Having developed very rapidly in recent decades, international tourism has become one of the world economy's major industries. In 2012 international tourism hit a record high as for the first time more than one billion tourists traveled internationally within one single year. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) the tourism and hospitality industry is generating 9% of the global GDP and approximately 10% of total world employment. Yet, managing international tourism demands a serious commitment: it is challenging and one must take into account a variety of different economies, institutions, legal systems, languages and cultures. To strike a fair balance between the various elements at play - the tourist industry, the tourist, the local community, the environment - entrepreneurs and operators need to have an excellent grasp of several (even fairly disparate) disciplines, highly professional skills, a strategic and essential view of phenomena, with a strong sense of responsibility. This Master aims to be part of a new wide-ranging form of training that is strongly oriented towards a multidisciplinary approach in contents and methods by covering the following fields: - Economics and Management (of tourism, of tourist business, of culture, of territory and environment); - Communication (in tourism, tourism marketing, information technologies, and human sciences); - Politics, Institutions and International Relations. The MT programme trains professional figures with qualified management career prospects in the foremost sectors of international tourism, as for instance: - Government, Industry Associations and Research; - Destination Management and Marketing; - Travel Trade (Tour Operators and... [-]

The study programme of the Master covers three main subject areas: Italian language / Italian and comparative literature / Arts, history and culture, within a holistic framework encouraging the encounter of expertise from different academic fields. Italian literature, the central subject of the Master, is taught with constant reference to the culture in which it has been produced and studied.

The teaching staff includes internationally renowned scholars with outstanding research records in the various fields. Learning benefits from the linguistic and cultural situation in Ticino, an Italian speaking environment open to multilingualism, and from the excellent study conditions at Università della Svizzera italiana. The courses of the two years Master of Arts in Italian language, literature and culture are concentrated mainly in three semesters. The intense study in the three areas of the Master prepares students - supported by their teachers - to make decisions relevant for their future career (PhD, teaching, other career perspectives). The fourth semester is dedicated to the Master thesis, whose topic is defined together with the director of the thesis and approved by the direction of the Master. The Master allows to acquire the disciplinary knowledge necessary to teach Italian as a first or second language at school and gives access to the USI PhD programme in Italian language, literature and culture. [-]

The public sector has radically changed in recent years, as a result of major reforms affecting the operational management of administrations and organizations as well as their political functioning. The most obvious example is the growing impact of the supranational sphere of influence. Recent economic events on the global scale have also placed the public sector back at the heart of socio-economic systems. At the same time, the activities of the non-profit sector have expanded to cover, for example, the provision of utility services. On the whole, public and non-profit private sectors are expected to become key players in this innovation, supporting families and individuals in their economic, cultural and social activities. In this context, while the public sector creates interesting and exciting professional opportunities at the local, regional, national and international levels, it also requires new appropriately qualified professionals. The Master's programme in Public Management and Policy (PMP) teaches notions and know-how that are indispensable to future professionals in the public and non-profit private sectors, nationally and worldwide. The variety of abilities required by anyone wishing to occupy a position of responsibility and promote change in these sectors are exactly what PMP-USI offers. The PMP teaching curriculum is:... [-]

