Political Sciences (SPO)

Studenti nel cortile interno
Political Sciences (SPO)
Course sheet
A.Y. 2025/2026
Bachelor
L-36 R - Scienze politiche e delle relazioni internazionali
Bachelor
180
ECTS
Access
Limited enrolment with admission test
3
Years
Course location
Milano
Language
Italian
The degree course in Political Sciences aims to provide adequate basic knowledge and methodological skills typical of an interdisciplinary education in the economic, legal, political, sociological and historical fields, aimed at understanding and analysing the fundamental structures and processes of contemporary societies from a comparative perspective. The comparative perspective is fundamental both in enabling students to form a clear perception of the different political and institutional realities existing at national and global level, and as an indispensable tool for the knowledge and understanding of the basic theoretical assumptions of law and political science and the functioning of institutions. Each curriculum allows for in-depth study of different disciplinary perspectives and themes by providing specific conceptual and methodological tools.
The Bachelor in Political Sciences course aims to provide a solid and versatile preparation that can be used in different working environments. The multidisciplinary characterisation of the course, which is a fundamental asset, enables students to acquire knowledge and skills that can be used in different contexts. By exposing students to a plurality of perspectives, it also fosters the development of general skills, the ability to adapt to a variety of contexts and functions, as well as an elasticity of approach that enables them to deal with situations and problems of a different nature.
In relation to the chosen curriculum, students can also acquire more in-depth knowledge and skills relating to the various institutional spheres and the administrative, communicative and organisational processes that take place in them, as well as knowledge and the ability to analyse economic problems, political, social and historical phenomena, and Italian and European legal norms and institutions, also in a comparative perspective.
Political sciences graduates will therefore be able to find work in the public and private sectors, in companies and other organisations operating at local, national, transnational and international level, including: press and communications agencies, including telematics; employment agencies; newspapers and publishing; schools and universities; research centres in the humanities and social sciences; banks; organisations operating in the third sector (social cooperatives, NGOs, non-governmental organisations, etc.); political and trade union organisations; public administrations; consultancy firms.
It should also be noted that a high percentage of graduates continue their studies.

In the variety of functions that can be performed, job profiles include:

Public administration management workers
Administration, communication and organisation officers
Information gathering, management and transfer officers
Human resources management experts
Analysts of economic, political and social processes
Communication professionals
Commercial, financial and insurance agents
Technicians in the organisation and management of production factors and/or orally, resulting in a grade in thirtieths, in accordance with the University regulations.
We strongly suggest to take advantage of the possibilities offered by the Erasmus+ project.
Our students may spend up to three terms (two semesters) in a foreign university, in the framework of the Erasmus+ agreements signed by the University of Milano. Students can follow the courses offered in partner universities, take their exams, complete their research and write the essay for their final thesis. All these activities will be recognized as part of their duties according to their predefined "Learning agreement".
Our Bachelor program has Erasmus+ exchange agreements with 8 European foreign universities, in the field of social and political sciences, economics, history and law. Some of these agreements are in common with other Ba programmes of the Faculty of Political, Social and Economic sciences. More specifically, we offer up to 24 exchange positions with universities in Spain, 14 in Germany, 14 in France, 5 in Denmark, 2 each for Norway, Portugal and Spain, and 1 in the United Kingdom.
In the period abroad students must obtain at least 18 Ects. Before leaving, they will have to prepare their "Learning agreement" together with professor Beatrice Magni, in charge for the Erasmus+ program. After their return, they will have to complete the procedure for the recognition of the Ects earned abroad with the Erasmus office of the Department of Social and Political Sciences.

PROGRAMMA ERASMUS+ TRAINEESHIP
There is even the possibility of paid internships in foreign companies or organizations, for a period of up to 12 months, according to the Erasmus+ placement framework.
Course attendance is highly recommended.
Enrolment
Admission to the degree programme requires applicants to have a high school diploma or an equivalent suitable qualification from abroad.
To be admitted to the course students must sit an examination to check their linguistic-communication capabilities, in addition to taking an online test (TOLC-E) organised by the Consortium of Interuniversity Integrated Access Systems (CISIA). Subject knowledge for admission will be deemed acceptable if the scores in the selection band have been achieved.
Students whose score is lower than the value stated in the selection band, limited to the area of verbal comprehension, will be assigned an additional learning obligation (OFA), which must be met and approved within the first year of the course.
The University organises specific tutoring support for the successful completion of the OFA. Additional information is available on the University study portal of the Faculty of Political, Economic & Social Sciences.
If students fail to satisfy the OFA within the required timescale, the following year they will be unable to sit the examinations for the years subsequent to the first year.

