Master in Global Security Studies at University of Messina
Two-year English-taught LM-52 master's at the University of Messina on managing international crises: international security, geopolitics, the Middle East and North Africa and international law, with an 8 ECTS internship. Entry needs a humanities or social science degree, 95/110 or equivalent and B2 English.
Master
2 years
Messina
English
University of Messina
Global Security Studies is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-52) taught in English at the University of Messina. Entry needs a humanities or social science bachelor's with at least 95/110 or equivalent and coursework in three listed fields, plus certified English at B2. International fees follow country groups, and the programme can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Messina's Global Security Studies master asks for a bachelor's in the humanities or social sciences with a final mark of at least 95/110 or equivalent and coursework in at least three listed fields, plus certified English at B2. A departmental commission evaluates each application, with an interview for applicants who do not strictly meet the rules. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and grade requirements
You need a bachelor's degree in the humanities or social sciences, in one of these areas: international relations, history, philosophy, economics, law, political science, sociology or foreign languages. [1][2]
- Final mark: at least 95/110 in the Italian system, or an equivalent grade for an international qualification.
- Subject spread: prior coursework or university credits in at least three of the fields listed above.
- Conditional admission: applicants who do not strictly meet these requirements may still be admitted conditionally, subject to an interview, and may be asked to bridge gaps in their preparation.
Visa applicants must also show at least 15 years of education in total. [3]
What this means for your transcript
The rule looks at the fields you studied and your final mark, not just the title of your degree. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a BA in Political Science, History, Sociology or International Relations, or a BA LLB, with a strong final mark and courses across at least three of the listed fields.
- Check carefully: a BA or B.Sc. in Economics, a B.Com or a BA in a foreign language. These match one listed field but may not show coursework in three of them.
- Often short: a B.Tech, B.E., BCA or science B.Sc., which sits outside the humanities and social sciences.
The programme does not publish how foreign marks convert to 95/110, so we check your marks before you apply. Applicants who fall short may still be admitted conditionally after an interview. [1]
English
You need a certified B2 level of English. The programme accepts Cambridge, IELTS or TOEFL certificates and does not list minimum scores. Medium of Instruction certificates are not accepted. [1]
UniME asks visa applicants to English-taught programmes for an international English certificate at B2 from a recognised institution it accepts, and lists some exempt categories. [3]
Evaluation and interview
The published rules include no entrance test. A departmental commission evaluates each pre-evaluation application on the UniME Application Portal against the entry requirements. Incomplete applications, or applications that do not meet the entry or language requirements, are rejected, and no documents can be added after submission. [3]
Applicants who do not strictly meet the degree requirements may be admitted conditionally, subject to an interview. [1]
2027/28 application calls
UniME has published three calls for non-EU applicants who need a visa for 2027/28: [3]
- Early Bird: 1 to 20 December 2026, only for applicants who already hold final academic documents and a declaration of value or CIMEA statement of comparability.
- Second call: 2 February to 19 March 2027.
- Third call: 8 April to 8 May 2027.
Applicants who do not need a visa have a separate call from 6 July to 13 November 2027. UniME may close a call early depending on the number of applications. The application fee is €40 and covers up to two applications. For 2026/27 the Universitaly deadline was 15 September 2026, and the 2027/28 Universitaly date is not yet published. [3]
Documents and non-EU steps
For a master's, UniME asks for: [3]
- your school-leaving diploma, after at least 12 years of study
- your bachelor's diploma or an official provisional certificate, showing at least 15 years of education in total
- your transcript of records
- an English certificate for English-taught programmes
- a passport valid for at least 18 months
Translated documents must come with the original-language version, and documents must be in English or officially translated into Italian. After a positive evaluation you receive an admission letter, register on Universitaly and apply for a type D study visa. Enrolment is confirmed only with a valid study visa issued for the University of Messina and an administrative check of your documents. [3]
Sources and verification
Checked by the ApplyAZ admissions team against the university's official documents listed below. Entry rules can change with each new call, and we re-check them before every application.
