Master in Global Security Studies at University of Messina

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, political science, law, history, economics, sociology or languages who want to work on security and global governance.

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.

• 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
• 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. An 8 ECTS internship can be done in Italy or abroad, and students can apply for Erasmus+ study or traineeship mobility and for the university's Students Around the World scholarship for exchanges outside Europe.

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:

• 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. The €256 group covers countries like India. Eligible students can also apply to ERSU Messina, whose income-based scholarship adds a tuition fee waiver to a cash award, housing and meals, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students.

How to apply from outside the EU

Make sure your bachelor's is in one of the accepted humanities or social science fields and that you hold a B2 English certificate. You then apply on the UniME application portal, paying €40 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.

Admitted students get a letter explaining Universitaly registration and the type D study visa. Details are on the application and admission page.

How ApplyAZ helps

If this programme fits your goals, ApplyAZ can include it in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes at Italian public universities. We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose, submit your applications and Universitaly pre-enrolment, file your DSU scholarship application and prepare your visa file, with a named person on each stage. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa. See how ApplyAZ works or check your eligibility.