Global Politics and Society (GPS) - Classe Lm-62-Enrolled from 2019/2020 Academic Year
Global Politics and Society (GPS) is a two-year master's degree programme, entirely taught in English. Students of this programme will benefit from a multidisciplinary training of the highest quality, aimed at preparing highly-qualified professionals, able to understand and interpret complex social and political dynamics arising in the wake of globalization, within a scenario of increased international interdependences. Core modules will bridge cutting-edge concepts and skills necessary to address key contemporary questions, extending from global geopolitics dynamics to the transformation of societies, from developments in international political economy to changing patterns of social inequalities. Students will then have the opportunity to strengthen their preparation in specific thematic areas, choosing from a wide range of options made possible thanks to the several lines of research that characterize the Department of Social and Political Sciences, which stands out as one of the best performing department for social and political sciences research in Italy.
During the last decades, globalization processes have been challenging the functioning of western societies across a wide range of domains: from political participation and representation to welfare states' structures and labour market regulation; from citizenship's rights and migration, to the threats concerning novel forms of discrimination and exclusion. The complexity, as well as the interdependent nature of those challenges, require professionals able to understand and interpret, in a way that is at the same time rigorous, theoretically informed and methodologically sound, how and in which directions globalization processes are affecting the functioning of contemporary societies and polities.
The master's degree in Global Politics and Society addresses the above-mentioned task, relying on a genuinely multidisciplinary approach, developed through a coherent path consisting of:
- a core package of six compulsory courses - meant to provide an advanced training in the fields of political science and sociology, complemented by key competences in the area of law and economics (48 credits);
- five elective courses, that allow students to strengthen their competences in specific thematic areas, within a rich offer of options (36 credits);
- other additional elective and optional activities (15 credits);
- a research dissertation (21 credits).
During the last decades, globalization processes have been challenging the functioning of western societies across a wide range of domains: from political participation and representation to welfare states' structures and labour market regulation; from citizenship's rights and migration, to the threats concerning novel forms of discrimination and exclusion. The complexity, as well as the interdependent nature of those challenges, require professionals able to understand and interpret, in a way that is at the same time rigorous, theoretically informed and methodologically sound, how and in which directions globalization processes are affecting the functioning of contemporary societies and polities.
The master's degree in Global Politics and Society addresses the above-mentioned task, relying on a genuinely multidisciplinary approach, developed through a coherent path consisting of:
- a core package of six compulsory courses - meant to provide an advanced training in the fields of political science and sociology, complemented by key competences in the area of law and economics (48 credits);
- five elective courses, that allow students to strengthen their competences in specific thematic areas, within a rich offer of options (36 credits);
- other additional elective and optional activities (15 credits);
- a research dissertation (21 credits).
GPS graduates will be ready to undertake a wide array of career paths, as professionals able to interpret social, political and economic trends that occur in the global scenario and to elaborate medium to long-term strategic plans.
GPS graduates will be prepared for positions in the field of applied research in social and political sciences; in national and international political institutions and non-governmental organizations; in public, private and third sector organizations, which tackle the dynamics of the global market; in companies and organizations within the information sector, the cultural industry and the publishing market.
They will also be well prepared to engage in further academic research and apply to top-level PhD programmes in social and political sciences.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
GPS graduates will be prepared for positions in the field of applied research in social and political sciences; in national and international political institutions and non-governmental organizations; in public, private and third sector organizations, which tackle the dynamics of the global market; in companies and organizations within the information sector, the cultural industry and the publishing market.
They will also be well prepared to engage in further academic research and apply to top-level PhD programmes in social and political sciences.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
The programme is intended for top-level international students.
Admission is based on academic excellence. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree or equivalent; a strong interest and/or previous studies in political science, sociology or related subjects; a sound knowledge of spoken and written English.
The evaluation process will take into consideration the applicants prior academic record as well as their performance if admitted to the interview (see below).
More specifically, applicants who obtained their bachelor's degrees from Italian Universities are eligible for admission only if they hold a "laurea" degree belonging to any one of the "classi di laurea" (degree classes) listed below under the heading "Note 1".
Applicants who completed their undergraduate studies in foreign Universities are eligible for admission if they hold a bachelor's degree in political science, sociology, economics or other broadly related subjects (from history to philosophy, and so on), provided that their bachelor's degree may be regarded as equivalent to one of the Italian "laurea" degrees listed below (Note 1).
Note 1:
L-05 Filosofia;
L-11 Classe delle Lauree in Lingue e Culture Moderne;
L-12 Classe delle Lauree in Mediazione Linguistica;
L-14 Classe delle Lauree in Scienze dei Servizi Giuridici;
L-16 Classe delle Lauree in Scienze dell'Amministrazione dell'Organizzazione;
L- l8 Classe delle Lauree in Scienze dell'Economia e della Gestione Aziendale;
L-20 Classe delle Lauree in Scienze della Comunicazione;
L-33 Classe delle Lauree in Scienze Economiche;
L-36 Classe delle Lauree in Scienze Politiche e delle Relazioni Internazionali
L-37 Classe delle Lauree in Scienze Sociali per la Cooperazione, lo Sviluppo e la Pace;
L-39 Classe delle Lauree in Scienze del Servizio Sociale;
L-40 Classe delle Lauree in Sociologia;
L-41 Statistica;
L-42 Classe delle lauree in Storia.