- University of Messina, Department of Political and Legal Studies. Master's degree in Global Security Studies (LM-52): entry requirements and English language requirements pages, undated (updated October 2026). Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Messina, Department of Political and Legal Studies. Programme information sheet, Master's degree in Global Security Studies, undated (June 2026 edition). Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Messina, International Office. Application and admission for international applicants, academic year 2027/28. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Messina, International Office. English-taught programmes, fees and fundings, and scholarships pages for international students, fees effective from academic year 2025/26. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Messina, Global Security Studies programme website: course overview, study plan, traineeship and career opportunities pages, undated (updated August to October 2026). Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Global Security Studies is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-52, international relations) worth 120 ECTS. It is taught in English by the Department of Political and Legal Studies of the University of Messina, on its Messina campus.
The degree trains professionals to manage complex international crises and new global challenges. Its study areas range from military and law enforcement questions to human rights, environmental disasters, cybersecurity, scarce resources and migration. It suits graduates in international relations, history, philosophy, economics, law, political science, sociology or foreign languages who want to work on security and global governance. [1][2]
What you will study
The course mixes history, political science, law, area studies, sociology and geopolitics. The first year sets the core in security and political thought, and the second year moves to international institutions, law and the Mediterranean region. Language study in Arabic, French or Spanish runs through both years, and the degree ends with a 16 ECTS dissertation. [5]
- International security and Globalisation and (in)security: a historical overview (8 ECTS each)
- Geopolitics of global crises (6 ECTS) and History of political thought (8 ECTS)
- The modern Middle East and North Africa: politics and crisis (8 ECTS)
- Theory and practice of public international law and The EU internal market law and its global dimension (8 ECTS each)
- History of international organisations and global governance (8 ECTS)
- Law electives such as Public security law or Security, human rights and criminal justice
- A history elective in year two: Global history of the early modern age, History of Latin America or Institutional history of European security (6 ECTS)
- Arabic, French or Spanish: a language course in year one and a language laboratory in year two
How the programme is taught
Alongside lectures, the programme uses practical workshops, crisis simulations and language classes. A compulsory 200-hour internship worth 8 ECTS can be done in Italy or abroad, at public institutions, international organisations, NGOs, companies or research centres. Students can also apply for Erasmus+ study or traineeship mobility and for the university's Students Around the World scholarship for exchanges outside Europe. [2][5]
Career paths
The university prepares graduates for analysis and advisory roles in national, European and international agencies, research centres, think tanks and consultancies. Typical positions include: [2][5]
- risk analyst
- political or strategic adviser
- researcher on security and international affairs
- official in national, European or international institutions
Fees and scholarships
International students at UniME pay a yearly amount set by the group their country belongs to, a rule in place since 2025/26: €156, €256, €356 or €506, each including the €156 regional tax. India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are in the €256 group, and Bangladesh is in the €156 group. [4] Eligible students can also apply to ERSU Messina, the regional agency for the right to university study, whose yearly income-based call covers scholarships, free accommodation and meals. [4]
How to apply from outside the EU
Applicants need a bachelor's in one of the accepted humanities or social science fields, with a final mark of at least 95/110 or equivalent, and a B2 English certificate. [1] We then apply on the UniME application portal, with a €40 fee for up to two applications. The 2027/28 calls for visa applicants run from 1 to 20 December 2026 (Early Bird, with final documents and a declaration of value or CIMEA statement), 2 February to 19 March 2027 and 8 April to 8 May 2027. UniME may close a call early depending on the number of applications. [3]
After a positive evaluation, applicants receive an admission letter explaining Universitaly registration and the type D study visa. Enrolment is confirmed only with a valid study visa issued for the University of Messina and a check of your admission documents. [3]
How ApplyAZ helps
ApplyAZ is an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities. We can include this programme in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes that fit your profile, so your plan never rests on a single application.
