The Fondazione Monte dei Paschi di Siena has launched ISAbella, a program designed to offer students innovative financial support.
In short, ISAbella allows students who wish to enroll in the 1st Level Master's Program in Fundamentals of Phytotherapy to:
- Access economic resources at zero cost to pay for the master's program.
- Repay only based on future income.
For more information, download the ISAbella flyer (in italian).
The Master's program provides specific knowledge and skills in preparing herbal remedies, as well as in-depth information about medicinal plants and their preparations. It covers their pharmacotoxicological and therapeutic characteristics, with the goal of promoting a rational use of phytotherapy.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, classes for the Level I Master's Degree in the Fundamentals of Phytotherapy will be held in a blended learning format. This means some classes will be in-person in Siena (with the option to attend remotely), and some will be exclusively remote. The remote option will ALWAYS be available throughout 2026 (even when classes are in-person in Siena) via online lectures on the Google Meet platform at the address: https://meet.google.com/xxy-auby-gvc.
We believe it's important to hold some in-person classes because we feel that the in-class exchange with colleagues and professors is particularly interesting and stimulating in a medical-pharmaceutical-scientific field like phytotherapy.
Who is it for?
This program is for graduates with a Level I or II degree (Laurea di I e II livello) or a five-year degree under previous regulations, in scientific disciplines (see the official announcement for details).
How long does it last?
12 months
How is it structured?
The program is structured as follows:
- Four five-day lecture cycles (Monday to Friday) from January to September 2026.
- January 12-16, 2026: Entire cycle in-person in Siena and remotely.
- March 2-6, 2026: Entire cycle exclusively remote.
- June 8-12, 2026: Entire cycle in-person in Siena. This cycle includes:
- In-person lectures in Siena that will also be shared remotely.
- Practical laboratory and field exercises, as well as visits to companies and botanical gardens, which cannot be shared remotely. Therefore, attendance in Siena for this cycle is highly recommended.
- September 14-18, 2026: Entire cycle exclusively remote.
- Stage A 500-hour internship is mandatory. The internship can be completed at any public or private organization, chosen by the participant and approved by the Master's Director. This can include your own professional activity, if applicable.
- Thesis To obtain the degree, participants must defend a thesis on a topic of their choice related to phytotherapy at the end of the course.
Where do the in-person classes take place?
Classes are held at the Didactic Complex of the Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Siena, Strada Laterina 8, Siena.
Who are the professors?
The Level I Master's Degree in the Fundamentals of Phytotherapy features professors from the University of Siena, other Italian universities, and professionals from the medicinal plant sector.
How to enroll?
The official announcement and enrollment forms can be found at: https://gemas.unisi.it/app/rr/pubblico/elenco_proposte/0/
- Application deadline: December 15, 2025
- Classes begin: January 12, 2026
How much does it cost?
The total amount is €2,000, payable at the time of enrollment. Fees for university courses and professional training are exempt from VAT and can be deducted as educational expenses.
The Level I University Master's Degree in the Fundamentals of Phytotherapy provides an in-depth study of the following topics: plant biology and pharmaceutical botany, phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, pharmaceutical techniques, ethnobotany, and applied phytotherapy. It represents a postgraduate specialization in the core disciplines of phytotherapy, with integrated concepts related to pathology and clinical practice using herbal remedies.
Topics covered:
- From Plant to Drug
- Plant Biology
- Phytochemistry
- Elements of Pharmacokinetics
- Legislation and Quality Control of Herbal Remedies
- Phytotherapy and the Cardiovascular System
- Lipids and Sterols in Disease Prevention and Treatment
- Phytotherapy and Metabolic Syndrome
- Adaptogenic Plants
- Prebiotics and Probiotics
- Herbal Laxatives and Purgatives
- Phytotherapy and the Gastrointestinal System
- Phytotherapy and the Genitourinary System
- Phytotherapy in Gynecology
- Cannabinoids
- Phytotherapy for the Central Nervous System (CNS)
- Anti-inflammatories
- Phytotherapy for Venous Conditions
- Phytotherapy for Skin Care and Wellness
- Treatment of Common Winter Illnesses
- Essential Oils (Aromatherapy)
- Phytotherapy in Ophthalmology
- Phytotherapy in Veterinary Medicine
- Antioxidants and Food Chemistry
Other planned activities:
- Small group work
- Phytochemical analysis laboratory
- Visits to botanical gardens, medicinal plant farms, and companies that produce plant-based products
Certificate Issued
A Level I Master's Degree in the Fundamentals of Phytotherapy, with the attribution of 60 university credits. Enrolled participants are exempt from the ECM (Continuing Medical Education) requirement for the year 2026.
Master's Program Director
Prof.ssa Elisabetta Miraldi, U.O. di Biologia Farmaceutica, Strada Laterina, 8 - 53100 Siena.
- Email: elisabetta.miraldi@unisi.it; annarosa.magnano@unisi.it; giulia.baini2@unisi.it
- Tel: 0577.232544; 0577.232840; 0577.232842; 0577.232842.
For administrative questions, please contact:
- Dr.ssa Giulia Baini: giulia.baini2@unisi.it
- Dr.ssa Annarosa Magnano: annarosa.magnano@unisi.it
For enrollment questions, please contact the Office of Master and Postgraduate Studies:
- Dr. Paolo Genovese: Tel. 0577.235940/42, Fax 0577.235939.
