STUDI INTERNAZIONALI Degree Programme Profile
Basic Information
Qualification awarded
Master Degree in STUDI INTERNAZIONALI
Qualification Type/Level
EHEA Second cycle, EQF level 7
Number of Years/credits
2 years; 120 ECTS
Mode of Study
Full-Time/Part-Time*
*All Degree Programmes are planned and organised for full-time students. It is possible, however (without special arrangements), to proceed through the course of study at one's own pace. This makes it possible, if necessary, to accommodate employment or other non-university activities or obligations.
Name of the Course Director and other contact information
President of the Degree Course Council:
Prof.
Email
Department of DIPARTIMENTO DI SCIENZE POLITICHE
Internationalization Coordinator (CAI):
Prof. Maurizio Vernassa
Email vernassa@dsp.unipi.it
Language of Teaching
Italian
Admission Requirements
Formal Requirements
Italian First cycle qualification (Laurea) or foreign equivalent in the same or related subject area, with possible extra work if required competences are lacking.
Possible assessment prior knowledge and competences
Assessment of competences acquired in First Cycle studies in related or un-related subject areas to determine admission by Degree Programme Council with possible assignment of extra work to be done before admission.
Required knowledge and competences support programmes
Students whose curricula show lacuna may need to take extra first cycle course units before admission.
General Information
Programme Profile
The degree in international studies provides a critical approach to the analysis of political, economic, and institutional systems. It adopts a comparative perspective to the study of geopolitical scenarios and cross-country linkages. For analytical purposes, students are encouraged to use a broad set of tools, ranging from economics, sociology and law to political philosophy.
Our students can chose among a broad array of courses and areas of specialization. They are encouraged to define their own areas of interest and, after the second year, they are guided to coherently choose their internship activities and final dissertation topics.
Our students are supposed to be proactive in several class activities. Lessons are often organized as seminars and tutorials, and encompass real-world case studies. Finally, they also learn how to draft short papers, reports and craft simple web sites and other on-line resources.
Key Learning Outcomes
Our graduates are expected to acquire in-depth knowledge of the history of both European and world politics. They can analyze the social and economic dynamics that govern global conflicts and master the basic structures and motivations of European and global migrations. Our graduates also master the most important tools of economic analysis to understand basic features of international trade and finance.
Our graduates can also identify relevant sources and employ interdisciplinary methodologies to analyze historical events. They are fluent in at least two foreign languages and feel comfortable to use information technology. Finally, they are also able to carry on independent research projects and work in teams.
Occupational Profile/s of Graduates
Most likely, our graduates are hired by institutions and NGOs active in several fields, ranging from environment protection and human rights to local economic development.
They can also work for the public sector in a wide spectrum of activities like cooperation and international aid. Moreover, many of our graduates are a good match for several of research labs and global corporate actors.
Access to further study
The Laurea Magistrale degree in INTERNATIONAL STUDIES allows the graduate to compete for entry into a Third Cycle programme/doctoral school.
Assessment methods, examination regulations, and grading
Assessment is normally by means of an oral or written examination; in some cases there are intermediate exams during the course; other elements (participation in discussion, written or oral reports, commentary of texts etc. ) are foreseen in specific course units and are described in the Course Unit Profiles.
The grading system for the course units consists of 30 possible points, plus 'lode' (cum laude) in case of excellence. Marks are given by the lecturer based on the performance as ascertained in a public examination by a board of at least two teachers. The main exam sessions are held in June/July; September; and January; students may resit exams**.
Actual grading curves differ in different degree programmes. The University of Pisa provides an ECTS Grading Table, which shows the actual distribution, of the examination and final grades among students for each degree programme, in order to facilitate the comparison with other grading systems. ---> Link to ECTS Grading Table
An overall mark is given on the occasion of the 'Final Exam', when a written research text is presented and discussed. The final overall mark is calculated based on the results of the marks obtained in the single course units and the final exam, and is based on 110 possible points, with the possible further mention of honours ("lode" or cum laude).
**The exam sessions are organised into sessions (the dates vary according to the Department and are published in the Department's academic calendar). In each session there are a certain number of 'appelli' [calls], or dates on which the examination for each course unit may be taken. The 'appelli' are fixed by the teacher. The students choose which of the appelli they wish to respond to. In most cases, it is obligatory to sign up before the specified date.
Requirements (regulations) to obtain the qualification
Our students’ final examination consists in the writing of an original dissertation. This is supposed to put into action the main skills acquired during the degree. Our candidates are supervised by a member of the faculty and are expected to defend their