English OFA

In order to fulfil the Additional Learning Requirement (Obbligo Formativo Aggiuntivo - OFA) for English and sit the English-language exam required by the study plan, students must achieve B2 proficiency per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This proficiency level may be certified as follows:
- By submitting a language certificate attesting B2 or higher level in English and issued no more than three years before the date of submission. You will find the list of language certificates recognized by the University at: (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322/). The certificate must be uploaded during the enrolment procedure, or subsequently to the portal http://studente.unimi.it/uploadCertificazioniLingue;
- By taking a placement test offered by the University Language Centre (SLAM) between October and December of the first year (or in January for single-cycle programmes). Students who fail the test will be required to take a SLAM course.
The placement test is mandatory for all those who do not hold a valid certificate attesting to B2 or higher level.
Those who have not taken the placement test by the end of December or fail the end-of-course exam six times must obtain the necessary certification privately in order to fulfil the OFA and sit the English exam.

Places available: 300 + 5 reserved for non-EU citizens

Call for applications

Please refer to the call for admission test dates and contents, and how to register.

Session: 1

Application for admission: from 13/03/2025 to 12/06/2025

Application for matriculation: from 18/06/2025 to 30/06/2025

Read the Call


CALL FOR APPLICATIONS - NOTICE The call for applications is the only official document for admission to degree programmes. Please read it carefully. If you are reading this notice is because the call is available only in Italian as the programme is offered in Italian. Students wishing to enrol must be proficient in Italian.

Session: 2

Application for admission: from 02/07/2025 to 29/08/2025

Application for matriculation: from 04/09/2025 to 10/09/2025

Read the Call


CALL FOR APPLICATIONS - NOTICE The call for applications is the only official document for admission to degree programmes. Please read it carefully. If you are reading this notice is because the call is available only in Italian as the programme is offered in Italian. Students wishing to enrol must be proficient in Italian.

