The University of Bologna has specific language requirements depending on the program and the language of instruction (Italian or English). Below is a detailed breakdown of these requirements:

1. Italian-Taught Programs

• For most undergraduate and some graduate programs taught in Italian, students are required to demonstrate proficiency in the Italian language.
• Accepted Italian Language Proficiency Tests:
  • CILS (Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language): Typically, a minimum level of B2 is required.
  • CELI (Certificate of Knowledge of Italian Language): A minimum B2 level or higher.
  • Other recognized Italian language certifications may also be accepted.
• Some courses might offer language preparation classes for students whose Italian proficiency is below the required level.

2. English-Taught Programs

• Many undergraduate and graduate programs are taught in English, especially in fields like economics, engineering, and international relations. For these programs, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
• Accepted English Language Proficiency Tests:
  • TOEFL: Minimum score of 80 (internet-based test, iBT).
  • IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0 overall.
  • Cambridge English Exams: A minimum level of B2 First (FCE), C1 Advanced (CAE), or C2 Proficiency (CPE).
  • PTE Academic: Minimum score of 51.
• Exemptions: Some students may be exempt from submitting English language proficiency test scores if:
  • They have completed previous studies (secondary or higher education) in English.
  • They are native English speakers from countries where English is the official language.

3. Doctoral Programs (PhD)

• For PhD programs, the language requirements will depend on the department and whether the program is taught in Italian, English, or both.
• Typically, for programs taught in English, the same proficiency tests and scores as required for master’s programs apply.
• In some cases, individual departments may also evaluate candidates' language proficiency through interviews or internal tests.

4. Language Preparatory Courses

• The University of Bologna Language Centre (CLA) offers courses in Italian and English for students who need to improve their language proficiency before starting their degree programs.
• These courses are designed to help international students meet the university's language requirements.

5. Language Test Waivers

• Students who have obtained previous degrees from institutions where the language of instruction was Italian or English may be exempt from providing language proficiency test scores.

6. Additional Information

• Specific programs may have their own unique language requirements, and it’s always recommended to check the official website or reach out to the program coordinator for the most up-to-date information.

How to apply — University of Bologna

The University of Bologna offers a wide variety of courses across multiple disciplines, but it is especially renowned for excellence in several key areas. Here are some of the course specializations that stand out:

1. Law

• The University of Bologna is world-famous for its law programs, particularly in civil law and international law. Given the university's historical importance in the development of Roman and canonical law, it remains one of the best places to study these fields.
• Specializations include:
  • Civil and Canon Law
  • Comparative Law
  • European Union Law
  • Human Rights Law
  • International Law

2. Medicine and Surgery

• The University of Bologna is one of the top institutions in Italy for medicine, with cutting-edge research and excellent clinical training.
• Specializations include:
  • General Medicine
  • Surgery
  • Biotechnology in Medicine
  • Medical Physics
  • Biomedical Engineering

3. Engineering

• Bologna offers strong programs in various engineering disciplines, particularly in mechanical and civil engineering, as well as computer science.
• Specializations include:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Automation Engineering
  • Telecommunications Engineering
  • Computer Science Engineering
  • Biomedical Engineering

4. Humanities

• The University of Bologna has a long tradition of excellence in humanities, especially philosophy, literature, history, and cultural heritage studies.
• Specializations include:
  • Philosophy
  • Classical and Modern Languages and Literature
  • Archaeology
  • Art History and Cultural Heritage
  • History of Science

5. Economics, Management, and Finance

• Bologna is a leader in economics and management, offering specialized programs in international business and finance.
• Specializations include:
  • International Management
  • Business Administration
  • Finance and Financial Markets
  • Public Policy
  • International Economics

6. Political Science and International Relations

• The university is well-regarded for its programs in political science, international relations, and diplomacy.
• Specializations include:
  • International Relations
  • European Studies
  • Global Governance
  • Political Economy

7. Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

• Bologna has a strong reputation for agricultural sciences, with programs focusing on sustainable farming, food technology, and environmental science.
• Specializations include:
  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Food Science and Technology
  • Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources Management

8. Psychology

• The psychology department at Bologna is respected for research in clinical, cognitive, and developmental psychology.
• Specializations include:
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Occupational and Organizational Psychology

9. Architecture and Urban Planning

• Bologna offers top-tier programs in architecture, focusing on urban planning, sustainable architecture, and historical preservation.
• Specializations include:
  • Urban Planning and Policy Design
  • Sustainable Architecture
  • Interior and Product Design

10. Physics and Astronomy

• The university is highly regarded for its contributions to theoretical and experimental physics, as well as astronomy.
• Specializations include:
  • Astrophysics
  • Nuclear and Subnuclear Physics
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Cosmology

11. Chemistry and Materials Science

• Bologna is known for strong research in chemistry and material science, particularly in the study of new materials and chemical processes.
• Specializations include:
  • Industrial Chemistry
  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Nanotechnology

12. Environmental and Sustainable Development

• Bologna’s focus on sustainability is evident in its programs that deal with environmental studies, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
• Specializations include:
  • Environmental and Territory Engineering
  • Renewable Energy
  • Sustainable Resource Management

13. Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

• Bologna is also making significant strides in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence, reflecting its commitment to modern and innovative disciplines.
• Specializations include:
  • Data Science
  • Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
  • Big Data and Machine Learning

Research — University of Bologna

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Work with us — University of Bologna

The University of Bologna is home to many renowned professors and researchers across various fields. The university’s long history and global reputation have attracted some of the most prominent scholars in Italy and internationally. While there are many distinguished faculty members at the university, here are a few top professors known for their contributions to academia and research:

1. Prof. Stefano Zamagni (Economics)

• Field: Economics and Social Sciences
• Expertise: Zamagni is a globally recognized economist, particularly known for his work in welfare economics, civil economy, and social ethics. He has made significant contributions to economic theory regarding the nonprofit sector, cooperative economics, and ethical economy. Zamagni has been involved in various policy advisory roles and is known for his active engagement in discussions around the ethical implications of economic systems.

2. Prof. Roberto Balzani (History and Cultural Heritage)

• Field: Modern History, Cultural Heritage
• Expertise: Balzani is a historian with a particular focus on 19th-century Italian and European history. He has been involved in several key research projects on cultural heritage and public history. His work often emphasizes the interplay between history, politics, and cultural memory. In addition to his academic roles, Balzani has been active in public life, promoting the conservation and study of Italy's rich historical heritage.

3. Prof. Carlo Galli (Political Science)

• Field: Political Philosophy, Political Theory
• Expertise: Galli is one of Italy’s leading political philosophers, with a particular focus on modern political thought, state theory, and the philosophy of war and peace. His works on political theory often explore the relationship between power, politics, and globalization. Galli is well-respected for his deep insights into classical and contemporary political ideologies.

4. Prof. Maurizio Sobrero (Innovation and Technology Management)

• Field: Innovation, Technology Management
• Expertise: Sobrero is recognized for his research in innovation management, technology transfer, and the economics of innovation. He has worked extensively on how firms and industries adapt to technological change, focusing on the role of innovation in competitive advantage and organizational growth. Sobrero is also involved in entrepreneurship and business education, helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

5. Prof. Alessandra Bonfiglioli (Economics and Development)

• Field: Development Economics, Political Economy
• Expertise: Bonfiglioli is known for her research on the interplay between economics and politics, with a particular focus on economic development, inequality, and globalization. Her work addresses how economic policies impact growth and distribution across different societies and nations. She is also active in exploring the global impacts of economic systems and financial stability.

6. Prof. Paolo Macini (Energy and Engineering)

• Field: Energy Engineering, Environmental Engineering
• Expertise: Macini is a prominent figure in the field of energy engineering, with a particular focus on renewable energy, energy storage systems, and environmental sustainability. He has been involved in several important projects related to energy transition, sustainable technologies, and the development of eco-friendly energy solutions.