Goals and Contents The Master of Science in Architecture offers the opportunity to acquire the most advanced theoretical knowledge and operative skills for the practice of contemporary architectural design. Architectural design is taught through its disciplinary foundations and is closely related with technological innovation, environmental issues, models of territorial management and the themes of restoration and reestablishment of the historical, architectural and environmental heritage. The objective the Master pursues is to train professionals who, on the basis of the acquired awareness and in-depth knowledge of the complexity of current architectural practice, are competent both to carry out the functions of direct architectural design and to coordinate the different specialists involved in professional projects. The study programme consists of a series of theoretical lectures and design studios dedicated to arguments and methods of architectural design in its different forms (housing, services industry, culture, etc.) and scales (from interior design to the architectural structure, all the way up to the urban and territorial plan). The programme draws on two different but correlated teaching approaches. The first consists in theoretical courses pertaining to the methodological, technological and historical knowledge that will enable future architects to explore central themes of contemporary architectural culture critically. The second approach entails, each semester, the choice of a design studio which focuses on a specific project typology, whether architectural or urban. In the years of the Master students are asked to produce one theoretical paper on topics of their own choice with the approval of a teacher.The last... [-]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most popular areas in computer science and engineering. AI deals with intelligent behavior, learning, and adaptation in machines, robots and body-less computer programs. AI is everywhere: search engines use it to improve answers to queries, to recognize speech, to translate languages, email programs use it to filter spam, banks use it to predict exchange rates and stock markets, doctors use it to recognize tumors, robots use it to localize themselves and obstacles, autonomous cars use it to drive, video games use it to enhance the player's experience, adaptive telescopes use it to improve image quality, smartphones use it to recognize objects / faces / gestures / voices / music, etc etc. People are discussing the possibility of superintelligence and AI risks. Big players such as Google, Amazon, Baidu, Microsoft etc are investing billions in AI, and the AI-related job market is growing extremely rapidly. The first Artificial Intelligence Master in Switzerland In this exciting context the first AI master in Switzerland is offered in Lugano, profiting from the competences of the Faculty of Informatics www.inf.usi.ch and the Swiss AI Lab, IDSIA, Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence, www.idsia.ch, a common institute with SUPSI and one of the world's leading research institutes in this field. For example, in 2016, IDSIA got the Swiss Special ICT award for its bio-inspired research activities and one of the ten NVIDIA "Pioneers in AI research" awards. Goals and Contents Artificial Intelligence may not only be the most exciting... [-]

Goals and Contents

 

The Master in Banking and Finance has been designed to provide graduates with the necessary tools and skills for understanding financial markets and products from a banker’s perspective.

 

Lugano being the 3rd financial marketplace in Switzerland provides an ideal venue to offer students with different backgrounds the best possible start for a successful career in banking or finance. The degree provides a background in finance methodology as well as the opportunity to go into more depth in selected topics of banking and finance by choosing electives.

 

The Master programme stretches over two years (120 ECTS) and is structured to allow the students to personalise their study curricula according to their individual interests and educational backgrounds. It includes four semesters of lectures and seminars, and an internship.... [-]

The Master in "Cognitive Psychology in Health Communication", jointly offered by the Institute of Communication and Health of Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) and the Faculty of Psychology of Vita-Salute San Raffaele University of Milan (UNISR), presents a new joint Master's programme through training in cognitive psychology, neuroscience and communication. The programme focuses on the intersection between the theoretical bases of cognitive psychology and those of communication applied to the context of health. Students who choose this specialization will get a strong biological, methodological and statistical training, acquiring also knowledge in management. The specialization will familiarize students with the latest research and practice in cognitive psychology and provide a modern preparation to lead and influence change in health in today's diverse communities. Goals and Contents The master's programme is designed to train students who will understand the causes of health-related behaviours and who will also be able to design new and effective interventions to prevent disease and promote health. The entire master's programme takes advantage of synergies and complementarities between the two Universities, USI and UNISR, and offers excellent competences in teaching and research. This Master offers a high degree of innovation thanks also to the advanced technologies available on site in the two universities in terms of high-tech equipment, data centres, laboratories, and health facilities. Study Programme This full-time study programme comprises 120 ECTS spread over 4 semesters. The programme is organized into 4 units, called 'modules', over two years. The first module covers mainly classes in Health Communication... [-]

 

Goals and ContentsThe Master in Computational Science (MCS) program is an exciting new approach to understanding complex systems in a broad range of knowledge areas including the natural and physical sciences, the social sciences, the life sciences, management science and medical science. By integrating computer simulation, mathematical modeling, numerical analysis, and data analysis, recent developments in computational science are making possible what was unthinkable only few years ago. Problems that are inaccessible to traditional experimental and empirical methods can now be addressed thanks to new techniques in algorithmic modeling and the increasing speed of modern supercomputers.The MCS program combines courses from computer science, mathematics, statistics and data analysis to build application-oriented competences in simulation science and data science. Students enrolled in the MCS program acquire valuable and much sought-after analytical skills through direct involvement in modeling projects addressing a wide range of real-world problems spanning many interdisciplinary applications.The program introduces students to the university's blend of innovative scientific research and real world applications, thus providing an excellent foundation for a career in industry and science. Students may emphasize numerical software, mathematical modeling, deterministic and probabilistic theory, computer simulation, or data science. Our graduates are ready to pursue professional careers in research, engineering, scientific computing, data science, data and business analytics, computational medicine, and information systems.For the master's thesis, students can participate in ongoing research projects at the ICS, the IDIDS, or the Faculty of Informatics. Topics include Numerical Analysis, High-Performance Computing, Geo-Science, Computational Engineering, Optimization, Computational (Bio-) Mechanics... [-]

