International Politics, Law and Economics (IPLE)

Studenti in sala studio
In-person programme
International Politics, Law and Economics (IPLE)
Course sheet
A.Y. 2026/2027
Bachelor
L-36 R - Scienze politiche e delle relazioni internazionali
Bachelor
180
ECTS
Access
Limited enrolment with admission test
3
Years
Course location
Milan
Language
English
The Bachelor's degree course in International Politics, Law and Economics aims to combine the fundamental knowledge typical of an interdisciplinary education in the fields of economics, law, political science, sociology and history with a focus specifically geared towards understanding the international and comparative dimensions of contemporary politics, law and economics. The comparative perspective is fundamental to enable students to form a clear understanding of the diverse political and institutional realities existing worldwide, and as an indispensable tool for the knowledge and understanding of the very basic theoretical foundations of law and political science and the functioning of institutions. An international perspective is essential for understanding the dynamics of political and economic relations between the various actors that make up global society (states, international organisations, multinational corporations, non-governmental organisations and individuals) and the role of international and supranational institutions within an increasingly interdependent yet fragmented global context. The programme consists of a core first-year module and two specialisation tracks: one focusing on politics and economics from a comparative and international perspective, and the other on politics and law with a strong international focus. The core module already focuses on comparative methodology and the international dimension, spanning history, sociology, law, political science and economics. The first curriculum explores comparative aspects, particularly in the field of political science, and international dimensions, specifically in the field of economic policy, aiming to equip students with a quantitative approach to research and encouraging them to analyse and understand complex realities. The second curriculum focuses on the in-depth study of international relations and international law, aiming to train individuals capable of examining and mastering, with a critical and flexible mindset, the dynamics that drive the sphere of international relations. The aim is to provide students with a programme which, in terms of content, standards, teaching materials and the language of instruction (English), can be directly applied in the international labour market or in further postgraduate study. The programme aims to equip students with the skills necessary to work in the fields where public policy is formulated, managed and evaluated within contemporary political and social systems at various levels: national, transnational and international. From a cultural perspective, graduates will have acquired a useful foundation for pursuing further studies in international relations, as well as in related fields, ranging from political science to economics, and from human rights to development cooperation and peace studies. Graduates who wish to pursue a professional career, on the other hand, will be able to work in various sectors, both public and private, undertaking support roles in the fields of diplomatic relations, government administration or international intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, as well as analytical and support roles in the commercial or international relations departments of companies, public bodies, local authorities, or in corporate management. This programme derives its added value from the integration of different disciplinary perspectives and approaches, which are inherently designed to foster the ability to manage complexity and problem-solving skills. In addition to English, the course requires proficiency in at least one other European Union language, both written and spoken, including Italian for non-native speakers.
The Bachelor's Degree Programme prepares graduates to find employment in the following areas: national and regional/local public administrations, including diplomatic missions to foreign countries or international institutions; international organisations; NGOs (e.g. those engaged in humanitarian volunteering activities); centres or associations specialised in the study and analysis of political, social, and economic processes; public and/or private (national or multinational) companies involved in international trade and finance; in the fields of services, cultural heritage, tourism, and communication.

Administrative officers at diplomatic and consular missions and at international organizations

Function in a work context
The professions included in this category carry out support functions to the activities a) of the representative staff in service at diplomatic and consular posts and b) of the highest-level officers of international organizations, with particular regard to European regional institutions. These employees participate in the management of the activities of the offices where they are employed; analyze the information held by the offices for the formulation of proposals and opinions to the executives on whom they depend; sub a), contribute to the management of political relations with the host State, also by providing assistance in the identification and correct interpretation of the relevant legal provisions, and participate in the promotion of commercial, scientific and cultural relations carried out by consulates abroad; sub b), contribute to the activity of the offices and departments of international organizations, as well as to the consultations between higher-level officers and representatives of States. They are able to use two foreign languages, even in the sectors covered.

Skills associated with the function
These operators have the ability to identify, understand, analyze and propose solutions to relevant political and legal issues in interstate relations.

