Master in Public and Cultural Diplomacy at University of Siena
Two-year English-taught LM-81 master's at the University of Siena in public and cultural diplomacy, with double degrees in Krakow and Hebron. Entry needs a humanities or social science grounding, 95/110 or equivalent and English at B2.
Master
2 years
Siena
English
University of Siena
Public and Cultural Diplomacy is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-81) taught in English at the University of Siena. Entry needs a bachelor's with a grounding in the humanities and social sciences, a final grade of at least 95/110 or equivalent, 75 credits in two set areas for graduates outside the listed classes, and English at B2. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Siena's Public and Cultural Diplomacy master asks for a bachelor's degree or recognised foreign equivalent with a grounding in the humanities and social sciences, a final grade of at least 95/110 or equivalent, 75 ECTS in two set areas for graduates outside the listed degree classes, English at B2 and a check of your preparation. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree, subjects and grade
You need a bachelor's degree, a three-year university diploma or a foreign qualification recognised as equivalent, plus a basic knowledge of the humanities and social sciences. [1]
- Listed Italian degree classes: graduates in cultural heritage (L-1), arts, music and performing arts (L-3), philosophy (L-5), geography (L-6), literature (L-10), modern languages (L-11), language mediation (L-12), administration and organisation (L-16), economics and business management (L-18), education (L-19), communication (L-20), economics (L-33), political science and international relations (L-36), social sciences for cooperation, development and peace (L-37), social work (L-39), sociology (L-40) and history (L-42) are eligible. [1]
- Other degrees: graduates of other classes need a final mark of at least 95/110 and at least 75 ECTS in at least two of five areas: law (constitutional, public, administrative, tax, labour, international, EU and comparative public law); history, geography and anthropology; archaeology and art history; economics and business; political and social sciences. [1][2]
- Minimum grade: the programme's admission page asks every applicant for a final grade of at least 95/110 or equivalent. [2]
What this means for your transcript
Italian ECTS and the credits on a foreign transcript are not the same unit, and the committee looks at your subjects and grade, not just your total. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a BA in Political Science, History, Sociology, Economics or International Relations whose papers span at least two of the five areas, with a strong final grade.
- Check carefully: a B.Com or BBA usually covers economics and business, but you also need enough credits in a second area such as law, history or political science. A BA in English, Journalism or Mass Communication may cover only part of one area.
- Often short: a B.Tech, B.E., B.Sc. or BCA rarely includes 75 credits across law, history, economics or political and social sciences.
Your final grade must be equivalent to at least 95/110, and we check how your result compares before you apply. [1][2]
English
English at CEFR level B2 is mandatory. [1][2] Citizens of the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Malta and several Caribbean countries are exempt from a certificate. Applicants of any nationality whose entry qualification was taught entirely in English are also exempt, with a formal certificate or letter from their institution confirming it. Others need a certificate from the university's list of recognised certifications or from an Italian university language centre. The pages do not list minimum test scores. [2]
Interview and selection
Your curricular requirements are checked from your documents: the exams you passed, their subject areas, the credits earned and your degree grade. Only applicants who meet them go on to the check of individual preparation, which the 2025/26 regulations make mandatory. A committee of three professors holds an individual interview, which can be online, on your knowledge of the programme's subject areas and your reasons for applying. [1]
The programme's admission page says a general knowledge test is set only where required, with applicants notified individually. [2] Siena's international admissions office announces any test or interview by email at least seven days ahead. [3]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, this master's followed Siena's general master's calendar. [3]
- Non-EU applicants who need a study visa: one window, until 6 May 2026. The second window was not open to them.
- Non-EU applicants without a visa requirement, and EU or EU-equated applicants: until 6 May 2026, then a second window from 7 May to 30 September 2026.
Applications sent outside the window for your category are rejected. The 2027/28 calendar is not yet published. [3]
Non-EU steps
You apply online through Siena's international admissions portal, for up to three programmes, each with its own application fee. After admission, non-EU applicants who need a visa pre-enrol on Universitaly and apply for a type D study visa. Enrolment is completed by paying the first fee instalment. [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 Siena, Department of Social, Political and Cognitive Sciences. Teaching regulations for the Master's degree programme in Public and Cultural Diplomacy (LM-81), effective from academic year 2025/26. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena, Public and Cultural Diplomacy programme website: home, course description, admission requirements and English proficiency pages, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena, International Admissions. Admission calendar by degree programme, academic year 2026/27, with guidance on how applications are evaluated and on admission and enrolment fees. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Public and Cultural Diplomacy is a two-year laurea magistrale in class LM-81 (sciences for development cooperation), worth 120 ECTS and taught in English in Siena by the Department of Social, Political and Cognitive Sciences, with the Departments of Political and International Sciences and of Historical Sciences and Cultural Heritage as co-lead departments. It draws on faculty who are active in cultural diplomacy and international scientific collaboration. [1][2]
The degree brings together students from different academic backgrounds to study how culture, communication, politics and international collaboration interact. It suits graduates in humanities, political science, economics or law who want to work in international cooperation and cultural relations.
