First cycle degree in

Political sciences, international relations, human rights

Class: L-36 - Political science and international relations

Class L-36 - Political science and international relations
Duration 3 years
Branch Padova
Language Italian
Tuition fees and scholarships
Programme coordinator FRANCESCO BERTI
Access Open access with assessment test

Internationally recognized human rights and sustainable development are the reference points for this course as it provides students with the theoretical and methodological tools to negotiate, develop, and manage projects through multidisciplinary training. Students will be able to analyse the complex system of governance as it is articulated on several levels and the problems posed by vulnerable groups with a critical approach to international socio-political problems. Students will be able to operate within multiple and varied professional sectors such as European institutions, international organizations local, regional, and national public administration, and the third sector. Students will learn how to deal with international relations, human rights, development cooperation, peace, equal opportunities and the rights of women and children, as well as civic defence, personal services, and groups in vulnerable situations.

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Characteristics and objectives
The Course offers multidimensional and interdisciplinary training, in which basic knowledge of law, economics, sociology, history, philosophy and international relations focus on the theme of human rights. The aim of the course is to provide students with an adequate background of theoretical and applicative knowledge and transversal skills. They will be endowed with critical thinking as to approach international socio-political issues and to operate in an informed way in associations, corporate organisations and governmental agencies at local, national and international level.
Graduates are able to analyze the complex system of multi-level governance, from local to European and international, paying particular attention to the problems posed by groups in situations of vulnerability and with a gender-sensitive perspective. At the end of the Course, students have acquired analysis, negotiation, project development and management skills and can actively enter jobs sectors in Italy and abroad. They also gain the ability to address in a scientifically and ethically consistent way social, political and regulatory issues, to make choices and undertake actions, having as a term of reference the paradigm of internationally recognized human rights and the sustainable development goals and principles.
Graduates also acquire the basic skills to undertake further studies with a high degree of autonomy.
The course is supported by the Human Rights Centre 'A. Papisca' of the University of Padova. It is also thanks to this cooperation that students can participate in international workshops, have conversations with European and international scholars, with experts and officers of international organisations, and with NGO staff. The course encourages study experiences abroad, within the framework of the European student mobility programmes and of bilateral agreements involving the University of Padua.

Occupational opportunities
Graduates may work in European institutions and in international governmental and non-governmental organizations; in local, regional and national public administration offices, namely in departments and offices that deal with international relations, human rights, development cooperation, peace, equal opportunities and women's rights, children's rights, ombudsman offices, social services; in the field of information/communication and training on human rights and human development; in trade union and corporate offices dedicated to international relations, cooperation, social dialogue, corporate social responsibility; in the nonprofit sector and the charities, in particular in transnational non-governmental organizations.

From Bachelor's degree to Master's degree
At the University of Padova, this programme gives access to the master's degree programmes in Human Rights and Multi-level governance (LM-52, in English), Government Sciences and Public Policies (LM-63, in Italian), European and Global Studies (LM-90, in English), Relations International and Diplomacy (LM-52, in Italian), and to the European Master's programme in Human Rights and Democratisation, supported by the EU in the framework of the Global Campus of Human Rights (Venice). Graduates can access directly any Italian master's degree in international relations (LM-52), and any other master's level programmes in Italy and abroad, based on the specific admission notices.