Università degli Studi di Perugia

Degree course in Political sciences and international relations [L-36] D. M. 270/2004

General information

Qualification awarded

Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and International Relations

Level of qualification

First cycle

Specific admission requirements and specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning

In order to enrol on the Degree course, students must have a diploma from a Secondary School or another equivalent qualification, obtained abroad and recognized suitable. Students are required to have an adequate preparation in the basic subjects of contemporary culture and history assessed via a national orientation written test. Upon failure of the aforementioned, the student will be evaluated and interviewed by the course Director.

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 Degree course in Political Science and International Relations (SPRI) has a duration of 3 years during which the student must obtain 180 ECTS credits. Formative activities, based on semester-long periods are carried out through face-to-face classes, seminars, stages in the public and private sectors, “other formative activities” and a final examination.

Students are usually required to take 60 credits per year, corresponding to 1,500 hours of work/study load. Formative activities are common in the first year and divided in the second and third years into two curricula: International Relations and Political Science. The first (IRs), supplies the student with historical, legal, economical and sociological tools, necessary to interpret current international dynamics. This formation aims to
provide students with the knowledge necessary to operate in all areas of international work, enabling him/her to understand the interstate dimension of the given occupational processes.
The curriculum in Political Science is divided into two parts:

1- Sciences of Politics, which through a theoretical-doctrinal and practical application formation, allows for the acquisition of useful skills to understand the dynamics of political, institutional, economical, social and organizational contemporary society.

2- The curriculum in Administrative Sciences enables the student to acquire the ability to use a variety of analytical approaches and skills necessary to be able to
operate at an intermediate level in the field of public administration, the private sector, with
particular reference to community services and the third sector. All aspects concerning the organization and management of the Bachelor’s Degree Course in Political Science and International Relations are described in the specific Didactic Regulation, available on the Faculty website.  

Key learning outcomes

Undergraduates in SPRI will acquire and apply the specific expertise skills, both
substantive and methodological, within a contemporary and interdisciplinary formation, in the fields of law, economy, political science, sociology, history, and will be able to identify and assess main problems in modern society, plan and carry out complex operational strategies.

Undergraduates in SPRI, in general, acquire adequate expertise in empirical, political, sociological, statistical, economical and quantitative research methods, as well as in comparative research methods, especially in the disciplines of public and international law allowing for a successful and innovative functioning in public and private sectors, particularly in careers having an international dimension.

They acquire judgment autonomy, within an interdisciplinary perspective, to examine and interpret the dynamics of contemporary socio-political and economical; domestic and international society. Furthermore, he/she will know how to address issues related to governing and overall, meeting the needs of society.
Moreover, he/she will have the ability to communicate, clearly and with appropriate language; information, ideas and solutions to problems to specialist and non-specialists, in
both international and national contexts, by proper oral and written forms.

Learning assessment is made through individual course exams, and particularly, in the final examination.

Examination regulations, assessment and grading

The individual examination takes place orally before a board of at least two professors.

Other possible methods of assessment (e.g. written and final or ongoing exams, participation in seminars) may be found in singular course descriptions. Course exams are assessed on a scale of 30 and, where appropriate, with honours. The final grade, assessed on a scale of 110, is based on: the average course grades, eventual bonuses and the final examination involving the presentation of a written research paper to be discussed before a board of professors. The board may attribute up to 4 points on 110 for the latter.

Graduation requirements

The final qualification is awarded upon the attainment of 180 credits and upon approval of the written paper.

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

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

Occupational profiles of graduates with examples

Employment opportunities may be found in various fields, such as private, national and multinational companies and organizations; governments; institutions; public national,
supranational and international organizations; non-governmental organizations and the third sector.

Access to further studies

The qualification provides access to the Master’s Degree Course in Political and Governmental Sciences and International Relations.

Programme director or equivalent

Tabella riepilogativa regolamento

International Relations (Regulations 2013)

Political Science (Regulations 2013)

Administration Sciences (Regulations 2013)