Economics and Finance LM‑16 at University of Bergamo

Choosing a master’s abroad brings big questions: quality teaching, affordable fees, and strong career prospects. English‑taught programs in Italy tick these boxes. They let you study in Italy in English, benefit from the network of public Italian universities, and often pay the same low rates that qualify campuses as tuition‑free universities Italy. One clear example is the Economics and Finance LM‑16 master at the University of Bergamo (Università degli Studi di Bergamo). This article shows how the programme works, what you learn, and how you can fund it.

Why study in Italy in English for Economics and Finance

English is the main language of global finance. By following this degree, you gain advanced economic theory and applied financial skills while living in an academic system that ranks among the oldest in the world. Italian public universities use strict quality reviews, so every module meets national and European standards.

Key reasons to choose this course:

• Fully English‑medium teaching. You train to write reports and present to international teams.
• A modular plan that blends economics, quantitative methods, and corporate finance.
• Small class sizes. Lecturers know students by name and can tailor feedback.
• Access to faculty research groups in banking, behavioural economics, and risk management.
• Fees tied to income, plus grants that can cancel most costs.
• Direct links to professional bodies such as the Italian Association of Financial Analysts.

English‑taught programs in Italy: Course outline and structure

The Economics and Finance LM‑16 master covers two academic years, equal to four semesters and 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) points. You gradually move from advanced theory to hands‑on modelling.

Year One

• Advanced Microeconomics
• Advanced Macroeconomics
• Mathematics for Economics and Finance
• Statistics and Econometrics
• Corporate Finance Fundamentals
• Computer Programming for Economists (focus on Python and R)

Year Two

• Financial Markets and Instruments
• Risk Management and Derivatives
• Monetary Economics and Policy Analysis
• Behavioural Finance
• Ethics and Sustainable Investment
• Internship or Project Work
• Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS)

Modules come in seven‑week blocks. Lecturers split each week into lectures, seminars, and lab sessions. In labs, you build models, test investment strategies, and practise coding. Each block ends with a short exam, essay, or group project. This continuous assessment spreads the workload and helps you absorb complex concepts without cramming.

Learning outcomes and skill set

On graduation, you will be able to:

• Use econometric tools to test market hypotheses.
• Build portfolio strategies under different risk profiles.
• Analyse central‑bank policy and its effect on global capital flows.
• Code clear, well‑documented scripts that clean, process, and visualise financial data.
• Explain complex results to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Apply ethical standards when advising on investment decisions.

Such outcomes are essential in banking, consulting, and public policy. They also prepare you for doctoral research or professional certifications like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter.

Study methods and resources

Teaching mixes face‑to‑face classes and digital support:

• Flipped learning: Short videos before class free time for problem solving in the room.
• Case workshops: Teams apply theory to real events, such as a bond default or a merger.
• Peer review: Students exchange feedback on code and essays, improving critical thinking.
• Guest lectures: Executives and policy advisers share current practice.

Resources include:

• A financial lab with Bloomberg terminals, macro‑data feeds, and high‑speed computers.
• University library subscriptions to journals like the Journal of Finance and the Economic Journal.
• An online platform with recorded lectures, slides, and datasets.

English‑medium support services

Studying in a second language can feel demanding. The university offers:

• A free Academic English course that sharpens writing style and presentation skills.
• A language centre with drop‑in clinics for grammar and pronunciation.
• Soft‑skill workshops on teamwork, leadership, and conflict management.
• Counselling services in English and Italian.

Entry requirements

The programme welcomes applicants from economics, finance, business, mathematics, or engineering. Minimum entry rules are:

• A bachelor’s degree worth at least 180 ECTS (or equal) with basics in microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, and maths.
• English at B2 level, proven by IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80, or a previous English‑medium degree.
• A personal statement (max 700 words) explaining goals and research interests.
• Academic reference from a university lecturer or employer.

All documents go through an online portal. Admissions staff reply within four weeks, so you can plan visas early.

Tuition fees and funding routes

The University of Bergamo follows the national policy that caps fees at public Italian universities. Charges scale to family income. Many non‑EU students pay under €1,500 per year; some pay almost nothing, placing the campus among tuition‑free universities Italy.

DSU grant

The DSU grant (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) is the main aid. Winners receive:

• Full tuition waiver.
• A cash stipend up to €6,000 per year.
• One free meal per day at campus cafeterias.

Selection looks at income and academic merit. Apply early because quotas fill quickly.

Scholarships for international students in Italy

Additional funding includes:

• Merit scholarships worth €2,000–€5,000 for top‑ranked applicants.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs bursaries for citizens of selected countries.
• Erasmus+ mobility funds if you spend a semester abroad.

With a DSU grant and careful budgeting, you can cover most living costs and finish the degree without heavy debt.

