Philology, Literature and History of Antiquity
Philology, Literature and History of Antiquity
Course sheet
A.Y. 2025/2026
Master programme
LM-15 - Philology, literature and classical history
The aim of the master programme in Philology, Literature and History of Antiquity is to provide students with in-depth training in the field of study traditionally defined as 'Altertumswissenschaft'. It is therefore meant to provide: secure knowledge of classical languages and literature, underpinned by a sound command of historical and theoretical linguistics as well as of philological tools; full mastering of methods and techniques for a critical approach to ancient sources (literary, linguistic, documentary, epigraphical, numismatic, archaeological, papyrological, etc.); clear awareness of the impact of ancient civilisation and classical heritage on the development of modern culture.
The master programme in Classics provides broad-spectrum professional skills to be used for career opportunities requiring advanced knowledge in the area of Humanities, the ability to produce and interpret texts as well as the ability to critically manage information. The employment opportunities open to graduates possessing a Masters degree in Philology, Literature and History of the Antiquity include work in areas such as those of publishing, editing, communication, public relations, information management, management of the cultural heritage, management of research centres in the field of the Humanities (libraries, archives, museums, boards for the management of cultural heritage, etc.), text production and human resources. The programme is also aimed at offering students the possibility to obtain credits (ECTS) in the appropriate disciplines necessary to qualify for training as a secondary-school teacher. Graduates with a Master?s degree in Classics also qualify for access to PhD and second level Master?s programmes within their area of specialization.
The course supports students' international mobility, through:
- Erasmus+ 'call for study': thanks to agreements signed by the Department with some UE Universities (Croatia, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Poland, Czech republic, Spain, Hungary, to which Swiss confederation and United Kingdom must be added), students can apply for about 40 fellowships. Funding allows students for study-abroad experiences (courses and exams) that will be recognized by Unimi, if they comply with the 'learning agreement' that must be signed before departure and approved by the Course's Erasmus committee.
- Erasmus+ 'Traineeship': funding allows students to do traineeships based at UE academic or research institutions (Swiss confederation included). Applicants to the Summer call should identify a host institution autonomously, whereas the Fall call offers traineeships based on the agreements signed by Unimi, among which some are offered by the course.
- 'Thesis abroad' programme: funding allows students of Master degree to can carry out their thesis work at academic and research institutions abroad, with no geographical restriction.
- Erasmus+ 'call for study': thanks to agreements signed by the Department with some UE Universities (Croatia, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Poland, Czech republic, Spain, Hungary, to which Swiss confederation and United Kingdom must be added), students can apply for about 40 fellowships. Funding allows students for study-abroad experiences (courses and exams) that will be recognized by Unimi, if they comply with the 'learning agreement' that must be signed before departure and approved by the Course's Erasmus committee.
- Erasmus+ 'Traineeship': funding allows students to do traineeships based at UE academic or research institutions (Swiss confederation included). Applicants to the Summer call should identify a host institution autonomously, whereas the Fall call offers traineeships based on the agreements signed by Unimi, among which some are offered by the course.
- 'Thesis abroad' programme: funding allows students of Master degree to can carry out their thesis work at academic and research institutions abroad, with no geographical restriction.
Attending courses is strongly recommended. However, each course offers an ad-hoc syllabus for non-attending students. Workshop attendance is mandatory.
Enrolment
Admission to the Master's degree in Philology, Literature and History of Antiquity is open to graduates who have obtained a minimum number of credits (ETCS) in specific academic fields, as follows:
At least 54 total ETCS in: L‐ANT; L‐ART; L-FIL-LET; M‐FIL; M‐STO; L‐LIN/01; L‐LIN/02; M‐GGR/01
Including at least 24 ETCS as follows:
6 ETCS in L‐FIL‐LET/02 (Greek Language and Literature)
6 ETCS in L‐FIL‐LET/04 Latin Language and Literature)
6 ETCS in L‐FIL‐LET/02 (Greek Language and Literature) and/or L‐FIL‐LET/04 (Latin Language and Literature)
6 ETCS in L‐ANT/02 (Greek History) and/or L‐ANT/03 (Roman History)
Proficiency in English at a B1 level or higher under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required for admission.