Goals and Contents

Corporate communication plays today a key role in the management of organizations, by helping them project who they are and what they do and by participating in the decision making process. In charge of managing relationships with the organization's stakeholders, corporate communication contributes to enhance the quality of corporate and business decisions. It also steers the organizational identity processes at the heart of corporate branding. It therefore contributes to the management of the organization's reputation capital, a key factor influencing the ability of an organization to attract strategic resources. In this it is a strategic partner of other corporate functions: for instance in managing relationships with investors, it interacts with financial managers; in dealing with public authorities and regulators, it collaborates with legal services; in addressing issues of identity and corporate culture, it partners with human resources specialists; in communicating with customers, it collaborates with marketers, etc. Corporate communication specialists therefore need to acquire solid general management skills in order to carry out their roles effectively.... [-]

The new Master in Cyber-Physical and Embedded Systems (MCPES) covers all design and development aspects of Internet of Things and cyber systems interacting with the real world. The program provides students with the latest knowledge and skills to make a real impact in this exciting and rapidly expanding area. MCPES aims at educating the next generation of application designers and system developers by integrating different areas such as physical modeling, electronics, informatics, communication and control, and focusing on the most advanced applications using smart technologies. MCPES learning model combines problem-based learning, interdisciplinary approach and real-world projects in a four-semester program. Project and thesis mentorships as well as internships are offered within our academic and industrial networks allowing students to get exposed to leading-edge technologies and the most advanced developments. The MCPES program prepares students for careers in cyber-physical and embedded systems application design and system development. The program is open to applicants holding a Bachelor degree in Computer Science, Computer or Industrial Engineering and, in general, in the domain of Information and Communication Technologies. The Emerging Challenge With advancements in electronics, informatics and communication technologies we have been experiencing a continuous evolution of embedded systems - and applications - towards more sophisticated cyber-physical systems and Internet of Things. Characterized by a pervasive presence of sensors, embedded processors and actuators, cyber-physical systems are often networked and interact with the physical world. This paradigm shift and ever-growing presence of technology have changed the way we interact with the world around us. It... [-]

The MSc in Economic Policy (MEP) is an advanced program offered by the Faculty of Economics at the Università della Svizzera italiana. The goal of the Master is to teach students how to analyze economic problems at the national as well as international level and how to identify the most appropriate policy instruments. In a cordial environment and in close interaction with the Faculty, the students will be equipped with the quantitative methods and the analytical tools necessary for a successful career as professional economist with a strong policy orientation. The master will also drive interested students into a Ph.D program. Why MEP? Program entirely taught in English, with a strong international orientation International Faculty from USI and abroad Guest lectures from leading practicioners Opportunities for short-term research assistant positions for selected students Excellent professor-to-student ratio Goals and Contents The Master of Science in Economic Policy (MEP) prepares professional economists with a policy orientation, with an eye to the skills required to be employed in national and international policy and research institutions, including central banks, development banks, economics and statistics research offices but also in high ranks of the public administration. Due to the skills acquired during the master, the MEP is also a pathway to higher studies in Economics and Economic Policy. The Master offers knowledge in various fields of applied economics combined with a sound background in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. To understand, evaluate and propose economic policy instruments in the current world with all its global challenges,... [-]

Objectives and content

The Faculty of Economics of the University of Italian Switzerland is organizing a joint Master with the High School of Economics and International Relations (ASERI) of the Catholic University of Milan, involving students Swiss, Italians and foreigners interested in a curriculum that allows them to get a double degree: a Bachelor and a Master Italian Swiss Master (MSc). The Master in Economics and International Policies (MEPIN) offers a vast store of scientific instruments and expertise which are indispensable for the understanding of the economic and political phenomena linked to the globalization of markets. The basis on which develops the whole program are related to the study of economics, law and institutions, international policies. It will also feature a multi-disciplinary knowledge needed to address issues such as sustainable development, market globalization, an aging population, migration and, more generally, the forms of cooperation between public and private economic operators aimed at achieving a common goal, such as the provision of a service or the creation and management of a project. The partnership between the public and the private are now increasingly frequent in various sectors (health, public utilities, infrastructure, social services and environmental resources) and at all levels (local, national and supranational). In many international organizations, public-private partnership is a privileged mode for the realization of public interest programs related to fundamental issues such as energy, transport or development cooperation projects. The study of the areas of intersection between public and private, from the local to the global level,... [-]

