Master in Philosophical Knowledge: Foundations, Methods, Applications at University of Bergamo
Two-year English-taught LM-78 R philosophy master's at the University of Bergamo, run with the University of Pavia and IUSS Pavia, covering metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, mind and the philosophy of technology. Entry needs 24 philosophy credits and English at B2.
Master
2 years
Bergamo
English
University of Bergamo
Philosophical Knowledge: Foundations, Methods, Applications is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-78 R) taught in English at the University of Bergamo, run with the University of Pavia and IUSS Pavia. Entry needs a philosophy bachelor's or 24 credits in philosophy, English at B2 and an interview in English. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Bergamo's Philosophical Knowledge master asks for a bachelor's in philosophy or a recognised foreign equivalent, or any bachelor's with at least 24 credits in philosophy, English at B2, and a positive personal preparation interview in English. Reviewed 9 October 2026. [1]
Degree and the 24-credit rule
You need a bachelor's in philosophy (Italian class L-5) or a foreign bachelor's recognised as adequate. The programme sets no restriction on the subject of your first degree, but you need either the philosophy degree or at least 24 credits in these areas: [1]
- Theoretical philosophy (PHIL-01/A)
- Logic and philosophy of science (PHIL-02/A)
- Ethics (PHIL-03/A)
- Aesthetics, and philosophy and theory of language (PHIL-04/A and 04/B)
- History of philosophy, including ancient and medieval philosophy (PHIL-05/A, 05/B and 05/C)
- Philosophy of law (GIUR-17/A) and political philosophy (GPS-01/A)
Without the curricular requirements you cannot move on to the personal preparation assessment. Missing requirements can be made up through single courses, with enrolment in the following academic year. [1]
For bachelor's degrees from India and Pakistan, the University of Bergamo states that a general bachelor's does not give access to a master's degree, and an honours bachelor's is needed. [3]
What this means for your transcript
Italian CFU and the credits on a foreign transcript are not the same unit, and the committee looks at your philosophy units, not just your total. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a BA (Honours) in Philosophy, or an honours BA with philosophy as a major subject.
- Check carefully: a BA in Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, English or History, or an LLB, which can include political philosophy, philosophy of law, ethics or logic but often falls short of 24 credits.
- Often short: a B.Tech, B.E., B.Sc., BCA, B.Com or BBA, which rarely includes philosophy units beyond a single ethics or logic paper.
A general or pass bachelor's from India or Pakistan does not give access whatever its subjects, so we check the type of degree first, then your philosophy credits. [1][3]
English
Admission requires English at CEFR level B2. On the programme's own route it is assessed in an interview, and an equivalent English exam or a certificate recognised by the university's Language Centre exempts you from that test. [1]
For the non-EU online pre-evaluation, an English certificate is compulsory. The 2026/27 checklist accepts certificates such as IELTS Academic 5.5, TOEFL iBT 72, PTE Academic 46, Cambridge First (grade B or C) and Trinity ISE II, or a medium of instruction certificate if your degree was taught entirely in English. [4]
Personal preparation interview
The personal preparation assessment is mandatory once your curricular requirements are confirmed. If your academic record is judged appropriate, you are invited to an individual interview in English. [1]
The interview has two parts. The first covers your previous studies and core topics of the programme, such as the history of philosophy, metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, logic and philosophy of mind. The second explores your motivation, your scientific and language skills, and your research interests. [1]
Italian philosophy graduates (L-5) with at least 100/110, or finalists with an average of at least 26/30, are exempt. For non-EU applicants who need a visa, and all applicants with a foreign degree who take the online pre-assessment, the pre-assessment interview replaces the standard preparation review. [1] The programme holds all its admission interviews remotely. [6]
Deadlines
These dates come from the 2026/27 cycle and the provisional 2027/28 calendar. For 2026/27, the first call's interview results for non-EU applicants came out in March 2026, and eligible applicants could pre-enrol from 1 April 2026. [5] Applicants outside the pre-evaluation route had pre-enrolment windows from 1 April to 13 November 2026. [6]
For 2027/28, the first call for open-access master's degrees such as this one runs from November 2026 to January 2027, with online admission interviews in February and March 2027 and rankings by 31 March 2027. A second call has interviews in March and April 2027 and rankings within April 2027. The university marks these calls as to be updated soon. [3]
Documents and non-EU steps
The online pre-evaluation runs on the university's DreamApply portal. You register and can submit up to two applications. [3] For this programme the compulsory documents are your bachelor's degree translated into English or Italian, your official transcript or Diploma Supplement, an English certificate and a valid passport. The Major Area Form required for other programmes is not needed here. A reference letter, a CV and a CIMEA statement are recommended but not compulsory. [4]
In 2026/27, final-year students applying to an open-access course could apply with a certificate of their expected graduation date if they expected to graduate by 30 June 2026. [4]
After a positive result, you pre-enrol at the University of Bergamo, complete Universitaly pre-enrolment and apply for the study visa. On arrival, you submit your original documents to finalise enrolment. [5]