The B1-level requirement will be ascertained by the University Language Centre (SLAM) upon admission as follows:
- Language certificate at or above B1, obtained no more than three years earlier. For the list of language certificates recognized by the University please review: (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267). The certificate must be uploaded when submitting the online application;
- English level achieved during a University of Milan degree programme and certified by the University Language Centre (SLAM) no more than four years before the date of admission application, including levels based on language certificates submitted by the applicants during their Bachelor's degree at the University of Milan. In this case the process is automatic, the applicant does not have to attach any certificates to the application;
- Entry test administrated by the University Language Centre (SLAM) according to the calendar published on the website: (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267)
All those who fail to submit a valid certificate or do not meet the required proficiency level will be instructed during the admission procedure to take the Entry test.
Applicants who do not take or pass the Entry test will be required to obtain a language proficiency certificate recognized by the University (see: https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322) and deliver it to the SLAM via the InformaStudenti service by the deadline fixed for the master's programme (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267/).
Applicants who do not meet the requirement by said deadline will not be admitted to the master's degree programme and may not sit any further tests.
In order to be admitted to academic year 2025-2026, candidates must meet all admission requirements (degree, any single exams, English language proficiency) by December 31, 2025.
The application for admission to the Master's degree programme must be submitted no later than September 30, 2025.
Admitted students and those who graduate by December 31, 2025 must enrol by January 15, 2026.
At the time of submitting the application for admission, students who have not yet graduated and intend to enrol on this programme must have earned at least 130 credits in their Bachelor's degree programme.
Admission assessment
Candidates must meet curricular requirements and have achieved a degree mark higher than 95, as well as holding the above-mentioned English language certificate. Candidates with a degree mark lower than 96 will go through an orientation interview with an admission board. In any case, the board may require the candidate to sit for an interview at its discretion.
At least 54 total ETCS in: L‐ANT; L‐ART; L-FIL-LET; M‐FIL; M‐STO; L‐LIN/01; L‐LIN/02; M‐GGR/01
Including at least 24 ETCS as follows:
6 ETCS in L‐FIL‐LET/02 (Greek Language and Literature)
6 ETCS in L‐FIL‐LET/04 Latin Language and Literature)
6 ETCS in L‐FIL‐LET/02 (Greek Language and Literature) and/or L‐FIL‐LET/04 (Latin Language and Literature)
6 ETCS in L‐ANT/02 (Greek History) and/or L‐ANT/03 (Roman History)
Proficiency in English at a B1 level or higher under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required for admission.
The B1-level requirement will be ascertained by the University Language Centre (SLAM) upon admission as follows:
- Language certificate at or above B1, obtained no more than three years earlier. For the list of language certificates recognized by the University please review: (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267). The certificate must be uploaded when submitting the online application;
- English level achieved during a University of Milan degree programme and certified by the University Language Centre (SLAM) no more than four years before the date of admission application, including levels based on language certificates submitted by the applicants during their Bachelor's degree at the University of Milan. In this case the process is automatic, the applicant does not have to attach any certificates to the application;
- Entry test administrated by the University Language Centre (SLAM) according to the calendar published on the website: (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267)
All those who fail to submit a valid certificate or do not meet the required proficiency level will be instructed during the admission procedure to take the Entry test.
Applicants who do not take or pass the Entry test will be required to obtain a language proficiency certificate recognized by the University (see: https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322) and deliver it to the SLAM via the InformaStudenti service by the deadline fixed for the master's programme (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267/).
Applicants who do not meet the requirement by said deadline will not be admitted to the master's degree programme and may not sit any further tests.
In order to be admitted to academic year 2025-2026, candidates must meet all admission requirements (degree, any single exams, English language proficiency) by December 31, 2025.
The application for admission to the Master's degree programme must be submitted no later than September 30, 2025.
Admitted students and those who graduate by December 31, 2025 must enrol by January 15, 2026.
At the time of submitting the application for admission, students who have not yet graduated and intend to enrol on this programme must have earned at least 130 credits in their Bachelor's degree programme.
Admission assessment
Candidates must meet curricular requirements and have achieved a degree mark higher than 95, as well as holding the above-mentioned English language certificate. Candidates with a degree mark lower than 96 will go through an orientation interview with an admission board. In any case, the board may require the candidate to sit for an interview at its discretion.
Admission
Application for admission: from 22/01/2025 to 30/09/2025
Application for matriculation: from 02/04/2025 to 15/01/2026
Attachments and documents
Notice
The admission notice is available only in Italian as the programme is offered in Italian. Students wishing to enrol must be proficient in Italian.