Goals and Contents

 

Finance is the area of economics that studies investment decisions.These decisions are fundamental to the well-being of firms and individuals. Investment outcomes are affected by randomness. Investment decisions involve trade-offs between risk and expected return.

The Master programme stretches over two years (120 ECTS) and is structured to allow the students to personalise their study curricula according to their individual interests and educational backgrounds. It includes four semesters of lectures and seminars, and an internship. Typically, in the first semester students attend the foundation courses in order to acquire the basics of finance, accounting and statistics. The second and third semesters arededicated to core courses and electives. The final thesis should show the candidate’s ability to integrate acquired knowledge in the advanced scientific analysis of a topic in finance.... [-]

The Master of Science in Financial Communication is offered jointly by the Faculty of Economics, and the Faculty of Communication Sciences. This full-time study programme of the Università della Svizzera italiana is held in Lugano - Switzerland, comprises 120 ECTS spread over 4 semesters (usual duration 2 years) and is entirely offered in English.

The Master programme in financial communication offers students the unique opportunity to acquire an integrated set of competences, including financial, communicative and legal knowledge, strongly and increasingly required in the financial sector. The recent financial crisis has created new challenges for banks, business companies and market operators, who are expected to master, besides a solid financial background, also strong capacities in communicating with clients and investors and a mature awareness of the legal framework in which financial services and products are promoted and transactions are negotiated.... [-]

The Master of Science in Financial Technology and Computing is offered jointly by the Faculty of Informatics and by the Faculty of Economics of the Università della Svizzera italiana, USI, situated in Lugano - Switzerland. This full-time study programme comprises 120 ECTS spread over 4 semesters (usual duration 2 years) and is entirely offered in English. This unique cross-discipline programme combines USI's world-leading expertise in Finance and Informatics and offers exciting career prospects that range from fintech startups to banks and insurers to hedge funds. The programme has been designed to provide graduates with an informatics background with the necessary tools and skills for understanding fundamental problems in finance while, at the same time, learning about advanced tools and techniques in informatics to be applied in finance. Goals and Contents The Master of Science in Financial Technology and Computing has been designed to provide students who have a strong background in informatics with the necessary tools and skills for understanding core challenges in finance while, at the same time, learn about the advanced technology that is needed to drive the next generation finance services. Informatics has silently revolutionized banking and finance. Not only is modern banking entirely run by software - newly developed cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin) and form factors (mobile phones) are also shaking up the finance industry. From algorithmic trading to robo investing, from crowdlending to mobile payments - with a degree in Financial Technology and Computing you will be well positioned to be part of these exciting developments. This... [-]

The Master in Media Management is offered by the Faculty of Communication Sciences at USI in Lugano. The full programs consists of 120 ECTS and usually lasts 2 years. This Master offers the chance to study fundamental aspects how media companies operate and to deepen the understanding of the managerial activities of such companies (economical structures, politics of the field, research, creation and building of products and services, legal management, use of the web, etc,). The study program involves also an analysis of the creation, production and diffusion processes of editorial content of different kinds: from newspapers to books, from radio to television and from digital and online content. Our aim is to form professionals who, based on the gained knowledge about these dynamics and on the major cultural and political-economic contextual factors, could work in designing, coordinating and controlling productive and distributional processes within the media industry. The courses are structured in different parts, which are strongly intertwined among them. The first part is about gaining theoretical and methodological references that will enable students to critically cope with themes concerning media management. The second part forms students through an in-depth analysis of a concrete selection of case studies to understand situations, processes and trends that are shaping the media sector. The third and final part is about having professionals and managers teaching in class and sharing with students their reflections and experiences, gained during their working experiences. In parallel to theory courses and projects embedded within them, the Master... [-]

