University of Turin
Address: Via Giuseppe Verdi, 8, 10124 Torino TO, Italy
Phone: +39 011 6706111
Email: relint@unito.it
Website: www.unito.it
About University of Turin
The University of Turin is one of the most ancient and prestigious Italian Universities. Hosting over 74.000 students (undergraduate and postgraduate) and with 120 buildings in different areas in Turin and in key places in Piedmont, the University of Turin can be considered as “city-within-a-city”, promoting culture and producing research, innovation, training and employment. The University of Turin is today one of the largest Italian Universities, open to international research and training. It carries out scientific research and organizes courses in all disciplines, except for Engineering and Architecture. It is an integral part of the community, acting for reviving urban and suburban areas, promoting cultural interaction, social integration and development, encouraging dialogue and insight into current realities.
The University of Turin virtually covers every field of knowledge; its Medical Diagnostic, Biosensoristics and Nanotechnologies research centers are amongst the best ones in Italy. Some of the degree courses offered are unique in Italy, such as Military Strategy, Biotechnology, Sport Sciences, Restoration and Conservation. The University of Turin has a remarkable research tradition in traditional subjects such as History, Philosophy, Law, Economics and Medicine but it is currently branching out into important modern sectors, such as Food science, Social politics, IT, Performing arts and Communication sciences. A growing number of courses are taught in English, and Italian language tuition is available for incoming students.
There are 22 libraries with over 2 million books spread over 32 locations and the University also runs the Botanic Gardens and several university museums (such as the Lombroso Museum of Criminal Anthropology) and it takes a close interest in the network of local museums, on subjects ranging from Egypt to contemporary Art and it runs its own media, radio, television and film production units.
The University makes an active stand on a number of social issues, such as environment, drugs, equal opportunities and rights of people with special needs. It also acts at an international level through partnership arrangements with India, China, developing countries in Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean Area and with a number of international organizations operating in the region.
University accommodation, eating places, and sports facilities are well situated. Turin is a lively, people-oriented city, and boasts a wide variety of cultural resources: historic buildings, world-class museums and galleries, theatres and concert halls, art exhibitions and national fairs. The city’s parks and two rivers, together with the nearby mountains and lakes, provide a great leisure environment.
Why University of Turin
The University of Turin (Università degli Studi di Torino), established in 1404, is one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious universities. It is renowned for several reasons:
1. Historical Significance
- With over 600 years of history, the University of Turin has played a critical role in shaping higher education in Italy and Europe. Many influential figures, including intellectuals, politicians, and scientists, have been associated with the institution.
2. Strong Academic Reputation
- The university offers a wide range of academic programs and is known for excellence in disciplines such as:
- Law
- Medicine
- Economics
- Political Science
- Philosophy
- Natural Sciences
- Humanities
3. Scientific Research and Innovation
- The University of Turin is a major hub for scientific research in Italy, with its research centers making notable contributions in various fields such as:
- Medicine and Health Sciences: It is particularly strong in biotechnology, oncology, and molecular biology.
- Physics and Mathematics: Turin has a reputation for theoretical physics and interdisciplinary science.
- Environmental Sciences: Research focuses on sustainability, climate change, and ecology.
4. Nobel Laureates
- The university has produced several Nobel Prize winners, further enhancing its global reputation, including:
- Rita Levi-Montalcini: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1986) for her discovery of nerve growth factor.
- Salvatore Luria: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1969) for discoveries in molecular genetics.
5. Cultural and Social Impact
- The university is closely linked to the city of Turin’s cultural and political life. Its libraries, museums, and collections are important for both academic and public use. The university fosters discussions on social issues and has historically played a role in Italian and European intellectual movements.
6. International Collaborations
- The University of Turin has numerous international partnerships, student exchange programs, and collaborative research efforts with institutions across Europe, North America, and Asia.
