Structure and contents
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 worldwide. 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 first semester. Students with a background in economics or management will follow a set of courses which are designed to further build on these areas. Students without any background in economics and management will follow a set of courses which provide an understanding and fundamental insight into the management disciplines. From the second semester, the two streams will combine and continue to develop new insights into management processes.
The last semester is a unique combination of academic rigour through the writing of a thesis and a piece of applied or consulting work - the field project - which is done in groups for a real company. Instead of the field project, students can also decide to do an individual internship.
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Study Programme 2023-2025
Sem. I
First Degree in Economics or Management (30 ECTS)
6 6 6 6 6 First Degree in any other Subject (30 ECTS)
3 3 6 6 6 6 Sem. II Core Courses (27 ECTS)
6 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Electives* (offered by other Master's programmes)
6 3 Sem. III Electives*
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Electives (offered by other Master's programmes)
3 3 6 Sem. IV Capstone Work (30 ECTS)
Field Project or Internship
12 Thesis
18 Electives
3 * The electives listed are recommended by the Master in Management; however, students are free to choose electives offered by other Master's programs with the approval of the Master’s director.
Slight changes in the study programme may occur. -
Track system
The tracks are structured as follows (the structure might be subject to slight changes):
Strategy and Entrepreneurship 2nd Semester
ECTS
3
3 3 3rd Semester
Innovation 3
International Business
3 3 Organization and
Human Resources Management2nd Semester
ECTS 3 3rd Semester
Decision Making
3 Organizational Learning
3 3 3 3 Socially Responsible Management
2nd Semester
ECTS 3 3rd Semester
3 3 3 3 Sustainable Management
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Language
The admission to English-language Master programmes at USI requires a good command of English. Non-native English speakers applying to the Master’s or whose previous degree was obtained in another language, are required to provide an internationally acknowledged language certificate equal to the B2 level as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR) or equivalent (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).
The language certificate must be included in the application package.
We only accept the English qualifications mentioned below. The certificate must still be valid at the point of the application. We generally cannot accept language test results older than three years as of September 1st.The B2 level on the CEFR corresponds to the following scores in internationally acknowledged exams:
IELTS* 5.5 TOEFL* Computer-based: 183
Internet-based*: 65
Paper-based: 513Cambridge English B2 First TOEIC Listening & Reading: 785
Speaking: 150
Writing: 160Students admitted under the above-mentioned condition must achieve a C1 competence in English within the maximum time required to obtain the Master's degree.
The level can be certified either by attending a language course offered at USI during the Fall and Spring semester, by taking the final exam, or by providing an internationally acknowledged language certificate*.The C1 level on the CEFR corresponds to the following scores in internationally acknowledged exams:
IELTS* 7.0 TOEFL* Internet-based*: 100 Cambridge English C1 Advanced, grade C or above
BEC (Business English), grade C or aboveTOEIC Listening & Reading: 945
Speaking: 180
Writing: 180*Update 30.01.2023 - Academic Year 2023/24
Certificates obtained by passing the IELTS Academic Online or TOEFL iBT Home Edition tests may also be submitted for admission to the programme.Italian
As Lugano is located in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, students might be interested in acquiring the basics in Italian.
The Università della Svizzera italiana offers a free of charge Italian language course: further information can be found here.