7. Prof. Silvia Ferrara (Linguistics and Archaeology)

• Field: Linguistics, Archaeology, Ancient Writing Systems
• Expertise: Ferrara is well-known for her work in linguistics, particularly focusing on ancient writing systems and decipherment. Her research spans several ancient languages and civilizations, and she has contributed to groundbreaking studies in the field of archaeology and historical linguistics. Her work has garnered international recognition for its interdisciplinary approach to ancient cultures.

8. Prof. Michele Colajanni (Computer Science and Cybersecurity)

• Field: Cybersecurity, Computer Science
• Expertise: Colajanni is a leading figure in the field of cybersecurity, with a focus on network security, data protection, and cybercrime. He has been involved in various research initiatives related to protecting critical infrastructure and advancing the field of digital security. His work is widely cited in academic and professional circles and is influential in shaping cybersecurity policies and technologies.

9. Prof. Andrea Cavicchioli (Biomedicine and Genetics)

• Field: Genetics, Biomedicine
• Expertise: Cavicchioli is a leading researcher in biomedicine and genetics, particularly focusing on gene therapy, molecular biology, and the treatment of genetic diseases. He has been involved in pioneering research projects aimed at understanding the genetic basis of various medical conditions and developing innovative therapies.

10. Prof. Fabio Roversi-Monaco (Law and Bioethics)

• Field: Law, Bioethics
• Expertise: Roversi-Monaco is a distinguished legal scholar specializing in bioethics, constitutional law, and the intersection of law and science. His work addresses the legal implications of biomedical advancements, particularly concerning human rights and ethical considerations in biotechnology. He is a respected authority in both the legal and scientific communities.

The University of Bologna has been associated with several Nobel Prize laureates over the years, either as faculty members, researchers, or alumni. While it does not have as many Nobel Prize winners directly linked to the university as some other institutions, its profound historical and academic impact has contributed to the achievements of many distinguished individuals. Here are notable Nobel Prize winners connected to the University of Bologna:

Nobel Laureates Associated with the University of Bologna:

1. Giosuè Carducci (Nobel Prize in Literature, 1906)

• Field: Literature
• Connection: Giosuè Carducci was a professor of Italian literature at the University of Bologna and is known for his significant contribution to Italian poetry and the revival of classical forms in modern Italian literature. He became the first Italian to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1906 for his "deep learning and critical research."

2. Guglielmo Marconi (Nobel Prize in Physics, 1909)

• Field: Physics
• Connection: Although Marconi did not study at the University of Bologna, his Nobel-winning research on wireless telegraphy and radio waves had strong ties to Bologna. The university supported his research in the early stages, and Marconi had close connections with many scientists at Bologna, contributing to his eventual success in winning the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1909.

3. Renato Dulbecco (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1975)

• Field: Medicine
• Connection: Renato Dulbecco, an Italian-American virologist who studied at the University of Turin but later had close academic ties to Bologna, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1975 for his work on the interactions between viruses and host cells, particularly regarding how viruses can lead to cancer.

4. Carlo Rubbia (Nobel Prize in Physics, 1984)

• Field: Physics
• Connection: While Carlo Rubbia earned his degree at the University of Pisa, he has had various academic collaborations with the University of Bologna over his career. Rubbia received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1984 for his discovery of the W and Z bosons, crucial particles in the Standard Model of particle physics.

5. Sir John Eccles (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1963)

• Field: Physiology
• Connection: Although Sir John Eccles, an Australian neurophysiologist, received his Nobel Prize in 1963 for his work on synapses and neuronal communication, he later worked as a professor at the University of Bologna. His association with Bologna reinforced its reputation in neuroscience research.

Additional Influences:

While not directly Nobel Prize winners, the University of Bologna has been historically significant in influencing thought leaders across various fields who later contributed to the advancement of science, literature, and medicine. With over nine centuries of academic history, Bologna has played a pivotal role in shaping the scientific and cultural discourse in Europe.