7. Notable Alumni
- The university has a list of distinguished alumni, including influential politicians, scholars, and professionals like:
- Cesare Pavese (Writer and poet)
- Antonio Gramsci (Philosopher and politician)
- Giovanni Giolitti (Former Prime Minister of Italy)
The language requirements for admission to the University of Turin depend on the program of study, as some are offered in Italian, while others are taught in English, especially at the graduate level. Here's an overview of the language requirements:
1. Italian-Taught Programs
For most undergraduate and some graduate programs taught in Italian, international students whose first language is not Italian need to demonstrate proficiency in the Italian language. The typical requirements are:
- Italian Language Proficiency: A B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is generally required.
- Accepted Certifications:
- CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera)
- CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana)
- PLIDA (Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri)
Some programs may also offer preparatory language courses for students who do not meet the language requirements at the time of application.
2. English-Taught Programs
For programs offered in English, particularly at the master's and doctoral levels, non-native English speakers must demonstrate English language proficiency. The typical requirements are:
- English Language Proficiency: A B2 level or higher (C1 for some advanced programs) of the CEFR.
- Accepted Certifications:
- IELTS: Typically a score of 6.0 to 6.5 (depending on the program).
- TOEFL: Usually a minimum score of 80-90 (iBT).
- Cambridge English: Accepted certificates include FCE, CAE, or CPE with appropriate scores.
3. Exemptions
- Students who have completed their previous education in English (for example, in countries where English is the official language or if their degree was entirely taught in English) may be exempt from providing additional language certification.
- For some Italian-taught programs, students with a secondary or higher education diploma from an Italian-speaking country might be exempt from Italian language requirements.
4. Preparatory Language Courses
The University of Turin offers Italian language courses for international students who need to improve their proficiency. These courses can be taken before starting the program or concurrently with regular studies.
5. Doctoral Programs
For PhD programs, specific language requirements vary depending on the field of study and whether the dissertation and research are conducted in English or Italian. It is important to check the specific requirements of each doctoral program.
The University of Turin offers a broad range of courses across many disciplines, with several specializations that are well-regarded both nationally and internationally. Here are some of the key course specialties:
1. Law
- The Law Faculty at the University of Turin is one of the most prestigious in Italy. It offers comprehensive programs in Italian and European law, as well as international law and comparative law. Turin’s law programs are highly regarded for their depth and historical significance.
2. Medicine and Health Sciences
- The Medical School is well-known for its research and teaching in fields like:
- Biotechnology: Specializing in applied molecular biology and genetics.
- Oncology: Home to a renowned cancer research institute.
- Neurosciences: Emphasizes both clinical and research opportunities.
- Dentistry and Nursing are also strong programs, with state-of-the-art facilities and clinical training.
3. Economics and Business
- The School of Economics and Management offers specializations in:
- Finance
- Business Management
- International Trade
- Economic Development
4. Political Science and International Relations
- Programs in Political Science are widely respected, with strengths in:
- Public Administration
- International Relations
- European Studies
5. Philosophy and Humanities
- The university is recognized for its programs in Philosophy, History, Linguistics, and Literature. The philosophy department is especially notable for its work in analytic philosophy, ethics, and political theory.
- Cultural Heritage and Conservation: Specializes in art conservation, archaeology, and cultural heritage management.
6. Natural Sciences
- The Natural Sciences programs include specializations in:
- Biology: Known for research in ecology, genetics, and molecular biology.
- Chemistry: Offering programs in organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry.
- Physics: Particularly strong in theoretical physics, with collaboration in interdisciplinary scientific research.
7. Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- The university has a notable faculty in Agricultural Sciences, focusing on sustainable agriculture, food technology, and environmental sciences. It emphasizes research in climate change, ecosystem management, and agricultural innovation.
8. Psychology
- The Faculty of Psychology is known for its programs in:
- Cognitive Science
- Clinical Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
9. Architecture and Design
- Though more closely associated with Politecnico di Torino, the University of Turin also offers programs connected to architecture and urban studies, focusing on historical preservation and architectural theory.
