Università degli Studi di Perugia

Degree course in International Relations [LM-52] D. M. 270/2004

General information

Qualification awarded

Master’s degree in International Relations

Level of qualification

Second cycle

Specific admission requirements and specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning

The enrollment in the Master’s Degree course is subject to verification of curricular requirements and personal preparation. A Bachelor’s degree, in which at least 60 credits are in the scientific disciplinary fields (as indicated in the Didactic Regulations, available on the Faculty’s website), is compulsory. In addition, those who have completed the Bachelor's degree with a final grade of less than 90/110 must pass an assessment test. 

Profile of the programme

The Master’s Degree in International Relations aims to train highly qualified experts and operators
in various fields within the international relations area. Through the acquisition of advanced multidisciplinary skills that address international issues; such as history, law and economics, the study programme will prepare students to interpret the reality of contemporary international relations in all its aspects and acquire the professional skills needed to efficiently operate, in both public and private, international, national and the local managerial level.

The degree course is divided into three curricula. The curriculum in Foreign Policy and Globalization trains experts to operate at public and business levels, and in particular, prepares students for senior management roles in state governments, local authorities and firms all having a high degree of internationalization, and in the diplomatic sector.

The curriculum in Multilateral Diplomacy and Collective Security is specifically aimed at
the formation of international civil servants; or rather, employment at the highest levels within
international organizations.

The curriculum in International Cooperation and Development trains experts capable of analyzing the historical-anthropological and political-institutional characteristics in a given territorial and social context and creates, develops and directs implementation of projects in support of sustainable social development aimed at increasing the well-being of the affected population.

Qualification requirements and regulations

The Master’s Degree course in International Relations (RI) has a duration of 2 years, during which the student must obtain 120 ECTS credits. Formative activities, based on semester-long periods are carried out through face-to-face classes, seminars, group work, case studies and “other formative activities” such as placements and stages and other formative and professional acknowledgements.

Each student’s study programme is directed by the secretarial staff and tutors.

Professors will evaluate student assessment through written exams, papers and orals. Furthermore, a final singular examination will take place where a final grade will be given to the student.

All aspects concerning the organization and management of the Master Degree Course in RI are described in the specific Didactic Regulation, available on the Faculty website.

Key learning outcomes

Graduates in RI acquire and are able to apply knowledge, common to international relations experts, with a high level of methodological and multidisciplinary skills. In particular, graduates in RI, choosing Foreign Policy and Globalization, acquire the ability to access careers in both the international, public and private sectors.

Those choosing the Multilateral Diplomacy course, acquire the skills typical of international organization officials.

Graduates in RI, within the International Cooperation and Development course, acquire skills used to facilitate relations between different economic and social realities and in the development of the less previledged one. Graduates in RI are also able to apply (know how) the acquired skills thanks to basic computer and English capacities.

These skills are acquired through the participation in seminars and classroom exercises and
are assessed by tests and/or specific written essays, according to the modalities
set out in the Academic Regulations.

Graduates in RI acquire judgment autonomy regarding the reliability of
information necessary for activities that characterize their work and acquire the ability to make
decisions critically and synthetically in order to solve problems.

For the purposes of the course, graduates will also become sensitized to focus their attention on the skills of how to be (have sensitivity towards various, international emerging issues in contemporary society).

Moreover, they will acquire ability in communicating the following clearly; information, ideas and solutions to problems with different people, whether they be experts or not and within an international context and through proper oral and written forms. Will know how to use main Information and Communication Technology instruments and communication and relationship skills in order to work in groups and in an interdisciplinarycontext.

Examination regulations, assessment and grading

Individual examinations take place orally before a board of at least two professors.

Other possible methods of assessment, such as written and oral exams, presentations and critical text examination may also be used. The professor may use forms of exemption, which will acquire value only by passing the individual oral examination. Exams are assessed on a scale of 30 and, where appropriate, with honours. The final grade is based on the results of the individual courses and on the final examination, which involves the presentation of a written research thesis to be discussed before a board of at least 7 professors. The latter is assessed on a scale of 110, and where applicable, with honours.

Graduation requirements

The final qualification is awarded upon the attainment of 120 credits and upon the approval of a written thesis.

Mode of study (full-time, part-time, e-learning, ...)

Full time study and attendance is recommended. However, part-time study is possibile.  

Occupational profiles of graduates with examples

Job opportunities may be found within the career directives of
public administrations and companies dealing with foreign countries, especially in
government administrations and local authorities. Specific career opportunities are in
diplomatic careers, employment in international, public and
private (NGOs) organizations involved in development cooperation.

Access to further studies

The qualification provides access to: 2nd Level Vocational Master, PhD and
graduate schools in Italy and abroad.

Programme director or equivalent

Tabella riepilogativa regolamento

Multilateral diplomacy and collective security (Regulations 2013)

Foreign policy and globalization (Regulations 2013)

International cooperation and development (Regulations 2013)