The Master’s Degree Program in African and Asian Studies (SAA) aims to provide a deep and interdisciplinary understanding of national and international issues concerning African, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries. African and Asian Studies have a strong teaching tradition at Pavia, supported by a specialized library and a research center with its own resources (Center for the Study of Extra-European Peoples, CSPE).

The program’s courses are spread over two academic years and include lectures, seminars, document reading, case study analysis, and the preparation and discussion of brief reports. The thesis, developed on a topic agreed upon with the supervising professor, is intended to demonstrate the student’s ability to conduct independent and original research. Some lectures are delivered by professors from African and Asian countries.

A particular emphasis is placed on the advanced study of one of the following languages, chosen by the student: Arabic, Chinese, or Japanese. The SAA program offers students numerous opportunities for studying, conducting research, and preparing their thesis abroad at research centers and academic institutions in Africa, Asia, and Europe.