Employment opportunities
Italian diplomatic and consular representations abroad and of foreign states in Italy; intergovernmental, universal and regional (in particular, European) organizations.


Officers of public and private companies who deal with commercial relations with foreign countries

Function in a work context
The professional figures referred to in this profile are those of employees of public and private companies; some of these figures are particularly aimed at the European sphere. They are entrusted with support tasks for the management of commercial relations with foreign countries. In particular, they provide administrative services and assist specialists in identifying foreign suppliers or clients and in concluding contracts with them for the supply of goods or services. They collaborate in the correct execution of contracts and maintain relations with foreign suppliers/customers.

Skills associated with the function
These operators know the reference legal framework (national and international, in particular the regulation of the single European market), have the ability to analyze and resolve issues related to the marketing of goods and services abroad and, finally, to use technical languages or specific.

Employment opportunities
Industrial and tertiary sector companies operating in the public or private sector.


International relations officers in public and private offices and in NGO organizations

Function in a work context
The professions included in this category participate in the promotion and management of institutional relationships with foreign counterparts (located in Europe and also outside Europe) for the public or private sector and for non-governmental organizations. This type of employee performs support functions through the analysis of documents and all the information held in the offices, as well as searching for further elements of information, useful for the preparation of proposals and/or preliminary dossiers for making decisions. They also participate, with functions of responsibility, in the planning and organization of meetings and conferences, and follow up their follow-up.

Skills associated with the function
These operators have the ability to participate in the planning, initiation and management of close links with foreign bodies of the entities in which they are employed and, consequently, to interact with foreign counterparts. They are in able to carry out research in the legal, political and social fields, useful for defining strategies for the promotion of institutional relations with foreign countries.

Employment opportunities
State and local government offices, universities and research institutions, private companies, non-governmental organizations.


Analysts of economic, political and social processes

Function in a work context
The professionals included here carry out studies and research to support the strategies of private and public organizations. These can concern both the organization itself, and the field in which it operates, and the procedural aspects that involve it. These figures autonomously manage and coordinate the collection of information for the analyzes they conduct, and produce research reports and dossiers functional to the choices of the organizations in which they operate.

Skills associated with the function
The analyst of economic, political and social processes has disciplinary knowledge relating to the area in which he operates which allows him to interpret the complexity of the phenomena analysed, and which are combined with skills in the systematic analysis of information, especially thanks to the use of appropriate statistical techniques.

Employment opportunities
Head of studies and research in companies, analyst of processes, junior researcher in research institutes, employee of the research office in parties, trade unions and business associations, head of research in public bodies and public service companies, or in NGOs.


Officers of public administrations at national or local level

Function in a work context
The professions included in this category carry out functions of analysis and evaluation of policies, production of internal reports and tasks of support to the work of management in the context of national and local public administrations which have to deal more or less regularly with issues and policies of international and global scale.

Skills associated with the function
These operators have the ability to carry out research in the economic and institutional fields, to make comparisons appropriately, and to model the problems in order to allow a systematic analysis of processes and policies of competence of the administration to which they belong, and to monitor their implementation in progress and the results.

Employment opportunities
Public offices at different levels of government equipped with research and evaluation facilities.

Technicians of the organization and management of production factors

Function in a work context
The professional figures included in this section are concerned with the monitoring of processes within
companies and organisations, analyzing the use of capital, human and logistical resources and of all the factors used in production processes. These tasks are intended both for the constant evaluation of the quality of the processes, also with a view to certification, and for the identification of strategies for improvement and reallocation of resources.

Skills associated with the function
These professional figures apply the knowledge relating to the economy, institutions and complex organizations provided in the course of study, together with the data analysis and information processing skills guaranteed by laboratories and quantitative courses.

Employment opportunities
Management analyst, time and methods controller, work organization technician

Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
The Department responsible for the Bachelor's programme has exchange agreements under the Erasmus+ programme with several Universities in France, Germany, Spain, Central and Eastern Europe (mainly Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Estonia and Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria), Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Portugal, Ireland, Malta, Slovenia and Turkey, as well as extra-European exchanges with Argentina (UNSAM), China (Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Peking University e Renmin University), Japan (Waseda University and Kobe University).

