Master in International Security Studies
Trento, Italy
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
06 Mar 2025*
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 6,500 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* For non-EU citizens residing abroad: March 6th, 2025 | For EU citizens and non-EU citizens regularly residing in Italy: April 1st to July 1st, 2025
** EU 340€-3400€ (fee range based on personal income and merit); Non-EU: 1000€-6500€ (fee range based on merit only, i.e. score in the application evaluation).
Introduction
The Master’s Degree in International Security Studies (MISS) is jointly awarded by the University of Trento and the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, in Pisa. Since its establishment in 2016, we have trained dozens of students for highly qualified careers in international organizations, governmental agencies, in diplomatic and institutional milieu, the non-governmental and humanitarian sectors, as analysts, consultants, security practitioners and professionals, as well as for academic careers.
The course structure has been designed being aware that security in the contemporary world should be analyzed through an inter- and multi-disciplinary approach. That is the reason why MISS students will find courses that are characterized by an ongoing dialogue between Political Science, Law, Economics, History, Political Sociology, Political Geography and Political Philosophy. In this way, we aim to offer a conceptualization of security that overcomes the traditional strategic/military approach.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships for non-EU citizens living abroad
Top-scored candidates will be entitled to receive a UniTrento scholarship assigned by the Evaluation Committee based on the application score. Tuition fees are waived for students who receive a UniTrento scholarship.
The amount of tuition fees for Non-EU applicants living abroad is related to the application score obtained during the selection. For more information check the UniTrento scholarships web page.
Scholarships for EU Citizens and Non-EU citizens regularly living in Italy
DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) Scholarships are available for EU citizens and Non-EU citizens living in Italy who meet the ISEE requirements based on family income. Further information is available on Scholarships starting from June/July.
Details about tuition fees and ISEE are available on the Opera Universitaria web page.
Curriculum
Our courses are based on an extensive articulation of the concept of security to encompass human security, societal security, economic and financial security, environmental and climate security, resource and food security, and cyber and digital security.
Language skills as well as soft and transversal skills enrich the course of study over the 2 years.
Teaching takes place entirely in English. Frontal lessons, language courses, and tutoring activities contribute to developing advanced English language communication skills. Students will also acquire a working knowledge of at least one additional foreign language.
Moreover, twice a year we organize the so-called Applied Workshops on Global Affairs, that aim to bridge the theoretical knowledge acquired in class and some practical experiences of innovative learning (simulations, debates, role play, moot courts, case- based seminars on current political issues, policy incubators, challenge-based learning initiatives). Furthermore, the second semester of the 2nd year is entirely dedicated to international mobility experiences (for example, thesis research abroad) or internships and traineeships. MISS students can apply for a place on one of the numerous exchange agreements and mobility programmes the School of International Studies and the University of Trento have with prestigious academic institutions all over the world. In addition, the School of International Studies regularly invites international guests and organizes several initiatives such as winter and summer schools, vocational guidance and meetings with former graduates.
For the academic year 2024/25, admission to the MISS Program is restricted to 35 places.
Career Opportunities
The Master's degree in International Security Studies (MISS) prepares its students for positions within the areas of security, public policy and international relations. MISS graduates will possess the skills and qualifications necessary to:
- Hold positions of responsibility within European and international institutions and organizations engaged in security, peacekeeping, and state-building activities;
- Work in private organizations dealing with risk prevention and risk management;
- Work in national ministries and enter the diplomatic service;
- Work for governmental and non-governmental organizations engaged in areas such as institution-building, project management, humanitarian assistance, local development and reforms, security risk prevention, and management.
For those intending to continue their studies, the program provides a solid basis for admission to Ph.D. programs in International Studies and in other disciplines related to international security.
English Language Requirements
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