Programme description and courses list
First trimester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
History of Political Theories 6 40 Italian SPS/02
Political Science 9 60 Italian SPS/04
Second trimester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Public Law 9 60 Italian IUS/09
Sociology 9 60 Italian SPS/07
Third trimester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Contemporary History 9 60 Italian M-STO/04
Microeconomics 9 60 Italian SECS-P/01
Optional activities and study plan rules
1 - Students must obtain 3 ECTS in one of the following courses.
Advanced Language Skills: Anglo-American is reserved for those who have a placement or certification of English level B2
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Additional Language Skills: French (3 ECTS) 3 0 French Open sessions
Additional Language Skills: German (3 ECTS) 3 0 German Open sessions
Additional Language Skills: Spanish (3 ECTS) 3 0 Spanish Open sessions
Advanced Language Skills: Anglo-American (3 ECTS) 3 0 English Open sessions
be activated by the A.Y. 2026/2027
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Applied Social Research 6 40 Italian SPS/07
Comparative Social Policy 9 60 Italian SPS/04
European Union Politics and the European Social Model 9 60 Italian SPS/04
Language in Politics 6 40 English L-LIN/12
Macroeconomics 9 40 Italian SECS-P/01
Political Philosophy 6 40 Italian SPS/01
Private Law 6 40 Italian IUS/01
Social Research Methodology 12 80 Italian SPS/07
Statistics 9 60 Italian SECS-S/01
be activated by the A.Y. 2027/2028
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Comparative Politics 6 40 Italian SPS/04
Italian Political System 9 60 Italian SPS/04
Philosophy and Politics of Law 9 60 Italian IUS/20
Public Philosophy 9 60 Italian SPS/01
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Final Exam 6 0 Italian
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Optional
Additional Language Skills: French (3 ECTS) 3 0 French
Additional Language Skills: German (3 ECTS) 3 0 German
Additional Language Skills: Spanish (3 ECTS) 3 0 Spanish
Advanced Language Skills: Anglo-American (3 ECTS) 3 0 English
Computer Science Course 3 30 Italian INF/01
Optional activities and study plan rules
2 - Students must obtain 12 ECTS from elective courses.
3 - Students must obtain 3 ECTS in one of the following activities: further training activities; internships; workshops
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Additional Language Skills: French (3 ECTS) 3 0 French Open sessions
Additional Language Skills: German (3 ECTS) 3 0 German Open sessions
Additional Language Skills: Spanish (3 ECTS) 3 0 Spanish Open sessions
Computer Science Course 3 30 Italian Open sessions INF/01
Prerequisites between courses:
a) Private law is preparatory to the Comparative Private Law of Persons and Markets;
b) Public law is preparatory to Administrative Law, European Union Law, International Law, Comparative Public Law, Immigration Law, Philosophy and Policy of Law;
c) Microeconomics is preparatory to Macroeconomics;
d) Political science is preparatory to Comparative Social Policy, Italian Political System, European Political System and Social Model, Comparative Politics;
e) Sociology is preparatory to Methodology of social research; Culture and society; Inequality, stratification and social mobility; Institutional companies, markets; Emotional relationships, families and life courses; Sociology of communication; Sociology of work; States, nations, democracy; Political Communication
f) Statistics is preparatory to applied social research;
g) Methodology of social research is preparatory to Applied Social Research;
h) Contemporary history is preparatory to History and culture of law, History of political and social movements, History of migrations and migration policies, Political and social history of the modern age, History of work.
It is also strongly recommended to take the Statistics exam before Social Research Methodology.
The fulfillment of the additional training obligations (OFA) relating to the access disciplinary skills is preparatory to the second and third year exams.
The fulfillment of the B2 level linguistic training obligations is preparatory to the Language in Politics exam.
First trimester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
History of Political Theories 6 40 Italian SPS/02
Political Science 9 60 Italian SPS/04
Second trimester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Public Law 9 60 Italian IUS/09
Sociology 9 60 Italian SPS/07
Third trimester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Contemporary History 9 60 Italian M-STO/04
Microeconomics 9 60 Italian SECS-P/01
Optional activities and study plan rules
1 - Students must obtain 3 ECTS in one of the following courses.
Advanced Language Skills: Anglo-American is reserved for those who have a placement or certification of English level B2
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Additional Language Skills: French (3 ECTS) 3 0 French Open sessions
Additional Language Skills: German (3 ECTS) 3 0 German Open sessions
Additional Language Skills: Spanish (3 ECTS) 3 0 Spanish Open sessions
Advanced Language Skills: Anglo-American (3 ECTS) 3 0 English Open sessions
be activated by the A.Y. 2026/2027
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Comparative Private Law 9 60 Italian IUS/02
International Law 6 40 Italian IUS/13
Language in Politics 6 40 English L-LIN/12
Law and Social Change 9 60 Italian IUS/20
Macroeconomics 9 40 Italian SECS-P/01
Political Philosophy 6 40 Italian SPS/01
Private Law 6 40 Italian IUS/01
Social Research Methodology 12 80 Italian SPS/07
Statistics 9 60 Italian SECS-S/01
be activated by the A.Y. 2027/2028
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
European Integration and Market Regulation 9 60 Italian IUS/05
European Union Law 9 60 Italian IUS/14
Immigration Law 9 60 Italian IUS/09
Optional
Administrative Law 6 40 Italian IUS/10
Comparative Public Law 6 40 Italian IUS/21
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Final Exam 6 0 Italian
Optional activities and study plan rules
4 - Students must obtain 6 ECTS in one of the following courses
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Administrative Law 6 40 Italian Open sessions IUS/10
Comparative Public Law 6 40 Italian Open sessions IUS/21
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Optional
Additional Language Skills: French (3 ECTS) 3 0 French
Additional Language Skills: German (3 ECTS) 3 0 German
Additional Language Skills: Spanish (3 ECTS) 3 0 Spanish
Advanced Language Skills: Anglo-American (3 ECTS) 3 0 English
Computer Science Course 3 30 Italian INF/01
Optional activities and study plan rules
2 - Students must obtain 12 ECTS from elective courses.
3 - Students must obtain 3 ECTS in one of the following activities: further training activities; internships; workshops
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Additional Language Skills: French (3 ECTS) 3 0 French Open sessions
Additional Language Skills: German (3 ECTS) 3 0 German Open sessions
Additional Language Skills: Spanish (3 ECTS) 3 0 Spanish Open sessions
Computer Science Course 3 30 Italian Open sessions INF/01
Prerequisites between courses:
a) Private law is preparatory to the Comparative Private Law of Persons and Markets;
b) Public law is preparatory to Administrative Law, European Union Law, International Law, Comparative Public Law, Immigration Law, Philosophy and Policy of Law;
c) Microeconomics is preparatory to Macroeconomics;
d) Political science is preparatory to Comparative Social Policy, Italian Political System, European Political System and Social Model, Comparative Politics;
e) Sociology is preparatory to Methodology of social research; Culture and society; Inequality, stratification and social mobility; Institutional companies, markets; Emotional relationships, families and life courses; Sociology of communication; Sociology of work; States, nations, democracy; Political Communication
f) Statistics is preparatory to applied social research;
g) Methodology of social research is preparatory to Applied Social Research;
h) Contemporary history is preparatory to History and culture of law, History of political and social movements, History of migrations and migration policies, Political and social history of the modern age, History of work.
It is also strongly recommended to take the Statistics exam before Social Research Methodology.
The fulfillment of the additional training obligations (OFA) relating to the access disciplinary skills is preparatory to the second and third year exams.
The fulfillment of the B2 level linguistic training obligations is preparatory to the Language in Politics exam.
First trimester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
History of Political Theories 6 40 Italian SPS/02
Political Science 9 60 Italian SPS/04
Second trimester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Public Law 9 60 Italian IUS/09
Sociology 9 60 Italian SPS/07
Third trimester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Contemporary History 9 60 Italian M-STO/04
Microeconomics 9 60 Italian SECS-P/01
Optional activities and study plan rules
1 - Students must obtain 3 ECTS in one of the following courses.
Advanced Language Skills: Anglo-American is reserved for those who have a placement or certification of English level B2
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Additional Language Skills: French (3 ECTS) 3 0 French Open sessions
Additional Language Skills: German (3 ECTS) 3 0 German Open sessions
Additional Language Skills: Spanish (3 ECTS) 3 0 Spanish Open sessions
Advanced Language Skills: Anglo-American (3 ECTS) 3 0 English Open sessions
be activated by the A.Y. 2026/2027
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Applied Social Research 6 40 Italian SPS/07
Language in Politics 6 40 English L-LIN/12
Macroeconomics 9 40 Italian SECS-P/01
Political Communication 9 60 Italian SPS/08
Political Philosophy 6 40 Italian SPS/01
Private Law 6 40 Italian IUS/01
Social Inequality, Stratification and Mobility 9 60 Italian SPS/07
Social Research Methodology 12 80 Italian SPS/07
Statistics 9 60 Italian SECS-S/01
be activated by the A.Y. 2027/2028
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Culture and Society 9 60 Italian SPS/08
Institutions, Markets and Society 9 60 Italian SPS/09
States, Nations and Democracy 9 60 Italian SPS/11
Optional
Intimate Relationships, Family and Life Course 6 40 Italian SPS/08
Sociology of Labour 6 40 Italian SPS/09
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Final Exam 6 0 Italian
Optional activities and study plan rules
5 - Students must obtain 6 ECTS in one of the following courses
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Intimate Relationships, Family and Life Course 6 40 Italian Open sessions SPS/08
Sociology of Labour 6 40 Italian Open sessions SPS/09
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Optional
Additional Language Skills: French (3 ECTS) 3 0 French
Additional Language Skills: German (3 ECTS) 3 0 German
Additional Language Skills: Spanish (3 ECTS) 3 0 Spanish
Advanced Language Skills: Anglo-American (3 ECTS) 3 0 English
Computer Science Course 3 30 Italian INF/01
Optional activities and study plan rules
2 - Students must obtain 12 ECTS from elective courses.
3 - Students must obtain 3 ECTS in one of the following activities: further training activities; internships; workshops
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Additional Language Skills: French (3 ECTS) 3 0 French Open sessions
Additional Language Skills: German (3 ECTS) 3 0 German Open sessions
Additional Language Skills: Spanish (3 ECTS) 3 0 Spanish Open sessions
Computer Science Course 3 30 Italian Open sessions INF/01
Prerequisites between courses:
a) Private law is preparatory to the Comparative Private Law of Persons and Markets;
b) Public law is preparatory to Administrative Law, European Union Law, International Law, Comparative Public Law, Immigration Law, Philosophy and Policy of Law;
c) Microeconomics is preparatory to Macroeconomics;
d) Political science is preparatory to Comparative Social Policy, Italian Political System, European Political System and Social Model, Comparative Politics;
e) Sociology is preparatory to Methodology of social research; Culture and society; Inequality, stratification and social mobility; Institutional companies, markets; Emotional relationships, families and life courses; Sociology of communication; Sociology of work; States, nations, democracy; Political Communication
f) Statistics is preparatory to applied social research;
g) Methodology of social research is preparatory to Applied Social Research;
h) Contemporary history is preparatory to History and culture of law, History of political and social movements, History of migrations and migration policies, Political and social history of the modern age, History of work.
It is also strongly recommended to take the Statistics exam before Social Research Methodology.
The fulfillment of the additional training obligations (OFA) relating to the access disciplinary skills is preparatory to the second and third year exams.
The fulfillment of the B2 level linguistic training obligations is preparatory to the Language in Politics exam.
Learn more
Location
Milano
Course locations
via Conservatorio, 7 - 20122 Milano
Head of study programme
Erasmus and international mobility tutor 
Internship tutor
Contacts

The tuition fees for students enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's and single-cycle degree programmes are divided into two instalments with different calculation methods and payment schedules:

  • The amount of the first instalment is the same for all students
  • The amount of the second instalment varies according to the ISEE University value, the degree programme and the student status (on track / off track for one year or off track for more than a year) 
  • An additional fee is due for online programmes

The University also offers:

  • Concessions for students meeting high merit requirements
  • Diversified tuition fees according to the student's home country for international students with assets/income abroad
  • Concessions for international students with refugee status

Scholarships and benefits

The University provides a range of financial benefits to students meeting special requirements (merit, financial or personal conditions, international students).

Learn more