University of Trento School of International Studies

Two-Year Master's Degree in European and International Studies MEIS

The Master’s programme in European and International Studies (MEIS) is the result of a close interfaculty collaboration of the School of International Studies with the Departments of Economics and Management, Sociology and Social Research, Humanities and the Faculty of Law. The hallmark of the Master’s programme is its strong multi- and interdisciplinary approach, which gives students the opportunity to transcend the confines of traditional academic disciplines. All courses are taught in English, another characteristic that distinguishes the programme from similar ones offered in other Italian and European Universities.

The programme aims to provide students with those multidisciplinary tools and competences indispensable for a broad-based understanding of economic, legal, political and social transformations in the European and international contexts. Particular emphasis is given to teaching the tools and skills necessary for the analysis of the interaction of individual and collective actors both within European and international institutions; the functioning of European and international economic, legal, political and social systems; European and international systems of governance. The MEIS programme attaches great importance to foreign languages which are an essential prerequisite for the development of effective communication skills. Taught courses, language workshops and tutoring activities contribute to developing advanced English language communication skills and develop a working knowledge of at least one additional foreign language (in addition to a basic knowledge of Italian).

Alongside the taught courses the School runs a rich series of guest lectures, seminars and talks held by visiting professors of international standing and by professional practitioners working in distinguished international organizations. MEIS students are encouraged to participate in these and the many events organised at the School, including conferences, debates, careers talks and fairs and workshops held by practitioners.

Recently, the School has established a Double Degree programme with the Department of International Relations and European Studies of the Metropolitan University Prague (MUP). This programme allows a limited number of selected students to earn a Master’s Degree in International Relations and European Studies from MUP, in addition to the Master’s Degree in European and International Studies from the School of International Studies in Trento. This programme further enriches the wide range of opportunities to spend a period of study abroad through international exchange and Erasmus programmes.

The School offers to a few selected students the opportunity to participate in the Integrated Programme in European Policy Studies (IPEPS), organized by the Center for European Policy Studies (CEPS) in Brussels. This programme includes an 8-week Masters' module in European policy studies in Brussels in the summer (equivalent to elective courses for 12 ECTS). IPEPS is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme, the CEPS and a few partner Universities in the EU (among which Unitn-SIS). This programme further enriches the wide range of opportunities to spend a period of study abroad through international exchange and Erasmus programmes.

Throughout the two years of the programme, tutors provide students with further support and guidance if and when needed.

Students intending to enrol in the first year of the MEIS must satisfy a number of academic and linguistic requirements. Students must have some academic background in the core subjects of the programme, and a very good level (B2+) of the English language is required as well as basic knowledge of a second foreign language. For further details regarding entry requirements to the MEIS, please refer to the announcement for the selection procedure, posted on the SIS website available in January each year.

Employment and Career Prospects

The Master’s programme in European and International Studies prepares students for careers both in the public and the private sectors. Graduates will be qualified to hold positions of responsibility within national and international institutions engaged in international affairs and private corporations operating in international markets; work for governmental and non-governmental organisations engaged in specific areas of international affairs (such as human rights, peacekeeping, protection of the environment, institution-building, etc); enter the diplomatic service.

For those wishing to continue their studies, the Master’s programme provides a solid preparation for admission to international PhD programmes in International Studies and related subjects. Holding a Master’s degree from the School, however, does not provide preferential access to the PhD programme offered by the School.