A double degree program is currently in place with Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour-UPPA. The double degree awards students a degree in International Politics, Law and Economics, issued from UNIMI and a degree in Droit, Économie, Gestion à l'International- DEGI', issued by UPPA. UNIMI students' study period at UPPA lasts one academic semester and takes place during the 8th - 9th trimester of IPLE Bachelor Degree. The Double Degree program is taught in English and partially in French. An official call, that will be announced on IPLE website, establishes the conditions for entering the selection.
Course attendance is highly recommended.
Enrolment
In order to be admitted to the Bachelor's Programme in International Politics, Law and Economics, prospective students must hold an upper secondary school diploma or equivalent qualification obtained abroad after at least 12 years of schooling , and possess an adequate educational background. Indeed, some basic skills are required in the two following areas: language comprehension, logic and mathematics. These skills are essential to the fruitful participation in this programme, as is a sound knowledge of English (level B2 of the European reference framework).
Pursuant to Article 2 of Law 264/1999, with a view to ensuring high quality education in the light of available resources, the maximum number of students who can enroll in this programme is set at 125, plus a certain number of spots that are reserved for non-EU candidates residing abroad. The admission test for EU candidates is organized in two sessions: the first session, in Spring 2025, is reserved to students attending their last year of secondary school; the second session, open to all candidates, will take place in Summer 2025. The selection procedure for non-EU candidates residing abroad will take place in Spring 2025, and will be open both to students in their last year of secondary school, and to those who already got their diploma.
The admission test will serve as a basis for both the selection of candidates and the assessment of their skills in the abovementioned two areas (language comprehension, logic and mathematics). In order to be positively assessed in each subject area, candidates must correctly answer at least 50% of the questions. Those candidates who are admitted in the programme despite having correctly replied to a lower percentage of questions in the area of logic and mathematics (jointly considered) will be assigned further training requirements (s.c. OFA, Obblighi Formativi Aggiuntivi). This means that they will have to attend courses/workshops or consult supplementary materials and pass another test within their first year in the programme. If they fail to do so, they will not be allowed to take second- and/or third-year exams. Further information on these OFA are available online on the website of the Faculty of Political, Economic and Social Sciences, area Studying.

English OFA
To be able to sit the exams included in the degree programme, students are required to have a B2 level of proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
This level of proficiency can be certified as follows:
- By submitting a language certificate at B2 level or higher, issued no more than three years before the submission date. The list of language certificates recognized by the University is available at https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322. The certificate must be uploaded during enrolment or later through the portal http://studente.unimi.it/uploadCertificazioniLingue;
- By submitting a secondary school diploma with English as teaching Language. The diploma must be uploaded during enrolment in the Language Certificate section, or later through the portal http://studente.unimi.it/uploadCertificazioniLingue;
- By taking a placement test administered by the University Language Centre (SLAM) during the first year, in October. Students who do not pass the test will be required to attend a language course offered by SLAM.

The Placement Test is compulsory for all students who do not already hold a valid certificate, or a secondary school diploma with English as teaching language. Students who do not take the Placement Test by October or who fail the SLAM end-of-course test after six attempts, must obtain a language certificate privately to be able to register for and sit any exam included in the degree programme.

Places available: 125 + 25 reserved for non-EU citizens

Call for applications

Please refer to the call for admission test dates and contents, and how to register.

Application for admission: from 12/03/2026 to 06/07/2026

Application for enrolment: from 09/07/2026 to 22/07/2026

Read the Call

Notice for prospective students for Academic Year 2026-27

Starting from the academic year 2026/2027, the English TOLC-E test will be replaced by the CEnT-S test (CISIA English Test – Sciences).

All information on the CEnT-S, including the test calendar, is available on the CISIA website at: CEnT-S structure and syllabus | CISIA :: Consorzio Interuniversitario Sistemi Integrati per l'Accesso.

For admission to the Bachelor’s Degree Programme in International Politics, Law and Economics (IPLE), only the scores obtained in the following sections will be considered valid: Mathematics and Reasoning on Texts and Data.