10. Digital Humanities and Social Innovation
- The university is building a reputation in emerging fields like digital humanities, which merges technology and social sciences with humanities disciplines.
The University of Turin boasts a number of distinguished professors across various fields who have made significant contributions to their respective disciplines. Here are some notable faculty members:
1. Rita Levi-Montalcini (1915-2012)
- Field: Neurobiology
- Achievements: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1986) for her discovery of nerve growth factor (NGF). She was a pioneering figure in neuroscience, and her work has had lasting impacts on understanding neural development and function.
2. Salvatore Luria (1912-1991)
- Field: Molecular Genetics
- Achievements: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1969) for his research on the mechanisms of genetic mutations and viral replication. Luria’s foundational work in microbiology and genetics is highly influential.
3. Renato Dulbecco (1914-2012)
- Field: Virology
- Achievements: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1975) for his research on how viruses can cause cancer. Dulbecco's work has been critical in understanding the relationship between viruses and genetic material.
4. Emilio Segrè (1905-1989)
- Field: Physics
- Achievements: Nobel Prize in Physics (1959) for the discovery of the antiproton. Segrè made significant contributions to experimental physics and was known for his work in nuclear and particle physics.
5. Massimo Riva
- Field: Italian Literature and Culture
- Achievements: A respected scholar in Italian literature, Riva has published extensively on modern and contemporary Italian literature, with a focus on cultural studies and literary theory.
6. Giuseppe Strampelli
- Field: Economics
- Achievements: Known for his research in economic theory and public policy. Strampelli has contributed to significant advancements in understanding economic systems and their implications on society.
7. Giovanni De Mauro
- Field: Linguistics and Language Education
- Achievements: A leading figure in the study of linguistics, particularly in language acquisition and teaching methodologies. His work has influenced educational practices in language learning.
8. Claudia G. Cañete
- Field: Chemistry and Environmental Sciences
- Achievements: Recognized for her work in environmental chemistry and sustainable practices. Cañete's research addresses critical issues related to pollution and its effects on ecosystems.
The University of Turin has a notable connection to several Nobel Prize laureates, especially in the fields of medicine, physics, and literature. Here are some of the most significant Nobel Prize winners associated with the university:
1. Rita Levi-Montalcini – Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1986)
- Achievement: Levi-Montalcini was awarded the Nobel Prize for her discovery of nerve growth factor (NGF), which has been instrumental in understanding how neurons grow and develop. Her work was groundbreaking in the fields of neurobiology and medicine.
- Connection to the University: She studied medicine at the University of Turin and conducted early research there before continuing her work in the United States.
2. Salvatore Luria – Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1969)
- Achievement: Luria received the Nobel Prize for his discoveries concerning the replication mechanism and genetic structure of viruses. His pioneering work helped advance the field of molecular genetics.
- Connection to the University: Luria earned his medical degree from the University of Turin and conducted some of his early research there, contributing to the university’s prominence in medical science.
3. Emilio Segrè – Nobel Prize in Physics (1959)
- Achievement: Segrè, along with Owen Chamberlain, was awarded the Nobel Prize for the discovery of the antiproton, a subatomic particle with the same mass as a proton but opposite charge, an essential discovery in particle physics.
- Connection to the University: Segrè studied at the University of Turin before moving to the United States, where he conducted his Nobel-winning research.
4. Renato Dulbecco – Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1975)
- Achievement: Dulbecco received the Nobel Prize for his work on oncoviruses, which contributed significantly to understanding how viruses can cause cancer by inserting their genetic material into a host's DNA.
- Connection to the University: He studied at the University of Turin and worked under Giuseppe Levi, along with other Nobel laureates such as Levi-Montalcini.
5. Cesare Pavese (Nobel Prize nominee in Literature)
- Although not a Nobel laureate, Cesare Pavese, a celebrated Italian writer and poet who studied and taught at the University of Turin, was frequently considered for the Nobel Prize in Literature. His works had a profound influence on Italian literature and culture.