International Relations

The International Relations (ENG) master’s degree at the University of Naples Federico II teaches students to understand global politics, economics, law, culture, diplomacy, and security. It is a two-year, English-taught programme that combines theory with practical international skills.

What you will study

• Economics and economic geography: How global economies, trade, development, and international business work.

• Political theory: Ideas and concepts used to understand power, government, democracy, and political systems.

• International law: Rules and legal frameworks that govern relations between countries, organisations, and international institutions.

• Demography and data analysis: Study of population trends and quantitative analysis of international data sources.

• International relations and globalisation: How countries, international organisations, businesses, NGOs, and societies interact in a globalised world.

• History and ethics: Historical and ethical perspectives on international society, past and present.

Specialisation options

In the second year, you choose one of two curricula:

• Economic and Cultural Integration: Focuses on global economic integration, cultural exchange, international markets, and cooperation between countries.

• Diplomacy and Security: Focuses on diplomacy, international conflict, security, foreign policy, and global governance.

Languages and electives

• You can choose an elective or optional course in both the first and second year.

• In the second year, you can study either Arabic or Chinese as a foreign language.

• You can tailor your studies further through your final thesis.

Practical learning

To be eligible for the International Relations (ENG) master’s degree at the University of Naples Federico II, you need a relevant bachelor’s degree, at least 48 CFU/ECTS credits in related social-science subjects, and English proficiency of at least B2 CEFR.

Academic eligibility

• You must hold a three-year bachelor’s degree or an equivalent foreign qualification.

• Graduates from Italian degree classes L-16 (Administrative Sciences) and L-36 (Political Science and International Relations) are admitted automatically.

• If you have a different academic background, you can still be admitted if you have earned at least 48 CFU/ECTS credits in subjects connected to the core areas of International Relations.

• Your academic preparation is checked through the university’s admission assessment.

English eligibility

• You must have solid English knowledge of at least B2 CEFR level.

• Your English level must be officially certified.

• The university also tests English through a colloquium/interview at the beginning of the degree.

Programme requirements

• The programme lasts two years and is taught entirely in English.

• In the first year, you study economics, economic geography, political theory, international law, demography, and quantitative analysis of international data.

• In the second year, you choose between two curricula: Economic and Cultural Integration or Diplomacy and Security.

• You must complete a supervised research thesis and present it orally as the final examination.

To be eligible for the International Relations (ENG) master’s degree at the University of Naples Federico II, you need a relevant bachelor’s degree, sufficient credits in social-science subjects, and English at B2 CEFR level.

Academic eligibility

• You must hold a three-year bachelor’s degree (Laurea di primo livello) or an equivalent foreign qualification.

• Graduates from Italian degree classes L-16 (Administrative Sciences) and L-36 (Political Science and International Relations) are admitted automatically.

• If you have a different academic background, you can still apply if you have earned at least 48 CFU/ECTS credits in subjects related to the core areas of International Relations.

English requirement

• You need English proficiency of at least B2 CEFR level.

• Your English knowledge must be officially certified.

• The university also tests English through a colloquium/interview at the beginning of the degree.

Admission check

• Admission is based on a preparation check (verifica di preparazione), not an open-entry process.

• Applicants whose previous degree does not fully match the required academic background may be assessed individually by the university.

Programme requirements

• The course lasts two years and is taught in English.

• In the first year, you study core subjects including economics, economic geography, political theory, international law, demography, and quantitative analysis of international data.

• In the second year, you must choose one of two curricula: Economic and Cultural Integration or Diplomacy and Security.

• You must complete a supervised, research-based final thesis and present it orally at the final examination.

For the International Relations (ENG) master’s degree at the University of Naples Federico II, the main documents needed are proof of your bachelor’s degree, academic credits, and English proficiency. International applicants must also follow the separate admission procedure and visa requirements.

Core documents

• Bachelor’s degree certificate / diploma — you must hold a three-year degree or an equivalent foreign qualification.

• Academic transcript / certificate of exams — needed to show the subjects and credits completed during your bachelor’s degree.

• English-language certificate — you must officially certify English at B2 CEFR level or higher.

• Passport or valid identity document — required for application and university registration procedures.

Academic proof

• If you graduated in Italian degree classes L-16 or L-36, you can be admitted automatically.

• If you have a different academic background, you must provide evidence that you earned at least 48 CFU/ECTS credits in subjects connected to the core areas of International Relations.

• Your academic documents will be checked as part of the preparation assessment.

For international students

• International applicants must follow the university’s dedicated international admission procedure; the course page links to the official admission page for the required application steps.

• You will generally need a valid passport, degree certificate, academic transcript, and B2 English certificate for the application and student-visa process.

• If your documents are not in English or Italian, you may need official translations, as required by the university and the Italian embassy/consulate.

• If you need a visa to enter Italy, your application is reviewed on a rolling basis according to the calendar in the admission call.