The Human Mind and Its Explanations: Language, Brain and Reasoning 36 months PHD Program By University of Milan |Top Universities

Program overview

Main Subject

Philosophy

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Over the past decade, the University of Milan, Pisa's Scuola Normale and the IUSS of Pavia have become centres of academic excellence, and have produced top-notch international research in areas the three institutions have in common, ranging from philosophy of the mind, to theories of thinking, to cognitive science. Today more than ever, cutting-edge research requires the ability to take these kinds of competencies even further. Hence a PhD programme that requires candidates to have a strong analytical and epistemological background, and one that challenges students to harmonise theoretical reflections with practical experimentation.

The goal is to attract young researchers wishing to dive deeper into human cognition, taking a multi-disciplinary approach to their studies. This is currently a one-of-a-kind PhD within Italy, on a trajectory to become a flagship programme for Europe as a whole. Our PhD students' training works along two vectors:

  1. fine-tuning the skills they acquired in their underlying studies;
  2. providing them the tools they need (in both theory and practice) to explore philosophy, pure and experimental sciences, cognitive neuroscience, and linguistics.

The programme offers a multi-disciplinary approach that will allow students to devise original and innovative paths within their niche area of research. Thanks to the  network of partner campuses, PhD candidates will have access not only to a wide range of coursework in both theory and methodology, but also to a treasure trove of expertise amongst the faculty as they seek answers to the central hypotheses of their research. The programme opens candidates' intellectual horizons internationally, to Europe and beyond. Study abroad and exchange programmes with international universities, participation in international conferences, and international networks of scientific partnerships (including working with international research centres) are all offered either directly within the programme, or through the Faculty's independent research. In keeping with this focus on internationalisation, all instruction and training is in English.

Program overview

Main Subject

Philosophy

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Over the past decade, the University of Milan, Pisa's Scuola Normale and the IUSS of Pavia have become centres of academic excellence, and have produced top-notch international research in areas the three institutions have in common, ranging from philosophy of the mind, to theories of thinking, to cognitive science. Today more than ever, cutting-edge research requires the ability to take these kinds of competencies even further. Hence a PhD programme that requires candidates to have a strong analytical and epistemological background, and one that challenges students to harmonise theoretical reflections with practical experimentation.

The goal is to attract young researchers wishing to dive deeper into human cognition, taking a multi-disciplinary approach to their studies. This is currently a one-of-a-kind PhD within Italy, on a trajectory to become a flagship programme for Europe as a whole. Our PhD students' training works along two vectors:

  1. fine-tuning the skills they acquired in their underlying studies;
  2. providing them the tools they need (in both theory and practice) to explore philosophy, pure and experimental sciences, cognitive neuroscience, and linguistics.

The programme offers a multi-disciplinary approach that will allow students to devise original and innovative paths within their niche area of research. Thanks to the  network of partner campuses, PhD candidates will have access not only to a wide range of coursework in both theory and methodology, but also to a treasure trove of expertise amongst the faculty as they seek answers to the central hypotheses of their research. The programme opens candidates' intellectual horizons internationally, to Europe and beyond. Study abroad and exchange programmes with international universities, participation in international conferences, and international networks of scientific partnerships (including working with international research centres) are all offered either directly within the programme, or through the Faculty's independent research. In keeping with this focus on internationalisation, all instruction and training is in English.

Admission requirements

3 Years

Tuition fee and scholarships

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

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More programs from the university

The University of Milan offers 78 bachelor’s degree programs in the following: 

Economics, Law and Social Sciences

  • Political, Economic and Social Sciences
  • Law 


Humanities

  • Humanities
  • Language Mediation and Intercultural Communication 


Medicine and Healthcare

  • Medicine 
  • Veterinary Medicine 
  • Pharmacy 
  • Exercise and Sports Sciences


Science

  • Science and Technology 
  • Agricultural and Food Sciences 


Tuition fees

The University of Milan is a public institution. Therefore, the university offers lower tuition fees in proportion to income, with fees being curbed in order to guarantee, to the greatest possible extent, the right for every student to have the opportunity to study. 