Contents

The Master of Science in Informatics is characterized by a broad offering of topics and subjects that can be freely combined in a learning path tailored to the needs and interests of each student. At USI, students learn how to understand, design, simulate, and optimize complex software-intensive systems. They master the ability to develop automated solutions, introduce them in different business and application domains, and predict and assess their positive impact in the real-world. Students experience the need for a rigorous approach to guarantee the quality of their work while following the most appropriate software engineering methodologies, techniques and state-of-the-art tools. Students can benefit from the research excellence of our teaching staff by getting involved in ongoing research activities as part of their master thesis project (which can be carried out across the entire second year of the Master). We offer the unique opportunity to obtain a double Master's degree in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano. Teaching Top-level and internationally renowned professors teach innovative courses with a strong multi-disciplinary orientation and in collaboration with prestigious institutions at national and international level. Teaching at the Faculty of Informatics emphasizes close contact between students and staff. Professors are pursuing research on a variety of topics and are active participants in Swiss and International research projects and networks. Visiting professors from prestigious universities complement the top-quality teaching offer.... [-]

Goals and Content

The MSc in Management is designed to provide graduates, from a wide variety of backgrounds, with the necessary tools and skills for understanding modern management, creating the best possible start for a successful career. The Degree provides both a broad background in management as well as the opportunity to go into more depth in selected topics by choosing electives. The programme has theoretical and practical elements, allowing students to understand the theory while at the same time being able to apply the knowledge to practical management situations. The goal of the course is to create an understanding of the management processes that are the basis of organisations today. It should also help to develop the skills necessary to perform successfully in business organisations from start-ups to multinational companies, which are reflected in courses like Entrepreneurship and International Business. However, as most tasks in organisations become increasingly interdisciplinary it is also important to be able to work across traditional areas, which is another skill that is actively encouraged within the programme. This is also reflected in the variety of different teaching methods used including lectures, case studies, group work, games and fieldwork. However, all teaching methods stress an interactive approach or dialogue with the students. The Faculty and the students are an international group, with education and work experience from across the world. This further increases learning and cultural exchanges, as students also learn to work effectively with people from different cultures. The degree has two streams in... [-]

The Master of Science in Management & Informatics has been designed to provide graduates from a wide variety of backgrounds (informatics, economics, mathematics, business, engineering,etc.) with the necessary tools and skills for understanding complex information technology (IT) problems while, at the same time, knowing about the needs and requirements of a modern organization.

 

This Master offers a balanced combination of courses that cover the necessary background in management as well as the fundamental aspects of current and evolving information technologies. Moreover, the programme provides students with a specialized knowledge in topics at the interface between management and informatics such as enterprise resource planning. Since English is the unique teaching language, graduates are well-prepared to work in international companies. Moreover, the interdisciplinary approach of this Master provides a general skill to work across traditional areas.... [-]

Goals and Contents

Organisations and businesses that seek success endeavor to serve their clients and customers effectively. Since firms depend on customers and suppliers for the resources needed to carry out their business it is critical that management builds and sustains relationships with customers and suppliers The management of these relationships is critical for the development of any business. It is one of the key tasks of marketing and requires an effective understanding of how relationships work and will involve most management positions within the company. Graduates from this programme will have acquired competencies to meet the requirements for a professional career in companies of different size. The aim of the programme is to prepare participants to assume positions of general management or to take up specialized positions such as product and marketing managers. Another option would be to take on professional work in marketing research and communications. The programme is designed to develop participants’ analytical and decision-making skills grounded in a solid knowledge of best management practices and rigorous methodological approach. In particular it develops the capability to analyse and interpret markets as well as the ability to conceive and put into practice effective solutions that a company can adopt in dealing with various marketing issues. To this purpose traditional teaching is integrated with more active teaching methods, consisting of discussion of case histories, role-playing, business games, and working on individual and group projects. The programme stretches over two years (120 ECTS credits) and is structured to allow students... [-]

