Master in International Relations at University of Bologna

About the programme

International Relations is a two-year laurea magistrale (second-cycle degree) in class LM-52 R, International relations, run by the Department of Political and Social Sciences (SPS) on the University of Bologna's Bologna campus. It is worth 120 ECTS, is delivered entirely in English and has restricted access: the university's programme page listed 140 places for 2025/26. Massimiliano Trentin is the degree programme director.

The degree sets out to build a deep understanding of international systems so that graduates can apply diplomatic and strategic solutions at a global level. The university describes a multicultural community of students and academics. It suits graduates who want to work on European or international affairs, or on crime, justice and security across borders.

What you will study

Students follow one of three curricula, each with its own study plan for the 2026/27 intake:

• European Affairs
• International Affairs
• Crime, Justice and Security

The course units, credits and electives of each curriculum are listed in the course structure diagram on the degree website. Check the 2027/28 version before you apply, because units can change from one intake to the next.

How the programme is taught

The degree belongs to the university's international offer and has a double degree option. The partner named on the university's programme page is the Bologna Center of the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of Johns Hopkins University, and the degree's notice board has advertised a presentation of this double degree for students. Students can also go abroad through Erasmus and overseas exchanges, and take internships in international organisations.

Career paths

The degree website lists the professional profiles it prepares graduates for:

• Official of international and European organisations
• Specialist in international and European policies
• International business reporter
• Peacekeeper

The university's 2025/26 programme page also names commercial relations specialists, international relations analysts and humanitarian operators among the roles graduates take on.

Fees and scholarships

International Relations is in a higher fee band: for 2026/27 its maximum contribution is €3,060 a year, above the €2,550 standard for second-cycle degrees, plus the fixed €157.04. With a family ISEE up to €27,000 only the fixed part is due, so eligible students get zero euro tuition. Non-OECD citizens whose family income is only abroad, from countries like India, can choose a reduced flat fee of €1,200 plus €157.04, and ER.GO scholarship winners pay only €157.04.

How to apply from outside the EU

Places are limited, and a quota is kept for non-EU citizens living abroad. The degree's admission call sets the curricular requirements, the English level, the selection criteria and the application windows; the 2027/28 call is not yet published. You apply on Studenti Online with your degree certificate and transcript, translated, plus a Diploma Supplement, CIMEA statement, declaration of value or legalisation.

Once admitted, file the Universitaly pre-enrolment. The consulate needs the university's validation, which is not given during the August closure, and proof of means of at least €10,179.85 (2026) to issue the study visa. You then enrol, pay the first instalment and apply for a residence permit within eight days of arrival.

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.