Level: Master Degree
Course: LM 52 - International Relations
Language of the course: English
Admission: public selection

The hallmark of the Master’s programme is its strong multi- and interdisciplinary approach, which gives students the opportunity to transcend the confines of traditional academic disciplines. All courses are taught in English, another characteristic that distinguishes the programme from similar ones offered in other Italian and European Universities.

Recently, the School has established a Double Degree programme with the Department of International Relations and European Studies of the Metropolitan University Prague (MUP). This programme allows a limited number of selected students to earn a Master’s Degree in International Relations and European Studies from MUP, in addition to the Master’s Degree in European and International Studies from the School of International Studies in Trento.  This programme further enriches the wide range of opportunities to spend a period of study abroad through international exchange and Erasmus programmes.

Throughout the two years of the programme, tutors provide students with further support and guidance if and when needed.

Students intending to enrol on the first year of the MEIS must satisfy a number of academic and linguistic requirements. Students must have some academic background in the core subjects of the programme, and a very good level (B2+) of the English language is required as well as basic knowledge of a second foreign language. For further details regarding entry requirements to the MEIS, please refer to the announcement for the selection procedure, posted on the SIS website available in January each year. Further information regarding applications and the degree course can be found on the FAQ page.

A self-evaluation test and a recommended reading list are available in the download area of this dedicated section of thewebsite . For further useful information regarding internships, international exchange programmes, and internal rules and regulations see this section.

The Master’s Degree in European and International Studies (MEIS) has evolved over the ten years since its far-sighted inception to offer its graduates not only a multidisciplinary background but also those multidisciplinary skills, tools and competences which governance professionals and academics need to be able to draw on to effectively face the challenges of the increasingly integrated and globalized world. This innovative programme distinguishes itself in the Italian context in three respects. Firstly, its ambitious aim to couple a solid knowledge base in the core disciplines with finely honed analytical skills which can be applied in diverse contexts and environments, at the local, regional, national or supranational level. Secondly, in its multi- and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the transformations and challenges in European and international contexts. Thirdly, it the only such Master’s in Italy offered entirely in English and places great emphasis on acquiring not only advanced English language communications skills but also a working knowledge of at least one other language, necessary requisites for entry into an international work and research environment. These objectives all contribute to giving our graduates the cutting edge in an increasingly competitive employment context. An example of some of the Learning Objectives and Learning Outcomes of the programme:

Learning Objectives

• Provide an insight into the multi-level system of actors and interests involved in European policy-making, and the relations between the EU, its Member States and other international bodies;
• Consolidate knowledge of the historical, political, economic and legal context of European integration in order to analyse/explain not only transformations but also current tensions, challenges, conflicts and crises;
• Develop critical thinking and problem solving abilities through use of appropriate qualitative, systematic and sound methodologies in order to interpret and draw pertinent conclusions regarding social, economic, cultural, and political developments and/or phenomena resulting from processes of globalisation and internationalisation;
• Provide contexts in which students can engage in debate, discussion and reflection on the hot issues of the day;
• Develop academic and study skills which encourage both self directed learning and research and collaborative learning, thus preparing students both for further academic study and for work in a professional context.

Learning Outcomes

• MEIS graduates have a clear understanding of the main academic theories and frameworks from each of the core disciplines and can draw on these to analyse European and international systems of governance, policy making processes and the outcomes of these same policies;
• MEIS graduates can design, develop and implement a research project for analysing regional, national, European or global phenomenon;
• MEIS graduates can deal with complex data and information from a variety of sources and are able to analyse and process the same to provide a clear and accurate synthesis, drawing pertinent conclusions in order to offer possible recommendations for action;
• MEIS graduates are able to identify the key concepts and issues from extensive and varied input, understanding and interpreting the diverse and divergent perspectives and are able to provide an objective summary;
• MEIS graduates are familiar with a wide range of academic and professional texts and are able to communicate clearly and effectively, adopting an appropriate style, register and technical lexis in English and one additional language, other than their mother tongue;

Employment and Career Prospects

The Master’s programme in European and International Studies prepares students for careers both in the public and the private sectors.
Graduates will be qualified to:

• hold positions of responsibility within national and international institutions engaged in international affairs and private corporations operating in international markets;
• work for governmental and non-governmental organisations engaged in specific areas of international affairs (such as human rights, peacekeeping, protection of the environment, institution-building, etc);
• enter the diplomatic service. 

For those wishing to continue their studies, the Master’s programme provides a solid preparation for admission to international PhD programmes in International Studies and related subjects. Holding a Master’s degree from the School, however, does not provide preferential access to the PhD programme offered by the School.