Non-native English speakers must be able to demonstrate their knowledge of English, either by showing they have at least one year of university studies at institutions where the language of instruction is English, or during the interview (if admitted, following the consideration of their academic records). The possessing of a IELTS or TOEFL will also be taken into account.
At least a B2 level language knowledge of English is required.
Interviews may be held on-site or by videoconference.
Admission is based on academic excellence. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree or equivalent; a strong interest and/or previous studies in political science, sociology or related subjects; a sound knowledge of spoken and written English.
The evaluation process will take into consideration the applicants prior academic record as well as their performance if admitted to the interview (see below).
More specifically, applicants who obtained their bachelor's degrees from Italian Universities are eligible for admission only if they hold a "laurea" degree belonging to any one of the "classi di laurea" (degree classes) listed below under the heading "Note 1".
Applicants who completed their undergraduate studies in foreign Universities are eligible for admission if they hold a bachelor's degree in political science, sociology, economics or other broadly related subjects (from history to philosophy, and so on), provided that their bachelor's degree may be regarded as equivalent to one of the Italian "laurea" degrees listed below (Note 1).
Note 1:
L-05 Filosofia;
L-11 Classe delle Lauree in Lingue e Culture Moderne;
L-12 Classe delle Lauree in Mediazione Linguistica;
L-14 Classe delle Lauree in Scienze dei Servizi Giuridici;
L-16 Classe delle Lauree in Scienze dell'Amministrazione dell'Organizzazione;
L- l8 Classe delle Lauree in Scienze dell'Economia e della Gestione Aziendale;
L-20 Classe delle Lauree in Scienze della Comunicazione;
L-33 Classe delle Lauree in Scienze Economiche;
L-36 Classe delle Lauree in Scienze Politiche e delle Relazioni Internazionali
L-37 Classe delle Lauree in Scienze Sociali per la Cooperazione, lo Sviluppo e la Pace;
L-39 Classe delle Lauree in Scienze del Servizio Sociale;
L-40 Classe delle Lauree in Sociologia;
L-41 Statistica;
L-42 Classe delle lauree in Storia.
Non-native English speakers must be able to demonstrate their knowledge of English, either by showing they have at least one year of university studies at institutions where the language of instruction is English, or during the interview (if admitted, following the consideration of their academic records). The possessing of a IELTS or TOEFL will also be taken into account.
At least a B2 level language knowledge of English is required.
Interviews may be held on-site or by videoconference.
The degree in Global Politics and Society offers the opportunity to study at several European universities, where students will be able to attend lectures and obtain credits for their degree.
Furthermore, GPS is part of a prestigious inter-university network: the network of European Masters in Labour Studies - EMLS. The other partners of the network are: Université catholique de Louvain, Universität Bremen, Universität Trier, University of Warwick, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Université Toulouse, University College Dublin, Università degli Studi di Firenze, University of Amsterdam, Instituto Universitario de Lisboa, National University of Political Studies and Public Administration of Romania, Univerza v Ljubljani. Each partner has agreed to recognize the teaching and evaluation methods of partner institutions as well as the equivalence of their curricula. Students may attend a semester in one of the EMLS partner universities. Accordingly, any examination passed at any university in the network is fully and automatically recognized.
GPS students may also obtain a double degree, jointly recognized by the University of Milan and the University of Bremen, following a specific path, focused on welfare and employment matters, and attending the first year at University of Bremen.
Furthermore, GPS is part of a prestigious inter-university network: the network of European Masters in Labour Studies - EMLS. The other partners of the network are: Université catholique de Louvain, Universität Bremen, Universität Trier, University of Warwick, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Université Toulouse, University College Dublin, Università degli Studi di Firenze, University of Amsterdam, Instituto Universitario de Lisboa, National University of Political Studies and Public Administration of Romania, Univerza v Ljubljani. Each partner has agreed to recognize the teaching and evaluation methods of partner institutions as well as the equivalence of their curricula. Students may attend a semester in one of the EMLS partner universities. Accordingly, any examination passed at any university in the network is fully and automatically recognized.
GPS students may also obtain a double degree, jointly recognized by the University of Milan and the University of Bremen, following a specific path, focused on welfare and employment matters, and attending the first year at University of Bremen.
