Master’s Degree in Volcanology

The Master's Degree in Volcanology is a two-year course of the University of Naples Federico II, offered by the Department of Earth, Environment and Resources Sciences. It trains professionals able to work in the surveillance, management and mitigation of volcanic risks. Lessons are entirely in English and take place in person in Naples, a particularly significant location for the study of volcanoes. Naples is surrounded by active or potentially active volcanic areas, such as Vesuvius and the Campi Flegrei, and for this reason it is an ideal location for studying volcanology. The course addresses the processes that govern eruptions and the methods for assessing and reducing risks to the population, with an approach that combines observation and data analysis.

The programme includes volcanic processes and risk assessment, practical activities in the laboratory and in the field, the use of professional software for managing geological data and IT and geophysical skills. The page notes an exclusive collaboration with INGV-Osservatorio Vesuviano and activities in the field in the area of Vesuvius, the Campi Flegrei and Ischia. The credits and any internship are not stated. The collaboration with INGV-Osservatorio Vesuviano, described as exclusive by the page, offers direct contact with the body responsible for volcanic surveillance. The field activities include Vesuvius, the Campi Flegrei and Ischia, while the professional software and the geophysical and IT skills serve to process geological data and to represent them.

The career opportunities include academic research, volcanic monitoring with public and private bodies, the management of geological heritage and civil protection. The course is aimed at bachelor's graduates in scientific disciplines, without further detail on degree classes. Since it is taught in English, it requires a good knowledge of the language, the level of which is not stated. The price, start date, selection, places and scholarships are not given and must be checked in the official call for applications. The career opportunities include academic research, monitoring with public and private bodies, the management of geological heritage and civil protection. Teaching in English makes the course accessible also to foreign students, but requires a good knowledge of the language. The length of internships, credits and admission arrangements must be checked in the official call for applications. Before applying it is advisable to compare this information with that published on the university's official website, which may be more up to date than the page. It is also advisable to contact the department's teaching office to clarify any doubts about attendance, lesson calendar, assessment methods and organisation of the final exam.