Master in Volcanology at University of Naples Federico II
Two-year English-taught LM-74 master's at Federico II in Naples on volcanic processes, monitoring and hazard assessment, with fieldwork on the volcanoes around Naples and internships at INGV-OV. Entry needs a geology, physics or chemistry degree or 60 related ECTS, and B2 English.
Master
2 years
Naples
English
University of Naples Federico II
Volcanology is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-74) taught in English at the University of Naples Federico II, on the Monte Sant'Angelo campus in Naples. Entry needs a three-year bachelor's in geology, physics, chemistry or an equivalent field, or 60 ECTS in related subjects, plus English at B2. The degree can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Federico II's Volcanology master asks for a bachelor's of at least three years in geology, physics, chemistry or an equivalent field, or at least 60 ECTS in geology, mathematics, chemistry and informatics subjects, plus an internationally recognised English certificate at B2. These rules appear in the 2022 programme leaflet and on the programme page updated for 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree requirement
To be eligible you need one of the following: [1][2]
- A bachelor's degree of at least three years in geology, physics or chemistry, or an equivalent degree.
- At least 60 ECTS in geology, mathematics, chemistry and informatics-related subjects.
Other academic backgrounds and careers are evaluated case by case. Neither source sets a minimum grade. [1][2]
What this means for your transcript
Credits on a foreign transcript are not the same unit as ECTS, and the course looks at your subjects, not just your total. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a three-year B.Sc. in Geology, Applied Geology, Physics or Chemistry.
- Check carefully: a general B.Sc. with physics, chemistry or geology as one of several subjects, a B.Sc. in Environmental Science, or a B.Tech or B.E. in Civil, Geological or Mining Engineering. These need the 60 ECTS in geology, maths, chemistry and informatics subjects, or a case-by-case review.
- Often short: a BCA, B.Com, BBA or BA usually lacks the geology and chemistry content, so it depends on the case-by-case review.
English
You need an internationally recognised English proficiency certificate at CEFR level B2 or higher. If your level is not officially certified, the course teachers can provide a placement test. Neither source lists specific tests or minimum scores. [1][2]
Federico II's international admission page notes that an international English certificate, such as IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge, is useful when the consulate issues the visa. [3]
Admission and selection
The programme page lists admission as open access, and neither source describes an entrance test. Before you can enrol, your degree and English level are checked against the requirements above. [2][3]
Deadlines
Registration for the first and second year runs each year from 1 September to 31 October, as set in Federico II's yearly guide to registration and fees. [2]
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants living abroad had until 15 June 2026 to submit Universitaly pre-enrolment to Federico II, and visa applications at Italian embassies and consulates are due by 30 November 2026. The 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [3]
Documents and non-EU steps
Non-EU applicants living abroad first pre-enrol on Universitaly, naming Federico II, the degree programme and the embassy or consulate where they will apply for the visa. Pre-enrolment alone does not grant admission, and Federico II does not issue admission letters for visas. [3]
To evaluate a foreign qualification, Federico II may ask for translations, legalisation, the Diploma Supplement, exam certificates, a CIMEA certificate or a declaration of value. Enrolment needs a declaration of value from the Italian embassy in the country where you graduated or a certificate from an ENIC-NARIC centre. [3]
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 Naples Federico II, Polytechnic and Basic Sciences School, Department of Earth, Environmental and Resource Sciences (DiSTAR). Master of Science in Volcanology programme leaflet with admission requirements, May 2022. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Naples Federico II, orientation portal. Volcanology programme page (admission, study plan, internships and registration period), updated for academic year 2026/2027. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Naples Federico II, international office. Admission regulation for international students, with 2026 pre-enrolment and visa deadlines. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Volcanology is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-74) taught in English by the Department of Earth, Environmental and Resource Sciences (DiSTAR) of the University of Naples Federico II.
Classes are held in Building 10 of the Monte Sant'Angelo campus, Via Vicinale Cupa Cintia 21, in Naples.
The programme gives in-depth theoretical and experimental knowledge of the physical and chemical processes that control how volcanoes behave and the hazards they pose.
It suits graduates in geology, physics or chemistry who want to work on monitoring, modelling and hazard assessment in active volcanic areas.
What you will study
The first term of year one (September to January) is made of mandatory courses.
From the second term (March to June) you choose 12 credits of optional units, and a further 6 credits of options follow in the first term of year two.
The final term is kept for research on your dissertation, worth 24 credits. The main topics named on the official course page are:
- Analysis of the complex volcano system with basic methodologies
- Mineralogical and petrographic analysis of intrusive and effusive igneous rocks and pyroclastic products
- Geophysical and geochemical methods for monitoring and surveillance in active volcanic areas
- Models of volcanic deformation and simulation of transport and emplacement processes
- Volcanic hazard assessment over different time horizons
- Tools for interdisciplinary emergency management planning
- Geological heritage in volcanic areas
How the programme is taught
Courses combine synchronous lectures, practical discussion sessions, laboratory and computer-assisted experimental work, and several days of fieldwork, mostly in the active volcanic areas around Naples.