The Master in Philosophy at USI differs from many other philosophy programs: It offers courses in contemporary analytic philosophy and in the history of philosophy, ancient and medieval, which are designed to complement each other. Its focus is on theoretical philosophy and its history - especially on metaphysics and the philosophy of mind. It has a strong thematic unity; the topic of the 2017-8 Master is time - the metaphysics of time, temporal consciousness, the logic and linguistics of time, the philosophy of history, the nature of narratives, time and social ontology. It requires students to submit regular written work, to produce research papers and to develop their discussion skills in class. It offers courses in philosophy for up to at least 105 ECTS. This full-time study program comprises 120 ECTS spread over 4 semesters (usual duration 2 years). All philosophy courses are in English. It is possible for students to earn their degree by taking courses in English only. Structure and contents The Master in Philosophy at USI aims to allow students to deepen their understanding of philosophical problems, to develop the ability to think, argue, write and speak clearly and effectively, and to become acquainted with aspects of current research in philosophy and the history of philosophy. It aims to provide an absorbing grounding in a number of interrelated fields, to equip students with several skills of great value in the job-market, and to qualify students for teaching positions at high schools as well as at lower levels,... [-]

The way forward for your humanitarian career The Master of Advanced Studies in Humanitarian Logistics and Management (MASHLM) is a part-time executive program designed for humanitarian professionals who want to enrich their capacities and enhance their careers. MASHLM provides training in the key areas of supply chain management, process and project management, strategic management, and humanitarian action. Students attend 6 blocks in Lugano, Switzerland. Blocks 1 - 5 are 7 days Block 6 is 12 days and includes thesis defense and graduation The entire program takes 1 year to complete. This format allows participants to earn their master's degree while still working full time. Benefits Work & Study: The part time format allows students to work full time while earning their degree. Relevant: Learning is based on real-world humanitarian challenges. Students take the tools and methodologies learned in class and immediately apply them in the field. Career Enhancement: MASHLM students have been rewarded with greater work responsibilities and job promotions. Networking: Students and faculty come from all over the world and a wide range of organizations, bringing a global perspective to relevant humanitarian issues. Academic Excellence: Faculty come from leading universities and humanitarian organizations including MIT, Georgia Tech, USAID, and the Red Cross. Lean Six Sigma: Students earn a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Green Belt certification in addition to their Master (MAS) degree. MODULES: Course work is organized into 5 main areas of study: supply chain management, humanitarian action, strategic management, process and project management, and research methods. COURSES: MASHLM... [-]

Enrich your professional profile in the public or private sector with high-level intercultural competencies!

 

New edition starting October 2, 2017

The Master of Advanced Studies in Intercultural Communication (MIC) is a part-time postgraduate program for professionals engaged in managing operational or strategic situations in a multicultural context and in managing multicultural human resources.

 

Founded in 2004, MIC is the only academic program in Intercultural Communication of its kind in Europe that allows you to pursue your professional activity while studying.

 

As part of our program you will: Achieve a higher comprehension of your own culture and the culture of others. Develop a laser focus in analyzing multicultural situations; Gain the necessary skills for mediating conflicts and creating effective solutions; Challenge yourself in intercultural strategic sessions in Asia, N. Africa, and Europe, Make an immediate impact in your organization. ... [-]

Software plays a pivotal role in almost all aspects of our life, including transportation, communication, economy, and healthcare. We put trust in software to accomplish complex and vital tasks for us, such as managing our finances, sharing our family and friends memories, diagnosing diseases, flying airplanes or driving cars. These systems manipulate and generate an unprecedented amount of data. In such a scenario, software cannot be understood without its data and data becomes valuable only thanks to the software analyzing it. Why enroll in the Master in Software and Data Engineering (MSDE) at USI? Top qualification MSDE is a unique opportunity for students to become highly qualified software and data engineers able to effectively deal with the increasing complexity of modern software systems and with the gigantic amount of data they generate and manipulate. Renowned professors Courses are taught by internationally renowned academics. Since it opened in 2004, the USI Faculty of Informatics has been climbing to the top positions in the csrankings.org lineup for European universities for what concerns Software Engineering research. It now ranks 2nd in Europe, and 15th worldwide. Importance of data and software Nowadays software cannot be understood without its data and data becomes valuable only thanks to the software analyzing it. This is why only an integrated study program in both software and data engineering represents cutting-edge knowledge and skills relevant for the development, maintenance, and evolution of next-generation ultra-large software systems living in a world of data. Small classes We love teaching and care... [-]