For eligible students who start with us, a named person owns each stage, from A to Z:
- We check your transcript against Messina's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your pre-evaluation application on the UniME portal and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your regional DSU scholarship application at the right time and in the right format.
- We prepare your visa file.
With operations in all 20 Italian regions, we follow each region's scholarship rules and deadlines as they change. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa, so no one can promise an outcome. You pay in milestones, and every service you pay for is either delivered or its fee is refunded (terms apply).
Programmes at Italian public universities can be tuition-free for eligible students. Check if you are eligible and book a one-to-one consultation session with one of our Italy experts, or see how ApplyAZ works.
Questions and answers
What bachelor's degree do I need for Global Security Studies at Messina?
A bachelor's in the humanities or social sciences, in international relations, history, philosophy, economics, law, political science, sociology or foreign languages. You need a final mark of at least 95/110 or a foreign equivalent, and coursework in at least three of those fields. [1]
Is there an entrance exam?
The published rules include no entrance test. A departmental commission evaluates your degree, transcript and English certificate against the entry rules. Applicants who do not strictly meet the requirements may still be admitted conditionally after an interview. [1][3]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
You need a certified B2 level of English. The programme accepts Cambridge, IELTS or TOEFL certificates and does not list minimum scores. Medium of Instruction certificates are not accepted, so we check which certificate your file can use. [1]
When are the 2027/28 deadlines for non-EU students?
Visa applicants can apply in the Early Bird call from 1 to 20 December 2026, if they already hold final documents and a declaration of value or CIMEA statement, then from 2 February to 19 March 2027, or from 8 April to 8 May 2027. UniME may close a call early. [3]
I have a B.Com or a BA in Economics. Can I apply?
Possibly. Economics is one of the listed fields, but you also need coursework in at least three of them, for example economics, law and political science, and a mark of at least 95/110 or equivalent. If you fall short, the programme may admit you conditionally after an interview. We check your transcript first. [1]
Is Global Security Studies taught in English?
Yes. UniME lists it among its English-taught master's degrees, and you need certified English at CEFR B2. The study plan also includes Arabic, French or Spanish in both years. [1][4][5]
How much does it cost?
UniME sets yearly fees for international students by country group, effective from 2025/26: €156, €256, €356 or €506, each including the €156 regional tax. India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are in the €256 group, and Bangladesh is in the €156 group. [4]
What careers does it lead to?
Graduates may work as risk analysts, political and strategic advisers, researchers and officials in national, European and international agencies, research centres, think tanks and consultancies in crisis management, policymaking, development cooperation and human rights protection. [2][5]
Can someone handle my whole application to Global Security Studies at Messina?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Messina's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the regional DSU scholarship application at the right time and in the right format, and prepares your visa file, for eligible students. Start by checking your eligibility.
I'm applying from India. What is the route into Global Security Studies?
A recognised Indian bachelor's in the humanities or social sciences, such as a BA in Political Science, History, Sociology or Economics, can meet the rule if your marks reach the equivalent of 95/110 and your transcript covers at least three of the listed fields. You also need certified English at B2. The steps are the UniME pre-evaluation application, an admission letter and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [1][3] Indian students apply for the type D study visa at the Italian embassy or consulate that covers their state, such as New Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru.
Is the route different from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka?
No. The academic rules for Global Security Studies are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: UniME pre-evaluation application, admission letter and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for their country of residence. Read our guide for students in Dhaka.
I live in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain. Where do I apply for the visa?
At the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for the country where you legally live, after Universitaly pre-enrolment. The academic rules for Global Security Studies are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: UniME pre-evaluation application, admission letter and Universitaly pre-enrolment. Read our guides for Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.
I'm applying from the UK, US, Canada, Singapore or Malaysia. Is anything different?
The academic rules are identical. Non-EU applicants who live abroad, including citizens of these countries, follow the same route: UniME pre-evaluation application, admission letter and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa. Read our guides for London, New York, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
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