Attendance is highly recommended
Courses list
First trimester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| International Political Economy and the Welfare State | 12 | 80 | English | SECS-P/02 SPS/04 |
| Multi-Level Legal System | 6 | 40 | English | IUS/07 |
| Optional | ||||
| Globalization, Social Justice and Human Rights | 9 | 60 | English | SPS/08 |
Second trimester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| World Society | 9 | 60 | English | SPS/07 |
| Optional | ||||
| Comparative Politics and Development | 9 | 60 | English | SPS/04 |
| Economic of Social Regulation of Global Workforce | 9 | 60 | English | SPS/09 |
| International Migration and Immigration Policies | 9 | 60 | English | SPS/10 |
Third trimester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Global Social Inequalities | 9 | 60 | English | SPS/09 |
| Globalization and Cultural Diversity | 6 | 40 | English | SPS/08 |
| Optional | ||||
| Global Citizenship | 9 | 60 | English | SPS/07 |
| Human Rights At Work in International and Comparative Law | 9 | 60 | Italian | IUS/07 |
Optional activities and study plan rules
1 - Students must earn 18 credits by selecting two of the following alternatives
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparative Politics and Development | 9 | 60 | English | Second trimester | SPS/04 |
| Economic of Social Regulation of Global Workforce | 9 | 60 | English | Second trimester | SPS/09 |
| Global Citizenship | 9 | 60 | English | Third trimester | SPS/07 |
| Globalization, Social Justice and Human Rights | 9 | 60 | English | First trimester | SPS/08 |
| Human Rights At Work in International and Comparative Law | 9 | 60 | Italian | Third trimester | IUS/07 |
| International Migration and Immigration Policies | 9 | 60 | English | Second trimester | SPS/10 |
First trimester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Global Geopolitics | 6 | 40 | English | SPS/04 |
| Optional | ||||
| Employment, Inequalities and Discrimination in the Global Labour Market | 6 | 40 | English | IUS/07 SPS/09 |
| Journalism,media and Politics | 6 | 40 | English | SPS/06 |
Second trimester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Consumer Culture | 6 | 40 | English | SPS/07 |
| Data Lab | 3 | 20 | English | SPS/04 |
| Differences, Inequalities and the Politics of Law | 6 | 40 | English | IUS/20 |
| Dissertation Lab | 3 | 20 | English | SPS/07 |
| Globalization and Labor Markets | 6 | 40 | English | SPS/09 |
| Social Justice in a Global World | 6 | 40 | English | SPS/01 |
| The Welfare State and Social Innovation | 6 | 40 | English | SPS/04 |
Third trimester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Datafied Society | 6 | 40 | English | SPS/08 |
| Global Challenges to Democracy | 6 | 40 | English | SPS/04 |
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Final Exam | 21 | 0 | English | |
Optional activities and study plan rules
2 - Students must earn 18 credits by selecting two of the following alternatives
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Culture | 6 | 40 | English | Second trimester | SPS/07 |
| Datafied Society | 6 | 40 | English | Third trimester | SPS/08 |
| Differences, Inequalities and the Politics of Law | 6 | 40 | English | Second trimester | IUS/20 |
| Employment, Inequalities and Discrimination in the Global Labour Market | 6 | 40 | English | First trimester | IUS/07 SPS/09 |
| Global Challenges to Democracy | 6 | 40 | English | Third trimester | SPS/04 |
| Global Public Policy and the Knowledge Society | 6 | 40 | English | Second trimester | SPS/04 |
| Globalization and Labor Markets | 6 | 40 | English | Second trimester | SPS/09 |
| Journalism,media and Politics | 6 | 40 | English | First trimester | SPS/06 |
| Social Justice in a Global World | 6 | 40 | English | Second trimester | SPS/01 |
| The Welfare State and Social Innovation | 6 | 40 | English | Second trimester | SPS/04 |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Patenting and Technology Transfer | 6 | 48 | English | AGR/01 IUS/01 IUS/04 |
First trimester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Research Methods in Social and Political Science | 9 | 60 | English | SPS/04 SPS/07 SPS/09 |
Second trimester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Global Public Policy and the Knowledge Society | 6 | 40 | English | SPS/04 |
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Advanced Language Skills: French (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | French | |
| Advanced Language Skills: German (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | German | |
| Advanced Language Skills: Spanish (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | Spanish | |
Optional activities and study plan rules
- Student must earn 6 credits by selecting among the following activities: Foreign language: advanced 3 CFU; Stage 6 CFU
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Language Skills: French (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | French | Open sessions | |
| Advanced Language Skills: German (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | German | Open sessions | |
| Advanced Language Skills: Spanish (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | Spanish | Open sessions | |
| Data Lab | 3 | 20 | English | Second trimester | SPS/04 |
| Dissertation Lab | 3 | 20 | English | Second trimester | SPS/07 |
- Students must earn 9 credits for elective activities
Among these activities, students can choose also "Research methods in social and political science"
Among these activities, students can choose also "Research methods in social and political science"
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Methods in Social and Political Science | 9 | 60 | English | First trimester | SPS/04 SPS/07 SPS/09 |
Presidente del Collegio Didattico
Prof. Manlio Cinalli
Reference structures
Contacts
- Degree Course E-mail
[email protected]
A.Y. 2025/2026
A.Y. 2024/2025
A.Y. 2023/2024
A.Y. 2022/2023
A.Y. 2021/2022
A.Y. 2020/2021
A.Y. 2019/2020
Official documents