Students are expected to do an internship. It can take place at INGV-OV, whose headquarters in Via Diocleziano are about 3 km from the campus, at other INGV offices, at foreign volcano observatories or at the Italian Civil Protection offices in Rome. Erasmus exchanges are also planned.
Career paths
Graduates study the past behaviour of volcanoes, contribute to probabilistic hazard estimates, monitor active volcanoes and forecast how their activity may evolve.
They also process geochemical and geophysical data to model the volcano system, and communicate the status of a volcano during pre-alarm phases or crises. Main outlets named by the university:
- government agencies in hazard management
- volcano observatories
- geotechnical companies
- risk management and reinsurance companies
- PhD and second-level master programmes, and the Italian State exam for professional geologists
Fees and scholarships
Federico II's international admission page states that non-EU students are exempt from tuition fees, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. [3]
The fee rules for each year are in the university's student guides. ADISURC, the Campania DSU body, awards regional scholarships; its 2026/27 call set an ISEE limit of €25,500 and closed on 10 September 2026.
Eligible students can apply, and the region decides.
How to apply from outside the EU
Your degree is checked first: a geology, physics or chemistry background, or 60 ECTS in the listed subjects, plus B2 English. We send your qualification with translation, legalisation and a Diploma Supplement, CIMEA certificate or declaration of value to the course coordinator for evaluation.
We then pre-enrol you on Universitaly, naming Federico II, Volcanology and your consulate.
For 2026/27, Federico II's pre-enrolment deadline was 15 June 2026, and visa applications at Italian embassies and consulates are due by 30 November 2026. The 2027/28 dates are not out yet. [3]
Pre-enrolment does not mean admission, and Federico II does not issue admission letters for visas.
Compare related master's programmes
If you are exploring geoscience and climate, compare the curriculum and entry requirements on these programme pages before choosing your shortlist.
- Master in Science of Climate at University of Bologna
- Master in Water and Geological Risk Engineering at University of Padua
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 Federico II's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your documents for the course coordinator's degree evaluation and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your ADISURC Campania 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 Federico II's Volcanology master?
A bachelor's of at least three years in geology, physics, chemistry or an equivalent field. You can also qualify with at least 60 ECTS in geology, mathematics, chemistry and informatics subjects, and other backgrounds are evaluated case by case. [1][2]
Is there an entrance exam?
No. The programme page lists admission as open access, and neither source describes an entrance test. Your degree and English level are checked against the requirements before you can enrol. [2][3]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
You need an internationally recognised English certificate at B2 or higher, and no specific test or score is listed. If your level is not certified, the course teachers can provide a placement test. An international certificate such as IELTS also helps with the visa. [1][3]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, Federico II's Universitaly pre-enrolment deadline for non-EU applicants living abroad was 15 June 2026, and visa applications are due by 30 November 2026. Registration runs each year from 1 September to 31 October. The 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [2][3]
I have a B.Sc. in Physics or a B.Tech in Civil Engineering. Can I apply?
A three-year bachelor's in Physics matches the main degree rule. A B.Tech in Civil Engineering is not on the list, so it needs at least 60 ECTS in geology, maths, chemistry and informatics subjects or a case-by-case review, and we check your transcript against that. [1][2]
Does the course include fieldwork and internships?
Yes. Courses include several days of fieldwork, mostly in the active volcanic areas around Naples. Students are expected to do an internship at INGV-OV or other INGV offices, at foreign volcano observatories or at the Italian Civil Protection offices in Rome. [2]
What jobs does it lead to?
Federico II names government agencies in hazard management, volcano observatories, geotechnical companies, and risk management and reinsurance companies. Graduates can also take the Italian State exam for professional geologists or continue to a PhD or a second-level master. [1][2]
Can someone handle my whole application to Volcanology at Federico II?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Federico II's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the ADISURC Campania 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 Volcanology?
A recognised three-year Indian B.Sc. in Geology, Physics or Chemistry matches the degree rule, and other degrees can qualify with at least 60 ECTS in geology, maths, chemistry and informatics subjects. You also need an English certificate at B2. The steps are degree evaluation by the course coordinator and Universitaly pre-enrolment, which closed on 15 June 2026 for 2026/27. [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 Volcanology are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: degree evaluation by the course coordinator 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 Volcanology are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: degree evaluation by the course coordinator 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 Volcanology 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: degree evaluation by the course coordinator 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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