Online services
Learn more:
Programme description and courses list
Optional programme year
Compulsory activity
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Proficiency B2 (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | English | Open sessions | |
| Latin Literature Ma | 9 | 60 | Italian | First semester | L-FIL-LET/04 |
| Greek History Ma | 6 | 40 | Italian | Second semester | L-ANT/02 |
| Greek Literature Ma | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | L-FIL-LET/02 |
| Roman History Ma | 6 | 40 | Italian | Second semester | L-ANT/03 |
a - 6 ECTS IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient Greek Language Ma | 6 | 40 | Italian | First semester | L-FIL-LET/02 |
| Latin Language Ma | 9 | 60 | Italian | First semester | L-FIL-LET/04 |
b - 12 ECTS (6 + 6 ECTS) IN TWO OF THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient Numismatics Ma | 6 | 40 | Italian | First semester | L-ANT/04 |
| History of Classical Tradition | 6 | 40 | Italian | First semester | L-FIL-LET/05 |
| Greek and Latin Philology | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | L-FIL-LET/05 |
| Historical Linguistics | 6 | 40 | Italian | Second semester | L-LIN/01 |
| Papyrology Ma | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | L-ANT/05 |
c - 24 ECTS IN THREE OR FOUR OF THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS OTHERS THAN THOSE ALREADY CHOSEN FROM A PREVIOUS GROUP
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medieval History | 9 | 60 | Italian | Over several sessions | M-STO/01 |
| Modern History | 9 | 60 | Italian | Over several sessions | M-STO/02 |
| Ancient Greek Language Ma | 6 | 40 | Italian | First semester | L-FIL-LET/02 |
| Ancient Numismatics Ma | 6 | 40 | Italian | First semester | L-ANT/04 |
| Classical Mythology | 6 | 40 | Italian | First semester | M-STO/06 |
| Early Christianity | 9 | 60 | Italian | First semester | M-STO/07 |
| Egyptian Archaelogy | 6 | 40 | Italian | First semester | L-OR/02 |
| German Philology | 9 | 60 | Italian | First semester | L-FIL-LET/15 |
| History of Classical Tradition | 6 | 40 | Italian | First semester | L-FIL-LET/05 |
| History of Medieval Art | 9 | 60 | Italian | First semester | L-ART/01 |
| Indian Religions and Civilization | 9 | 60 | Italian | First semester | L-OR/18 |
| Latin Language Ma | 9 | 60 | Italian | First semester | L-FIL-LET/04 |
| Phoenician-Punic Archaelogy | 6 | 40 | Italian | First semester | L-OR/06 |
| Roman Art and Archaelogy | 9 | 60 | Italian | First semester | L-ANT/07 |
| Romance Linguistics | 9 | 60 | Italian | First semester | L-FIL-LET/09 |
| Sanskrit Language and Literature | 9 | 60 | Italian | First semester | L-OR/18 |
| Social and Environmental Psychology | 9 | 60 | Italian | First semester | M-PSI/05 |
| Theory of Literature | 9 | 60 | Italian | First semester | L-FIL-LET/14 |
| Urban Geography | 9 | 60 | Italian | First semester | M-GGR/01 |
| 19th and 20th Century Italian Literature | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | L-FIL-LET/11 |
| Archaelogy and History of the Ancient Western Asia | 6 | 40 | Italian | Second semester | L-OR/05 |
| Archaelogy in Pre-Roman Italy | 6 | 40 | Italian | Second semester | L-ANT/06 |
| Archaelogy of Magna Grecia | 6 | 40 | Italian | Second semester | L-ANT/07 |
| Comparative Romance Languages and Literatures | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | L-FIL-LET/09 |
| Contemporary History | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | M-STO/04 |
| Data and Natural Language Technologies | 6 | 40 | Italian | Second semester | INF/01 |
| Environmental Anthropology | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | M-DEA/01 |
| Etruscology | 6 | 40 | Italian | Second semester | L-ANT/06 |
| Greek and Latin Philology | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | L-FIL-LET/05 |
| Greek Art and Archaelogy | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | L-ANT/07 |
| Greek Institutions and Epigraphy | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | L-ANT/02 |
| Hebrew Language and Literature | 6 | 40 | Italian | Second semester | L-OR/08 |
| Historical Geography of the Ancient World | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | L-ANT/02 |
| Historical Linguistics | 6 | 40 | Italian | Second semester | L-LIN/01 |
| History of Ancient Philosophy Ma | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | M-FIL/07 |
| History of Italian Language Ma | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | L-FIL-LET/12 |
| History of Medieval Philosophy | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | M-FIL/08 |
| Medieval Latin Language and Literature | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | L-FIL-LET/08 |