Documents for your funding application

When you apply for grants, prepare:

• Family income statement translated into Italian and legalised.
• Bank statements that show recent balances.
• A rental agreement or confirmation of campus housing.
• Passport copies and residence permit (if already in Italy).
• A detailed study plan signed by the programme coordinator.

Submitting complete papers on time raises your chance of success.

Internships and practical training

During the second year, you complete either an internship (minimum 300 hours) or a research project. The internship office helps match students with banks, consulting firms, asset‑management companies, and research centres. Tasks may include:

• Building stress‑test models for a regional bank.
• Valuing start‑up shares for a venture‑capital fund.
• Analysing policy impact on small‑business credit flows.

If you lean toward academia, choose research instead. You will work under a professor, collect original data, and present findings in a written thesis.

Assessment and grading

Italian masters use a 30‑point scale. Marks above 18/30 count as a pass. Assessment types:

• Written exams with short‑answer and essay questions.
• Oral exams where you defend arguments or solve problems on a whiteboard.
• Coding assignments checked through version‑control platforms.
• Group presentations that test teamwork and public‑speaking ability.
• Final thesis defence in front of a panel.

Continuous assessment means you know your progress every step of the journey.

Career paths and professional recognition

A survey shows that most graduates secure a job within six months of finishing. Typical roles:

• Financial analyst in banks, insurance firms, or investment houses.
• Risk officer tracking market, credit, and operational threats.
• Corporate treasurer managing cash, capital budgets, and hedging.
• Economic researcher in think tanks, central banks, or international agencies.
• Consultant advising on mergers, valuations, and strategic planning.

The degree’s LM‑16 label is recognised across the European Higher Education Area. As a result, your diploma eases visa and professional‑equivalence processes in other countries.

Research and doctoral gateways

If you plan to enter academia, the course builds a solid base. You can:

• Take optional workshops on econometric software such as Stata and EViews.
• Join reading groups that discuss recent papers in asset pricing and monetary policy.
• Apply for teaching‑assistant roles, gaining experience in labs and tutorials.

The best theses often become conference papers, and some move on to PhD programmes in Italy, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.

Alumni network and mentoring

Graduates form a global network in finance, policy, and academia. Each year, the department hosts an Alumni Day with panels and speed‑networking sessions. Students meet mentors, learn about industry shifts, and explore placements. This network opens doors far beyond graduation.

Professional certification pathways

The curriculum aligns with major certifications:

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Core topics such as ethics, quantitative methods, and portfolio management appear across the syllabus.
• Financial Risk Manager (FRM). Subjects like market risk, credit risk, and derivatives support exam prep.
• European Financial Analyst (EFFAS). The focus on equity valuation and financial statements helps here.

By mapping coursework to these exams, the programme saves you extra training costs.

Soft skills and lifelong learning

Technical ability matters, but so does communication. A series of workshops builds:

• Presentation skill: organise slides, pace speech, manage Q&A.
• Negotiation skill: frame proposals, handle objections, reach consensus.
• Leadership skill: motivate teams, set goals, give constructive feedback.

These soft skills raise employability and ensure you stay adaptable in a changing financial world.

International exchanges and double degrees

Students may apply for a double‑degree path with partner universities in Germany or France. You spend one year abroad, pay no extra tuition, and earn two master’s diplomas. The scheme broadens cultural experience and raises your value on the job market.

For shorter stays, the Erasmus+ programme offers exchanges of three to six months. You choose from more than 100 partner institutions across Europe, collect credits, and return with a richer CV.

Digital resources and flexibility

The online learning environment:

• Stores all lecture notes and readings in PDF form.
• Houses discussion boards for quick peer support.
• Offers quizzes that auto‑mark and provide instant feedback.
• Supports mobile access, so you can revise anywhere.

These tools prove useful if you work part‑time or need to travel.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

The University of Bergamo is part of global campaigns that promote diversity in finance. Events highlight women in economics, scholarship funds support under‑represented groups, and accessibility services adapt course materials for students with disabilities. Such support ensures a fair learning space for everyone.

Sustainability and ethical focus

Recent financial crises underline the value of ethics. The course now includes:

• Sustainable finance: measure environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
• Impact investing: evaluate projects that target social returns.
• Corporate responsibility: study how firms balance profit with wider duty.

Understanding these themes prepares you for the growing field of green finance.

Continuous improvement and feedback

Each semester ends with anonymous course surveys. Faculty committees review responses and adjust content, reading lists, and teaching methods. This cycle keeps the curriculum fresh and aligned with industry needs.

Summary

Economics and Finance LM‑16 at the University of Bergamo (Università degli Studi di Bergamo) blends strong theory, modern tools, and global standards. You study in Italy in English, within one of the most established public Italian universities. The mix of advanced modules, practical training, and scholarship support—including the DSU grant—makes the path realistic and rewarding. If your aim is to master financial analysis and shape policy or strategy, few English‑taught programs in Italy match this balance of cost and quality.

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