Master in Neurosciences at University of L’Aquila
Two-year English-taught LM-6 master's at the University of L'Aquila in cellular and molecular neurobiology, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology and neuroimaging, ending with a 16 ECTS research thesis.
Master
2 years
L'Aquila
English
University of L’Aquila
Neurosciences is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree in biology (class LM-6) taught entirely in English at the University of L'Aquila, covering the nervous system from molecules and cells to neuroimaging and neuropathology. Non-EU students not resident in Italy start in the lowest fee band, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's in biological sciences (class L-13) gives direct access; biotechnology graduates (class L-2) have their curriculum assessed by the course council.
- Graduates from other fields need at least 66 ECTS in biology, 12 ECTS in maths or physics and 12 ECTS in chemistry.
- English at B2 level, shown by a certificate obtained in the last four years.
- No entrance test: the international committee selects on qualifications and may add an interview.
- For the international call: CV, degree certificate and transcripts, course descriptions, motivation letter and up to two reference letters.
- A CIMEA statement or declaration of value for your degree at enrolment.
About the programme
Neurosciences is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale) in class LM-6, biology, worth 120 ECTS. It is run by the Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences (MeSVA) of the University of L'Aquila, taught in person in L'Aquila, and the 2026/27 regulation states that it is delivered entirely in English.
The course trains biologists with advanced, hands-on knowledge of the nervous system: its cells and molecules, the methods and computing tools used to study the brain, and the environmental factors that affect how it works. It suits graduates in biological sciences or biotechnology who want a research career in neuroscience.
What you will study
The first year (65 ECTS) builds the biological and technical base; the second year (55 ECTS) moves to evolution, ageing and disease of the nervous system, plus 9 ECTS of electives and the thesis. Units in the 2026/27 plan include:
- Cellular Neurobiology and Developmental Neurobiology (9 ECTS)
- Fundamentals of Neurobiochemistry and Biomolecular Technologies (9 ECTS)
- Integrative Neurophysiology, Molecular Neurobiology and Neuropharmacology (6 ECTS each)
- Genetic Modelling in Neurobiology and Epigenetics, and Anatomic Basis for Neurosciences (6 ECTS each)
- Neuroimaging, and Advanced Techniques for Nervous System and Synaptic Plasticity (5 ECTS each)
- Vertebrate Brain Evolution, Aging Neurobiology and Neuropathology (6 ECTS each)
- Human Neurogenetics, Human Neurology and a Laboratory unit in the second year
How the programme is taught
Practical training runs through both years: 5 ECTS of professional activities in the first year and a 3 ECTS internship in the second, which can be done in a university lab, at an outside organisation under agreement, or abroad through programmes such as Erasmus+. Students may earn internship credits beyond the minimum.
The final exam carries 16 ECTS: an original research thesis prepared under a supervisor during a period in a university laboratory or an approved external centre, possibly abroad under an agreement. The defence can be held in English.
Career paths
The regulation prepares graduates for work as biologists, biochemists, pharmacologists and researchers in biology. Named outlets include:
- Basic or applied research in public and private biomedical institutes
- The pharmaceutical industry, in applied and clinical research and data management
- Innovation and technology transfer in neuroscience, cell biology and biomolecule analysis
- Professional work in health, public administration and industry
- Science teaching and outreach in neuroscience
Graduates can also move on to PhD programmes, health specialisation schools and second-level university masters.
Fees and scholarships
The University of L'Aquila links tuition to family income. Its 2026/27 fee guide charges no annual contribution in the lowest band (ISEE up to €24,000), and non-EU students not resident in Italy are assigned to that band, so the degree can be tuition-free for eligible students, provided minimum credits are earned from the second year. The €140 regional tax and €16 stamp duty are due from everyone at enrolment. Regional scholarships are run by ADSU L'Aquila.
How to apply from outside the EU
Neurosciences is part of the university's call for master's degrees taught in English. Applicants need a biology-based bachelor's (or the minimum biology, maths, physics and chemistry credits) and B2 English. For 2026/27 the call ran on the PICA portal until 25 February 2026 at 1:00 pm Italian time, with a €20 fee.
You upload a CV, degree certificate and transcripts, course descriptions, a motivation letter and up to two reference letters; the committee selects on qualifications and may hold an interview. Admitted students complete Universitaly pre-enrolment, apply for a type D study visa and provide a CIMEA statement or declaration of value at enrolment.
How ApplyAZ helps
If this programme fits your goals, ApplyAZ can include it in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes at Italian public universities. We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose, submit your applications and Universitaly pre-enrolment, file your DSU scholarship application and prepare your visa file, with a named person on each stage. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa. See how ApplyAZ works or check your eligibility.
Questions and answers
Is the Neurosciences master fully in English?
Yes. The 2026/27 regulation states that the course is delivered entirely in English, and the thesis defence can also be in English. Applicants need English at B2 level.
Which bachelor's degrees are accepted?
A bachelor's in biological sciences (class L-13) qualifies directly. Biotechnology graduates are assessed by the course council, and others need 66 ECTS in biology, 12 in maths or physics and 12 in chemistry.
Is there an entrance test?
No written test. For the international call a committee assesses your qualifications and documents and may add an interview, announced at least five days ahead.
Does the course include lab work?
Yes. There are professional activities in year one, a second-year internship in a lab, outside organisation or abroad, and a 16 ECTS research thesis prepared in a laboratory.
When can I apply for 2027/28?
The 2027/28 call has not been published. As a guide, the 2026/27 call for master's degrees taught in English closed on 25 February 2026 at 1:00 pm Italian time, with a €20 fee.
How much are the fees?
For 2026/27, non-EU students not resident in Italy are assigned to the lowest income band, which pays no annual contribution. Everyone pays €156 in regional tax and stamp duty, and ADSU L'Aquila runs regional scholarships.
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