Master in Philosophical Knowledge: Foundations, Methods, Applications at University of Bergamo
Two-year English-taught LM-78 philosophy master's at the University of Bergamo, run jointly with the University of Pavia and IUSS Pavia, covering metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, mind and the philosophy of technology and AI.
Master
2 years
Bergamo
English
University of Bergamo
Philosophical Knowledge: Foundations, Methods, Applications is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's in philosophy (class LM-78) taught in English in Bergamo, run with the University of Pavia and IUSS Pavia. It links theoretical philosophy with science and technology. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's in philosophy (Italian class L-5) or a foreign degree recognised as adequate; graduates in other subjects need at least 24 credits in philosophical disciplines such as theoretical philosophy, logic, ethics or history of philosophy.
- English at B2 level, shown by a recognised certificate or an equivalent English exam, otherwise assessed at interview.
- No entrance test: applicants with a foreign degree have an online pre-assessment interview in English on their academic background, core philosophical topics and motivation.
- Translated degree and transcript, passport copy and at least one reference.
About the programme
Philosophical Knowledge: Foundations, Methods, Applications (PFMA) is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-78 philosophy) worth 120 ECTS and taught in English. It is an inter-university joint 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. Teaching takes place in Bergamo, at the Sant'Agostino campus in Città Alta.
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.
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 and pay its income-based fees. For 2026/27 the application portal shows a first instalment of €0 to €400, a second of €0 to €1,700 and €156 due at enrolment, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. The university runs the Lombardy DSU scholarship call, and income and merit decide awards.
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. You apply on the University of Bergamo DreamApply portal, paying €30 to apply for up to two master's degrees. In the 2026/27 cycle the calls ran from 24 November 2025 to 31 January 2026; the 2027/28 dates are still pending.
Admitted students then complete Universitaly pre-enrolment and apply for a type D study visa.
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 Philosophical Knowledge master taught in English?
Yes. The 2026/27 course catalogue lists English as the teaching language, and admission requires English at B2 level.
Who runs the degree?
It is an inter-university joint degree of the University of Bergamo with the University of Pavia and IUSS Pavia. Students apply and enrol at Bergamo, where teaching takes place.
Which bachelor's degrees are accepted?
A philosophy bachelor's, or any degree with at least 24 credits in philosophical disciplines such as theoretical philosophy, logic, ethics, aesthetics or history of philosophy.
Is there an entrance test?
No written test. Applicants with a foreign degree have an online interview in English on their academic background, core philosophical topics and motivation.
What can I do after graduating?
Graduates can go on to a PhD or teaching, or work in human resources, work organisation, public relations and communication, cultural publishing or career guidance.
How much are the fees?
Fees depend on family income. For 2026/27 the first instalment is €0 to €400 and the second €0 to €1,700, plus €156 at enrolment. The application fee is €30.
Similar programmes
More programmes in this city
They began right where you are