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 Bergamo, Department of Letters, Philosophy, Communication. Admission requirements, Master's degree in Philosophical Knowledge: Foundations, Methods, Applications (curricular requirements and personal preparation assessment), undated. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
- University of Bergamo. Course regulations, normative part, Master's degree in Philosophical Knowledge: Foundations, Methods, Applications (class LM-78 R, inter-university with the University of Pavia and IUSS Pavia), in force from academic year 2025/26. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
- University of Bergamo, International Office. Online pre-evaluation for non-EU students applying to master's degrees taught in English, academic year 2027/28. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
- University of Bergamo, International Office. Checklist of documents for the online pre-evaluation of non-EU applicants to master's degrees, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
- University of Bergamo, International Office. First call online interview results and instructions, master's degrees taught in English, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
- University of Bergamo. Master's degrees pre-enrolment and enrolment deadlines, and the programme's pre-enrolment interview sessions, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
- University of Bergamo. Taxes and benefits, and fees for students with residence and income abroad, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
- University of Bergamo, International Office. Fees, grants and scholarships for foreign students, academic years 2026/27 and 2027/28. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
About the programme
Philosophical Knowledge: Foundations, Methods, Applications (PFMA) is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-78 R, philosophical sciences) worth 120 ECTS and taught in English. It is an inter-university degree with the University of Pavia and IUSS Pavia, run by the University of Bergamo Department of Letters, Philosophy, Communication, where students apply and enrol. The three universities issue the diploma jointly, and teaching uses the classrooms of all three on a calendar agreed each year. [2]
The course gives students the theory, conceptual methods and argument skills to work across many fields, and connects philosophy with recent scientific research. It suits philosophy graduates, and graduates from other fields with a solid philosophy base, who want to go on to a PhD or apply philosophical skills in business, communication or human resources.
What you will study
The first year covers core philosophical problems and their history; the second adds lessons and workshops on science and technology, such as economics and management, robotics and machine ethics, the neuroscience of decision-making, sustainability, and data analysis. First-year units in the 2026/27 plan include:
- Metaphysics and Mind, Epistemology and Mathematics, and Ethics and Politics
- Ontology and Metaphysics, and Ethics and Bioethics
- Philosophy of Mind and of Cognitive Sciences, and Knowledge and Rationality
- Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Technology, and Philosophy of Language and Semiotics
- Philosophy of Mathematics: Epistemology and Practice
- Science and Philosophy in the Middle Ages, Ancient Dialectics or Philosophy of Nature
- Laboratories on risk and uncertainty in decision-making, and on applied ontologies
How the programme is taught
Teaching is conventional and in person. Non-native speakers of English are invited to take Academic English in the first year, and students whose first language is not Italian can follow an Italian for foreigners course. Laboratories and second-year workshops train students to apply philosophical tools to practical problems. Lecture attendance is not compulsory but strongly recommended, while laboratories and internships require attendance. [2]
Career paths
Besides teaching and a PhD route, the course prepares graduates for business, communication and human resources roles. It lists these profiles:
- Human resources specialist and work organisation specialist
- Public relations, image and communication specialist
- Philosopher in consulting, research, writing and cultural publishing
- Researcher in historical and philosophical sciences
- Secondary school teacher, with the required credits
- School and career guidance counsellor
Fees and scholarships
Students enrol at the University of Bergamo, where fees follow family income (ISEEU), so programmes can be tuition-free for eligible students. Students with income abroad need an ISEEU parificato, and without one the top bracket applies. [7]
Students found eligible for a university scholarship are fully exempt from the contribution once they meet the merit requirement in the scholarship call, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. [7] The University of Bergamo runs its own scholarship call, and it also offers Top International Student grants of €8,000 gross, awarded on GRE scores, to first-year students on English-taught master's degrees. [8]
How to apply from outside the EU
Applicants with a foreign degree take an online pre-assessment interview in English, which replaces the standard preparation review. We apply on the University of Bergamo DreamApply portal, where you can submit up to two applications. For 2027/28, the provisional first call runs from November 2026 to January 2027, with online interviews in February and March 2027 and rankings by 31 March 2027. [3]
In 2026/27, eligible applicants then pre-enrolled at the University of Bergamo, completed Universitaly pre-enrolment and applied for a type D study visa. On arrival, they finalised enrolment. [5]
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 Bergamo's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your online pre-evaluation on the University of Bergamo's portal, pre-enrolment and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your regional DSU 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 Philosophical Knowledge at Bergamo?