The tests may be taken at any university that offers the CEnT-S starting from Thursday, 27 November 2025.

Programme description and courses list
First trimester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Contemporary History 6 40 English HIST-03/A
Data Analysie 3 20 English INFO-01/A
History of Political Theories 6 40 English GSPS-03/A
Logic and Critical Thinking 3 20 English PHIL-02/A
Second trimester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Comparative Social Systems 6 40 English GSPS-05/A
Mathematics 6 40 English STAT-04/A
Public Law 9 60 English GIUR-06/A
Third trimester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Microeconomics 9 60 English ECON-01/A
Political Science 9 60 English GSPS-02/A
be activated by the A.Y. 2027/2028
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Advanced Data Analysis 3 20 English INFO-01/A
Econometrics 6 40 English ECON-05/A
International Law 9 60 English GIUR-09/A
International Macroeconomics 12 80 English ECON-01/A
International Relations 9 60 English GSPS-02/A
Polimetrics 6 40 English GSPS-02/A
Research Methodology 6 40 English GSPS-05/A
Statistics 6 40 English STAT-01/A
Writing and Communication Skills 9 60 English ANGL-01/C
be activated by the A.Y. 2028/2029
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Comparative Political Systems 9 60 English GSPS-02/A
International Economics and Policy 6 40 English ECON-01/A
Models in Political Analysis 9 60 English GSPS-02/A
Public Economics 9 60 English ECON-03/A
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Final Exam 6 0 Italian NN
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Optional
Additional Language Skills: French (3 ECTS) 3 0 French NN
Additional Language Skills: German (3 ECTS) 3 0 German NN
Additional Language Skills: Italian (3 ECTS) 3 0 Italian NN
Additional Language Skills: Spanish (3 ECTS) 3 0 Spanish NN
Ai Literacy 3 30 Italian INFO-01/A
Optional activities and study plan rules
- Students must obtain 3 ECTS by attending a workshop organized by the Bachelor Programme, or further training activities (e.g., an internship).
- Students must obtain 12 ECTS from elective courses.
- Students must obtain 3 ECTS from the Additional Language Skills Assessment.
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Additional Language Skills: French (3 ECTS) 3 0 French Open sessions NN
Additional Language Skills: German (3 ECTS) 3 0 German Open sessions NN
Additional Language Skills: Italian (3 ECTS) 3 0 Italian Open sessions NN
Additional Language Skills: Spanish (3 ECTS) 3 0 Spanish Open sessions NN
Course progression common to all curricula
a) Public Law is preparatory to International Law;
b) Political Science is preparatory to International Relations;
c) Microeconomics is preparatory to International Macroeconomics.

Course progression specific to the International Politics and Economics curriculum
a) Mathematics is preparatory to Econometrics;
b) International Macroeconomics is preparatory to International Economics and Policy, Public Economics;
c) Statistics is preparatory to Econometrics, Polimetrics;
d) Political science is preparatory to Polimetrics, Models in Political Analysis, Comparative Political Systems.

Course progression specific to the International Politics and Law curriculum
a) Public law is preparatory to EU Law and to Comparative Public Law;
b) Contemporary History is preparatory to History of International Relations, History and Institutions of East Asia and State and Society in North Africa and the Mediterranean region;
c) International Relations is preparatory to War Studies;
d) History of International Relations is preparatory to History and Politics of Global Powers.