| Medieval Latin Philology | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | L-FIL-LET/08 |
| Medieval, Humanistic and Renaissance Italian Literature | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | L-FIL-LET/10 |
| Modern Italian Literature | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | L-FIL-LET/10 |
| New Testament | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | L-FIL-LET/06 |
| Papyrology Ma | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | L-ANT/05 |
| Population Geography | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | M-GGR/01 |
| Provencal Literature | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | L-FIL-LET/09 |
| Roman Institutions and Epigraphy | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | L-ANT/03 |
| Social Anthropology | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | M-DEA/01 |
| Teaching Italian Literature | 6 | 40 | Italian | Second semester | L-FIL-LET/10 |
| Teaching Latin Language and Literature | 6 | 40 | Italian | Second semester | L-FIL-LET/04 |
| Textual Transmission of Greek Literature | 6 | 40 | Italian | Second semester | L-FIL-LET/02 |
| Theatrical Literature of Ancient Greek | 9 | 60 | Italian | Second semester | L-FIL-LET/02 |
| Theoretical Linguistics Ma | 6 | 40 | Italian | Second semester | L-LIN/01 |
d - Moreover, the student must earn 6 ECTS (3 + 3 ECTS) in other training activities, which are assessed with a pass or fail score. These credits can be earned through:
- the workshops proposed or approved by the degree programme
- internships
- further language assessment in addition to English Language
(https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/competenzelinguistiche/altre-lingue-test-e-corsi/studi-umanistici-accertamento-della-conoscenza-di-lingua-francese-spagnola-e-tedesca3-cfu)
- soft skills courses (https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/following-your-programme-study/soft-skills)
- the workshops proposed or approved by the degree programme
- internships
- further language assessment in addition to English Language
(https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/competenzelinguistiche/altre-lingue-test-e-corsi/studi-umanistici-accertamento-della-conoscenza-di-lingua-francese-spagnola-e-tedesca3-cfu)
- soft skills courses (https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/following-your-programme-study/soft-skills)
e - The student also has 12 ECTS available for electives. These credits can be allocated to in-depth study of subjects already included in the study plan, within the maximum number of credits awarded by these courses, or they can be allocated to a course other than those included in the study plan.
Final activities
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Exam | 27 | 0 | Italian | Open sessions |
Learn more
Location
Milan
Head of study programme
Erasmus and international mobility tutor
Study plan tutor
Internship tutor
Seminar and workshop tutor
Master's degree admission tutor
Reference structures
Contacts
- Academic services
Dipartimento di Studi letterari, filologici e linguistici, via Festa del Perdono 7 - 20122 Milano (MI) Italia
https://flsa.cdl.unimi.it/it
Ricevimento: Martedì, ore: 10-12 - Department of Literary Studies, Philology and Linguistics
Via Festa del Perdono 7 - 20122 Milano (MI) Italia
https://studilefili.unimi.it/ - Tutor for students with disabilities
Prof. Gabriele Baldassari - Student registrar
Via Santa Sofia 9/1 - 20122 Milano (MI) Italia
https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/servizi-gli-studenti/segreterie-informastudenti - Degree Programme Tutor
Prof.ssa Cinzia Pieruccini
The tuition fees for students enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's and single-cycle degree programmes are divided into two instalments with different calculation methods and payment schedules:
- The amount of the first instalment is the same for all students
- The amount of the second instalment varies according to the ISEE University value, the degree programme and the student status (on track / off track for one year or off track for more than a year)
- An additional fee is due for online programmes
The University also offers:
- Concessions for students meeting high merit requirements
- Diversified tuition fees according to the student's home country for international students with assets/income abroad
- Concessions for international students with refugee status
Scholarships and benefits
The University provides a range of financial benefits to students meeting special requirements (merit, financial or personal conditions, international students).
Learn more
Guidance:
Admission, ranking and enrolment