The Master's in Phytotherapy is a postgraduate program designed to meet the professional needs of doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. Its purpose is to provide specific knowledge and skills in the use and preparation techniques of herbal remedies, as well as an in-depth understanding of medicinal plants, their pharmacotoxicological and therapeutic characteristics, and the areas in which phytotherapy can be used rationally within the limits of current knowledge. The Master's program therefore aims to train participants to professionally respond to the growing number of patients who want to use products based on medicinal plants and their preparations for treatment, while also training professionals capable of working in the herbal product industry.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, classes for the Level II Master's Degree in 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 specialist degree, a Level II degree, or a five-year degree under previous regulations (see the official announcement for details).
How long does it last?
18 months
How is it structured?
- Eight five-day lecture cycles (Monday to Friday). Five cycles will be held in 2026, and three in 2027.
- 2025/2026 Academic Year Class Schedule:
- 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.
- November 16-20, 2026: Entire cycle exclusively remote.
- 2026/2027 Academic Year Class Schedule: To be defined.
- Internship and Professional Training It is mandatory to complete a 600-hour internship and professional training. These can be carried out 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 II Master's Degree in 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/1/
- Application deadline: December 15, 2025.
- Classes begin: January 12, 2026.
How much does it cost?
The total amount is €4,000. The first installment of €2,000 must be paid upon enrollment, while the second installment of €2,000 must be paid at the end of the first year (January 12, 2027). Fees for university courses and professional training are exempt from VAT and can be deducted as educational expenses.
The Level II University Master's Degree in Phytotherapy represents the highest level of postgraduate specialization in the core disciplines of phytotherapy: Plant Biology, Pharmaceutical Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Techniques, Pathophysiology, and supplementary concepts related to pathology and clinical practice.
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
- Phytotherapy for the Gastrointestinal System
- Herbal Laxatives and Purgatives
- Phytotherapy and the Genitourinary System
- Phytotherapy in Gynecology
- Cannabinoids
- Phytotherapy for the CNS
- Stimulating Plants
- Herbal Anti-inflammatories
- Phytotherapy and Sports
- Phytotherapy for Venous Conditions
- Phytotherapy for Skin Care and Wellness
- Treatment of Common Winter Illnesses
- Essential Oils (Aromatherapy)
- Phytotherapy and Ophthalmology
- Plants in Liquor Production
- Gemmotherapy, Homeopathy, and an introduction to Flower Therapy
- Animal Nutrition and Phytotherapy in Veterinary Medicine
- Antioxidants and Food Chemistry
- PNEI (Psycho-Neuro-Endocrine-Immunology) and Integrated Medicine
- Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda
- Mycotherapy
- Interactions Between Foods, Drugs, and Herbal Remedies
- Phytotherapy in Pediatrics
- Herbal Products During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Phytocosmetics
- Master and Official Galenic Phytotherapeutic Preparations
Other planned activities:
- Small group work
- Galenic preparations laboratory
- Phytochemical analysis laboratory
- Visits to botanical gardens, medicinal plant farms, and companies that produce plant-based products.
Certificate Issued
A Level II Master's Degree in Phytotherapy, with the attribution of 90 university credits. Enrolled participants are exempt from the ECM (Continuing Medical Education) requirement for the entire duration of their enrollment in the Master's program, in accordance with current regulations.
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.