A bachelor's in philosophy or a recognised foreign equivalent. Graduates in other subjects can apply if their degree includes at least 24 credits in philosophy areas such as theoretical philosophy, logic, ethics, aesthetics, history of philosophy, philosophy of law or political philosophy. [1]
Is there an entrance exam?
There is no written test. After the curricular check, you have an individual interview in English on your studies, core philosophical topics and motivation. For non-EU applicants with a foreign degree, this happens online during the pre-assessment. [1]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at B2. For the non-EU pre-evaluation an English certificate is compulsory. The 2026/27 checklist accepts IELTS Academic 5.5, TOEFL iBT 72, PTE Academic 46 or Cambridge First, among others, or a medium of instruction certificate if your degree was taught entirely in English. [1][4]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2027/28, the provisional first call runs from November 2026 to January 2027, with online interviews in February and March 2027 and rankings by 31 March 2027. A second call follows, with interviews in March and April 2027. The university marks these dates as to be updated. [3]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes, for this open-access course. In 2026/27, final-year applicants could apply with a certificate of their expected graduation date if they expected to graduate by 30 June 2026. The 2027/28 date is not yet published. [4]
I have a BA in Political Science or Psychology. Can I apply?
Possibly. Any degree subject is welcome if it includes at least 24 credits in the listed philosophy areas. Units in political philosophy, ethics, logic or philosophy of law count, but many such degrees fall short, so we check your transcript first. [1]
I have a three-year BA from India or Pakistan. Is it enough?
Only if it is an honours degree. The University of Bergamo states that a general bachelor's from India or Pakistan does not give access to a master's degree, and an honours bachelor's is needed. You also need the 24 philosophy credits or a philosophy degree. [1][3]
Who runs the degree and where is it taught?
It is an inter-university degree of the University of Bergamo, the University of Pavia and IUSS Pavia, with a diploma issued jointly by all three. Bergamo is the administrative seat, and teaching uses the classrooms of all three universities on a calendar agreed each year. [2]
Can someone handle my whole application to Philosophical Knowledge at Bergamo?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Bergamo's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the regional DSU 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 Philosophical Knowledge?
Bergamo asks for an honours bachelor's from India, because a general bachelor's does not give access to a master's degree. A BA (Honours) in Philosophy is the closest fit, and other subjects need 24 credits in philosophy areas such as ethics, logic or political philosophy. You also need English at B2. The steps are the online pre-evaluation with an interview in English, pre-enrolment at Bergamo and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [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 Philosophical Knowledge are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online pre-evaluation with an interview in English, pre-enrolment at Bergamo and Universitaly pre-enrolment, 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 Philosophical Knowledge are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online pre-evaluation with an interview in English, pre-enrolment at Bergamo and Universitaly pre-enrolment. 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 Philosophical Knowledge 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 pre-evaluation with an interview in English, pre-enrolment at Bergamo and Universitaly pre-enrolment, 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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