Bologna's page gives B2 as the minimum and C1 as preferred. [2]
The consortium accepts B2 proof in several ways, including a letter from your university stating that English was the medium of instruction. Its minimum test scores are: [3]
- IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no section below 5.5
- TOEFL paper-based: 570
- Cambridge: CAE or CPE
- TOEIC: 785
- Duolingo: above 100
Consortium selection
There is no entrance test. A central commission with members from the five partner universities scores every complete application on a weighted grid: [2][3]
- academic records (30%), with a minimum threshold
- scientific background of your undergraduate studies (25%), with a minimum threshold
- ranking of your university (10%)
- motivation letter (10%)
- English level (10%)
- recommendation letters (5%)
- practical experience (5%)
- awards and grants (5%)
The programme board validates the final ranking. At Bologna, the check of personal preparation uses an average evaluation across the partner universities, and only candidates above a set threshold are admitted. If you do not pass, you cannot enrol. Incomplete applications, or documents not provided in English, are not considered. [1][3]
Application dates
As of September 2026, applications to the ASC consortium were on pause. Its latest call for non-EU applicants, for self-funded students only, lists the opening, deadline and admission decision dates as to be announced, and shows the call as closed. We track the consortium's announcement of the next call. [3]
Final-year students can apply with an official certificate of registration from their university, but must have graduated by the time they enrol in the ASC programme. [3]
Documents and non-EU steps
The application form must be completed in English, and every document must be in English or come with an English translation approved by the issuing university or an official translator. You upload: [3]
- a copy of your passport or valid ID
- a certified copy of your degree certificate, or a certificate of registration if you are in your final year
- certified copies of your university transcripts
- proof of English at B2 or equivalent
- two original recommendation letters
- proof of your current place of residence
The University of Bologna's page also lists your CV and a motivation letter among the selection documents. For the Bologna part, non-EU students pre-enrol on Universitaly for the entry visa, matriculate on Studenti Online and show their original documents at the International Student Administration Office. [2]
Sources and verification
Checked by the ApplyAZ admissions team against the university's official documents listed below. Entry rules can change with each new call, and we re-check them before every application.
- University of Bologna. Course regulations, regulatory part, Second Cycle Degree in Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry (LM-71), undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Bologna, Department of Industrial Chemistry "Toso Montanari". Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry programme website: home page and Programme enrolment page (requirements, deadlines and methods), academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- ASC European Master consortium (University of Lille, Leipzig University, University of Helsinki, Jagiellonian University in Krakow and University of Bologna). Application process, selection process, mobility, participation costs and objective and degree pages, updated between September 2025 and September 2026. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry is a two-year, 120 ECTS second cycle degree (laurea magistrale) in class LM-71-R, Industrial chemistry, delivered entirely in English. At the University of Bologna it is run by the Department of Industrial Chemistry “Toso Montanari” (CHIMIND), with open access, and the degree programme director is Elisabetta Venuti. [2]
It is the Bologna branch of ASC, an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master run by five universities: Lille in France, Leipzig in Germany, Helsinki in Finland, the Jagiellonian University in Krakow in Poland, and Bologna. The University of Bologna describes it as an international track in advanced chemistry and spectroscopy to prepare you to lead innovation in research and industry. [2][3]
Current status of applications
As of September 2026, the ASC consortium says its Erasmus Mundus project is coming to an end, Erasmus Mundus scholarships are no longer available and applications are on pause. Its application page lists the next opening and deadline dates as to be announced, and tuition conditions for upcoming intakes are still being finalised. We track the consortium's updates before you plan an application. [3]
What you will study
The degree combines 90 ECTS of courses with a 30 ECTS master's thesis. The consortium aims to give a sound background in advanced spectroscopy, in both experimental techniques and scientific knowledge, with access to equipment not available at a single university. Each partner offers specialisation courses: [3]
- Bologna: sustainable chemistry, and spectroscopy for fluid and condensed phases
- Helsinki: computational chemistry, and green and atmospheric chemistry
- Krakow: spectroscopy of nano- and biomaterials
- Leipzig: spectroscopy for bioorganics, surface science and catalysis
- Lille: solid state spectroscopy and catalysis
A winter school is held each year at the end of February or the start of March. [3]
Where you study
You study in at least two countries and can attend up to three universities: [3]
- Semester 1: Lille, France.
- Semester 2: Bologna, Lille or Leipzig.
- Semesters 3 and 4: mobility to another consortium university, with the master's thesis in the 4th semester in your chosen specialist field.