For international students, enrolment fees vary according to the student’s citizenship and can vary between €156 to maximum of €1,156 each academic year.

The University of Milan also offers scholarships and other special funding, such as refectory and accommodation services. Enrolled students can apply for a scholarship, depending on whether they’re based on merit, income or both.

The Excellence Scholarships program is particularly aimed at international students. The program offers 100 incentive grants to the newly enrolled best international students at master’s level. The incentives include 50 scholarships of €6,000 plus enrollment fee exemption. 

To find out more about special funding and scholarships, visit the university’s website

Entry requirements

Almost all bachelor's and single cycle degree programs require candidates sit an admission test to ensure they are eligible for their chosen course of study. Each year, between February and July, the University of Milan publishes its calls to apply for admission to bachelor’s degree programs. These calls for application report the procedure for enrolment (matriculation) on the first year of studies, as well as:

  • Admission requirements,
  • Dates, programs, procedures and locations for evaluation tests and entrance examinations,
  • Number of places available for programs with limited enrolment,
  • Instructions for candidates with disabilities or SLD,
  • Information on rankings,
  • Enrolment procedures.


Further information can be found on the university’s website

How to apply

If you’re an international student who’s interested in applying to the University of Milan, you’ll need to complete an online application form which can be found on the university’s website. This is where you’ll also be able to find further details about how to apply as well as specific information regarding entry requirements.   


Animal Production

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Biotechnology

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Dental Hygiene

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Dental Medicine

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Dietetics

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Health Assistance

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Midwifery

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Nursing

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Pediatric Nursing

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Pharmacy

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PhysioTherapy

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Podiatry

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The University of Milan offers 74 master’s programs, 32 doctoral programs, as well as 26 vocational master’s courses and 65 postgraduate schools of professional specialization.

Tuition fees

The University of Milan is a public institution. Therefore, the university offers low, income-curbed tuition fees  in order to guarantee, to the greatest possible extent, the right for every student to have the opportunity to study. 

For international students, enrolment fees vary according to the student’s citizenship and the chosen course of study. 

The University of Milan also offers scholarships and other special funding, such as refectory and accommodation services. Enrolled students can apply for a scholarship, depending on whether they’re based on merit, income or both.

The Excellence Scholarships program is particularly aimed at international students. The program offers 100 incentive grants to the newly enrolled best international students at master’s level. The incentives include 50 scholarships of €6,000 plus enrollment fee exemption. 

To find out more about special funding and scholarships, visit the university’s website

Entry requirements

Those who hold, or are about to complete a bachelor's degree (or equivalent title) by the end of December or by the deadline indicated in the Program Structure for the selected master's degree program may apply to enroll on a postgraduate degree program. 

Graduates who wish to apply for a doctoral program or a medical specialization school must follow the instructions in the competitive examination announcements.

For specific entry requirements you should also consult the master’s degree program that you’re interested in applying to. 

European citizens, non-EU citizens who reside in Italy with a current, valid “permesso di soggiorno” (residence permit) and natives of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Lichtenstein can apply. Non-EU citizens who are residents abroad must submit a pre-application request to the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence.

Some master degree programs have open admissions (on the basis of a case-by-case evaluation of the student candidature). Other programs will require candidates to sit an admission tests in order to ensure they are eligible for their chosen course of study. 

You must submit your admission application directly to the university.

Each year, between February and July, the University of Milan publishes its calls to apply for admission to master degree programs. These calls for application report the procedure for enrolment (matriculation) on the first year of studies, as well as:

  • Admission requirements,
  • Dates, programs, procedures and locations for evaluation tests and entrance examinations,
  • Number of places available for programs with limited enrolment,
  • Instructions for candidates with disabilities or SLD,
  • Information on rankings,
  • Enrolment procedures.


Further information can be found on the university’s website

How to apply

If you’re an international student who’s interested in applying to the University of Milan, you’ll need to complete an online application form which can be found on the university’s website. This is where you’ll also be able to find further details about how to apply as well as specific information regarding entry requirements.  

Plant Science

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