Structure and contents

A crucial part of this academic programme is the internship.
Internships aim at allowing students to get in touch with the professional world, in Switzerland and abroad, within professional environments that are consistent with the Master programme, in companies such as TV and radio broadcasters, news outlet, etc.

• Twitter
• Walt Disney
• Sky Italia
• Mediaset
• Locarno Film Festival
• Mondadori
• Bertelsman
• RSI
• MTV
• Eurosport
• Italian Ministry of Foreign Affair
• Government of the principality of Liechtenstein
• Nestlè
• IKEA

In alternative to the internship and in order to broaden their scientific competences, students can attend an academic Semester abroad or in Switzerland, in one of USI's partner universities.
During this semester, students can integrate courses they attended in Lugano in the first two semesters with other subjects in media management.

Master theses are set to conclude students' preparation and are aimed at deepen the analysis of a topic students can decide, within the scope of the Master programme.
The research work, supervised by one or more professors of the Master, can be theoretical or empirical: students have to demonstrate to be able to use proper concepts, theories, methodologies and tools and to have analysis, synthesis and editorial skills.

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 B2 level on the CEFR corresponds to the following scores in internationally acknowledged exams:

*Due to the current health emergency, USI temporarily accepts TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and IETLS Indicator as alternatives to the standard tests.
TOEFL: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/toefl/at-home/
IELTS: https://www.ieltsindicator.com/

Students 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, and 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:​

We only accept the English qualifications mentioned above. The certificate must still be valid at the point of the application. In general, we are not able to accept language test results older than 3 years, as of September 1st.  

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.

Exceptional Measure for the A.Y. 2020/21: when do I have to submit my English language certification?

• Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society / Economics / Informatics: by 30 December 2020. 

  If a student/student fails to obtain the required level of English by the deadline, enrolment in the 2021 winter session will be cancelled, the exams taken in the intermediate session will be invalidated and admission to the Master's degree will not be confirmed.
  ​Candidates will also be required to reach level C1 by the deadline for obtaining the degree.