The fulfilment of the Additional Formative Obligations (OFAs) is preliminary to the second and third year examinations.
First trimester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Contemporary History 6 40 English HIST-03/A
Data Analysie 3 20 English INFO-01/A
History of Political Theories 6 40 English GSPS-03/A
Logic and Critical Thinking 3 20 English PHIL-02/A
Second trimester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Comparative Social Systems 6 40 English GSPS-05/A
History of International Relations 9 60 English GSPS-04/B
Public Law 9 60 English GIUR-06/A
Third trimester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Microeconomics 9 60 English ECON-01/A
Political Science 9 60 English GSPS-02/A
be activated by the A.Y. 2027/2028
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Eu Law 9 60 English GIUR-10/A
International Law 9 60 English GIUR-09/A
International Macroeconomics 12 80 English ECON-01/A
International Relations 9 60 English GSPS-02/A
Sociology of Globalization 6 60 English GSPS-06/A
Statistics 6 40 English STAT-01/A
War Studies 6 40 English GSPS-02/A
Writing and Communication Skills 9 60 English ANGL-01/C
be activated by the A.Y. 2028/2029
Second trimester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Optional
State and Society in North Africa and the Mediterranean Region 9 60 English GSPS-04/C
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Comparative Public Law 6 40 English GIUR-11/B
History and Politics of Global Powers 6 40 English GSPS-04/B
Optional
History and Institutions of East Asia 9 60 English GSPS-04/D
International Human Rights Law 9 60 English GIUR-09/A
International Trade Law 9 60 Italian GIUR-09/A
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Final Exam 6 0 Italian NN
Optional activities and study plan rules
- Students must obtain 9 ECTS in one of the following courses
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
International Human Rights Law 9 60 English Open sessions GIUR-09/A
International Trade Law 9 60 Italian Open sessions GIUR-09/A
- Students must obtain 9 ECTS in one of the following courses
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
History and Institutions of East Asia 9 60 English Open sessions GSPS-04/D
State and Society in North Africa and the Mediterranean Region 9 60 English Second trimester GSPS-04/C
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Optional
Additional Language Skills: French (3 ECTS) 3 0 French NN
Additional Language Skills: German (3 ECTS) 3 0 German NN
Additional Language Skills: Italian (3 ECTS) 3 0 Italian NN
Additional Language Skills: Spanish (3 ECTS) 3 0 Spanish NN
Ai Literacy 3 30 Italian INFO-01/A
Optional activities and study plan rules
- Students must obtain 3 ECTS by attending a workshop organized by the Bachelor Programme, or further training activities (e.g., an internship).
- Students must obtain 12 ECTS from elective courses.
- Students must obtain 3 ECTS from the Additional Language Skills Assessment.
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Additional Language Skills: French (3 ECTS) 3 0 French Open sessions NN
Additional Language Skills: German (3 ECTS) 3 0 German Open sessions NN
Additional Language Skills: Italian (3 ECTS) 3 0 Italian Open sessions NN
Additional Language Skills: Spanish (3 ECTS) 3 0 Spanish Open sessions NN
Course progression common to all curricula
a) Public Law is preparatory to International Law;
b) Political Science is preparatory to International Relations;
c) Microeconomics is preparatory to International Macroeconomics.

Course progression specific to the International Politics and Economics curriculum
a) Mathematics is preparatory to Econometrics;
b) International Macroeconomics is preparatory to International Economics and Policy, Public Economics;
c) Statistics is preparatory to Econometrics, Polimetrics;
d) Political science is preparatory to Polimetrics, Models in Political Analysis, Comparative Political Systems.

Course progression specific to the International Politics and Law curriculum
a) Public law is preparatory to EU Law and to Comparative Public Law;
b) Contemporary History is preparatory to History of International Relations, History and Institutions of East Asia and State and Society in North Africa and the Mediterranean region;
c) International Relations is preparatory to War Studies;
d) History of International Relations is preparatory to History and Politics of Global Powers.

The fulfilment of the Additional Formative Obligations (OFAs) is preliminary to the second and third year examinations.
Learn more
Milan
Course locations
Via Conservatorio, 7 Milano (MI) Italy
Erasmus and international mobility tutor 
Internship tutor
Seminar and workshop tutor
Quality Assurance Delegate
Contacts

For students enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's and single-cycle degree programmes, tuition fees are to be paid in two instalments:

  • the amount of the first instalment is the same for all students and is due upon enrolment
  • the amount of the second instalment varies according to each student's ISEE University value and the degree programme in which they are enrolled
  • for international students with income and assets abroad, the second instalment varies according to their country of origin.

Education incentive programmes and other benefits

The University offers scholarships, cafeterias, subsidised accommodation and other forms of financial support to students meeting specific economic and merit requirements.

More information