Master in Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs at University of Milan
Two-year English-taught master in Milan, offered by the University of Milan with Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, that joins political science and philosophy to study conflict, institutions, ethics and justice, ending with a 15 ECTS thesis.
Master
2 years
Milan
English
University of Milan
Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs is a two-year, 120 ECTS interclass master's degree (LM-62-R/LM-78-R) taught in English in Milan by the University of Milan with Vita-Salute San Raffaele University. It combines political science, ethics and political philosophy. Non-EU students with family income abroad pay a fixed fee by country group.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree in philosophy (class L-5) or political science and international relations (L-36), or a degree in another field with at least 42 ECTS in philosophy, political and social sciences, law, anthropology, history or economics.
- Within those 42 ECTS, at least 12 in philosophy, political science or law courses.
- English at B2 level or higher (CEFR), shown by a certificate from the last three years, a University of Milan SLAM certificate from the last four years or the SLAM entry test.
- A review of your application by an ad hoc admission committee, which may invite you to an online interview.
- For the 2026/27 intake, requirements and your degree had to be completed by 31 December 2026; the application fee is €30.
About the programme
Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs (PPPA) is a two-year interclass master's degree in classes LM-62-R (political science) and LM-78-R (philosophical sciences), taught in English and in person in Milan. The University of Milan offers it jointly with Vita-Salute San Raffaele University. Applications and enrolment go through the University of Milan, where the Department of Social and Political Sciences leads the degree together with the Department of Philosophy.
The degree brings political theory, empirical political science and moral philosophy to bear on public questions such as conflict and legitimacy, the design of institutions, justice, rights and hard ethical choices. It suits graduates in philosophy, political science, law, economics or history who want to analyse public affairs with both normative and empirical tools.
What you will study
The first year has 51 ECTS of compulsory units plus two 6 ECTS electives, chosen from groups on society and the economy, on diversity and migration, and on philosophical themes such as climate ethics, bioethics, neuroethics and global democracy. The core units are:
- Conflicts, Political Arrangements and Legitimacy (9 ECTS)
- Political Order, Violence and Institutions (9 ECTS)
- Rationality, Rules and Institutions (9 ECTS)
- The Western Tradition: Moral and Political Values (12 ECTS)
- Ethical Theory and Hard Choices (6 ECTS)
- Critical Thinking and Argumentation (3 ECTS)
- Empirical Research in Political Sciences (3 ECTS)
- Differences and Non-Discrimination: Rights in Action, and Welfare State and Social Innovation (year 2)
How the programme is taught
The second year combines two compulsory units with electives, up to 6 ECTS for an internship or other activities such as language courses (3 ECTS units in Italian, French, German or Spanish are offered), 12 ECTS of free choice and a 15 ECTS master's thesis, an original piece of work written under a supervisor. Attendance is not compulsory but highly recommended.
Erasmus+ agreements link PPPA with universities including Heidelberg, Leipzig, Bayreuth, Bremen, Flensburg, Copenhagen and Mykolas Romeris University, and the 4EU+ alliance gives access to online courses at partner universities.
Career paths
The university sets out five professional profiles for PPPA graduates:
- Political adviser for public institutions, NGOs and research centres
- Political science specialist researching political and social issues
- Philosophy specialist working on ethical questions and policy analysis
- Internal consultant in strategic roles in public and private organisations and companies
- Cultural manager in media, foundations and the cultural industries
Fees and scholarships
In the 2026/27 fee regulation PPPA is an Area B degree. Students who cannot obtain an Italian ISEE because their family's income and assets are abroad pay a €146 first instalment and a fixed second instalment by country group: €256 in Group A (countries like India, Bangladesh and Ghana), €1,164 in Group B and €4,101.12 in Group C. Full winners of the Lombardy DSU scholarship, which the university manages, are exempt from the second instalment, giving zero euro tuition for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
There is no written test: an ad hoc committee reads your application and may call you for an online interview. For 2026/27, non-EU visa applicants applied on apply.unimi.it from 22 January to 30 April 2026 with a €30 fee, while other candidates had until 20 July. The notice for 2027/28 was not yet published in September 2026.
After the academic and credentials checks and an offer of admission, you complete Universitaly pre-enrolment (by 31 July for 2026/27) and apply for a type D study visa with B2 English. The university also asks for a CIMEA statement of comparability or a declaration of value, due by 30 November.
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.
Questions and answers
Is the PPPA master taught in English?
Yes, it is taught in English. You need English at B2 level or higher, shown by a certificate from the last three years, a University of Milan SLAM certificate or the SLAM entry test.
What is the role of Vita-Salute San Raffaele University?
PPPA is offered jointly by the University of Milan and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University. You apply and enrol through the University of Milan, and its fee regulation sets the fees.
Which bachelor's degrees are accepted?
Degrees in philosophy (L-5) or political science and international relations (L-36) qualify directly. Other graduates need at least 42 ECTS in philosophy, political and social sciences, law, anthropology, history or economics, including 12 in philosophy, political science or law.
Is there an entrance test?
No. An ad hoc admission committee assesses your application and may invite you to an online interview. For 2026/27, non-EU visa applicants applied from 22 January to 30 April 2026.
How much are the fees?
PPPA is in fee Area B. For 2026/27, with family income abroad, you pay €146 at enrolment and then €256, €1,164 or €4,101.12 depending on your country group. Full Lombardy DSU scholarship winners are exempt from the second instalment.
What careers does PPPA lead to?
The university lists political adviser, political science specialist, philosophy specialist, internal consultant in public or private organisations, and cultural manager in media, foundations and the cultural industries.
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