What you will study
The course is built around two curricula, Public Diplomacy and Cultural Diplomacy, with units designed specifically for this degree. The official description names these subject areas:
- history and political science
- cultural heritage, with a focus on the Mediterranean
- geography and economic development
- international law
- public diplomacy and conflict resolution, taught by practitioners
- international communication and foreign public engagement
How the programme is taught
Teaching combines lectures with fieldwork, seminars and final integration projects, plus practical experience with international cultural institutions through internships. Students can take a double degree with Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, or Hebron University in Palestine. [2]
The degree ends with an original thesis written in English, linked to one of the programme's research areas or to a training experience at a partner institution. [1]
Career paths
The university prepares graduates to take active roles in cultural and diplomatic initiatives on the international stage, in areas such as:
- international cooperation and cultural planning
- strategic communication in cultural affairs
- conflict resolution and mediation
- cultural policy design
- scientific journalism
- work in international organisations, cultural institutions and diplomatic services
Fees and scholarships
The 2026/27 fee regulation of the University of Siena links fees to the Italian ISEE and excludes the ISEE parificato. Without a valid ISEE, the yearly contribution is set by a coefficient for your country of citizenship. DSU Toscana winners and eligible students are fully exempt, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
The department checks your degree field, a final grade of at least 95/110 or equivalent, the 75-credit rule where it applies and proof of English at B2. The 2025/26 regulations also make a check of your preparation mandatory, through an individual interview that can be held online. [1][2] Applications go through the University of Siena's online admissions portal, which accepts up to three programmes per applicant. [3]
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants who needed a study visa had one window for this master's, which closed on 6 May 2026. Admitted students then pre-enrol on Universitaly to request the type D study visa. The 2027/28 calendar is not yet published. [3]
Compare related master's programmes
If you are exploring politics, diplomacy and communication, compare the curriculum and entry requirements on these programme pages before choosing your shortlist.
- Master in Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs at University of Milan
- Master in Politics, Administration, and Organization at University of Bologna
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 Siena's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your online application and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your DSU Toscana 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 Public and Cultural Diplomacy at Siena?
A bachelor's or recognised foreign equivalent with a basic grounding in the humanities and social sciences. Graduates outside the listed Italian degree classes need a final mark of at least 95/110 and 75 ECTS in at least two areas: law, history and geography, archaeology and art history, economics, or political and social sciences. [1][2]
Is there an entrance test or interview?
The 2025/26 regulations make an individual interview mandatory, possibly online, to assess your preparation and motivation once your credits are confirmed. The programme page says a general knowledge test is set only where required, with applicants notified individually. [1][2]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at CEFR B2 is mandatory. Siena accepts certificates from its list of recognised certifications and does not publish minimum scores on these pages. Applicants whose degree was taught entirely in English can be exempt with a letter from their institution, so we check which proof your file can use. [2]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants who needed a study visa could apply until 6 May 2026, with no later window. The 2027/28 calendar is not yet published, and we track it for eligible students. [3]
I have a BA in Political Science or a B.Com. Can I apply?
A BA in Political Science, History, Sociology or Economics can meet the rule if its papers span two of the five areas and your grade is high enough. A B.Com usually covers economics and business but also needs enough credits in a second area, such as law or political science. [1]
Is the whole programme taught in English?
Yes. The programme website says the entire programme is taught in English, and the final thesis is written in English. [1][2]
Are there double degrees?
Yes. Students can take a double degree with Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, or Hebron University in Palestine. [2]
What careers does it lead to?
The programme prepares graduates for international cooperation and cultural planning, strategic communication in cultural affairs, conflict resolution and mediation, cultural policy design and scientific journalism. The regulations also list roles such as public relations and political science specialists. [1][2]
Can someone handle my whole application to Public and Cultural Diplomacy at Siena?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Siena's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the DSU Toscana 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 Public and Cultural Diplomacy?
A recognised three-year Indian bachelor's, such as a BA in Political Science, History, Sociology or Economics, can meet the rule if it carries at least 75 credits in two of the listed areas and a grade equal to at least 95/110, plus English at B2. The steps are the online application, the admission decision and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [1][2] 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 Public and Cultural Diplomacy are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online application, admission decision 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 Public and Cultural Diplomacy are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online application, admission decision and Universitaly pre-enrolment. Read our guides for Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.
I studied or live in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. What is the route?
The academic rules for Public and Cultural Diplomacy are the same whatever your nationality, and your degree is assessed like any other foreign qualification. Non-EU applicants who live abroad follow the same route: online application, admission decision and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for where they live. Read our guides for students in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
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