You choose your mobility path from mid-November of the first semester, ranking three choices in a motivation letter, and the Academic Board aims for 3 to 4 students per university in the second year. Each host university where you validate at least one semester (30 ECTS) issues a master's degree, so graduates receive a multiple degree with a joint Diploma Supplement. [3]
Thesis and final exam
At Bologna, the final exam is a thesis written and defended in public in English, under a supervisor, before a committee of at least three members. The thesis is first reviewed by at least one external expert from an ASC partner university. An internship of up to 12 months linked to the thesis is possible, with credits above those needed for the degree. [1]
Career paths
The consortium prepares students for industrial careers in the spectroscopic characterisation of matter and for doctoral studies, in fields such as molecular synthesis, biology, nanotechnologies, modelling, pharmacy, green chemistry, materials and sustainable energy. The network includes 17 associated industrial and research partners. [3]
Fees and scholarships
The consortium says tuition conditions for upcoming intakes are being finalised by the partner universities, and that Erasmus Mundus scholarships are no longer available. The University of Bologna's general rule is that fees follow family income through the ISEE, but this joint degree's fees for the next intake are not yet published, so we confirm them before you apply. [2][3]
How to apply from outside the EU
Applications go through the ASC consortium's online form, not directly to Bologna, for both EU and non-EU students. The most recent call for non-EU (partner country) applicants was for self-funded students, with opening, deadline and decision dates to be announced. [2][3]
A central consortium commission, with members from all five universities, scores each file, and admitted students receive an admission letter and a student guide from the consortium. For the Bologna part, the University of Bologna asks non-EU students to complete Universitaly pre-enrolment, matriculate on Studenti Online and show their original documents in Bologna. [2][3]
How ApplyAZ helps
ApplyAZ is an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities. We can include this programme in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes that fit your profile, so your plan never rests on a single application.
For eligible students who start with us, a named person owns each stage, from A to Z:
- We check your transcript against Bologna's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your ASC consortium online application with your transcripts, English proof and recommendation letters, and Bologna enrolment documents.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your ER.GO Emilia-Romagna scholarship application at the right time and in the right format.
- We prepare your visa file.
With operations in all 20 Italian regions, we follow each region's scholarship rules and deadlines as they change. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa, so no one can promise an outcome. You pay in milestones, and every service you pay for is either delivered or its fee is refunded (terms apply).
Programmes at Italian public universities can be tuition-free for eligible students. Check if you are eligible and book a one-to-one consultation session with one of our Italy experts, or see how ApplyAZ works.
Questions and answers
What bachelor's degree do I need for Bologna's Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry master?
A chemistry degree (Italian class L-27 or the Chemistry Eurobachelor), or at least 90 CFU in chemistry or chemical engineering subjects, with foundations in general, organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry. The consortium also accepts equivalent degrees in biochemistry, physical chemistry or chemical physics. [1][3]
Is there an entrance exam?
No. A central commission from the five partner universities scores your academic record, scientific background, university ranking, motivation letter, English, recommendation letters, experience and awards. Only candidates above a set threshold are admitted. [1][2][3]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at B2, with C1 preferred by Bologna. The consortium accepts IELTS 6.5 with no section below 5.5, TOEFL paper-based 570, Cambridge CAE or CPE, TOEIC 785, Duolingo above 100, or a university letter confirming English-medium study. [1][2][3]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
There is no open deadline. As of September 2026, the consortium had paused applications, and its latest non-EU call, for self-funded students, lists the opening and deadline dates as to be announced. We track the next call for you. [3]
Are Erasmus Mundus scholarships still available?
No. The consortium says the ASC Erasmus Mundus project is coming to an end, so Erasmus Mundus scholarships are no longer available, and tuition conditions for upcoming intakes are still being finalised by the partner universities. [3]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes. Final-year students can apply with an official certificate of registration from their university, but the degree must be awarded by the time you enrol in the ASC programme. [3]
I have a B.Pharm or a B.Sc. in Biochemistry. Can I apply?
Possibly. The consortium accepts chemistry or equivalent degrees, including biochemistry, and says pharmacy graduates have completed the course before, though some had to catch up in parts of chemistry. We check your papers against the core chemistry areas first. [1][3]
Where will I study?
The first semester is in Lille, France, and the second in Bologna, Lille or Leipzig. You then move to another consortium university for the third and fourth semesters, studying in at least two countries, and receive a degree from each university where you complete at least one semester. [3]
Can someone handle my whole application to Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry at Bologna?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Bologna's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the ER.GO Emilia-Romagna scholarship application at the right time and in the right format, and prepares your visa file, for eligible students. Start by checking your eligibility.
I'm applying from India. What is the route into Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry?
An Indian B.Sc. in Chemistry, or a biochemistry or physical chemistry degree with strong chemistry content, is the closest match, with English at B2. The ASC consortium handles applications, and these were on pause as of September 2026 while the next intake is set. Your first semester would be in Lille, France. [1][3] Indian students apply for the type D study visa at the Italian embassy or consulate that covers their state, such as New Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru.
Is the route different from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka?
No. The academic rules for Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online application to the ASC consortium, consortium selection and the enrolment steps at each host university, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for their country of residence. Read our guide for students in Dhaka.
I live in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain. Where do I apply for the visa?
At the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for the country where you legally live, after Universitaly pre-enrolment. The academic rules for Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online application to the ASC consortium, consortium selection and the enrolment steps at each host university. Read our guides for Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.
I studied or live in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. What is the route?
The academic rules for Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry are the same whatever your nationality, and your degree is assessed like any other foreign qualification. Non-EU applicants who live abroad follow the same route: online application to the ASC consortium, consortium selection and the enrolment steps at each host university, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for where they live. Read our guides for students in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
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