Political Science
- Degree
- Undergraduate School
- Credits
- 180 ECTS
- Duration
- 3 Years
- Language
- Italian
- Year
- 2026/2027
The Luiss Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, belonging to the L-36 degree class, offers a multidisciplinary education to understand the political, economic, social and institutional phenomena of the contemporary world.
The programme combines political science, economics, law, history, sociology, political philosophy and quantitative methods, developing analytical skills, critical thinking and competencies to interpret systems of government, international relations and complex decision-making processes.
Particular attention is given to global transformations, European institutions, data analysis and the study of foreign languages. The programme prepares students to work in public, private and international contexts, as well as in non-profit organisations and the third sector.
Director
Maria Rita Testa
Maria Rita Testa is Associate Professor of Demography and Director of the Undergraduate Program in Political Sciences at Luiss University. She earned her Doctorate in Demography from the University of Florence and two Habilitations in Demography and Social Statistics, the first conferred by the Vienna University of Economics and Business, and the second from the Italian Ministry of Education, University, and Research. Prior to her current position, she was research scholar at the Vienna Institute of Demography of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. She held the Fernand Braudel Senior Fellow position at the European University Institute and was advisory board member in the European Doctoral School of Demography. She is in the editorial Board of GENUS, a Journal of Population Sciences.
The study plan of the Luiss Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science is structured over three years, for a total of 180 ECTS credits, and combines a common interdisciplinary foundation with the opportunity to personalise the study path.
During the first two years, students acquire fundamental knowledge in political science, political philosophy, sociology, economics, law, history, statistics and social analysis methodologies.
In the third year, students can choose one of the two Majors:
- International and Global Studies, dedicated to international relations, cooperation, global transformations and the challenges of contemporary governance;
- Government and Public Policies, focusing on institutions, decision-making processes and public policy analysis.
The study plan includes courses taught in Italian and English, elective courses, workshops, data analysis, discussion of real-world cases and project-based activities. Foreign language study, international experiences and internships complete the educational pathway, allowing students to apply the skills acquired in professional and institutional contexts.
Study Plan
Year 1: 2027/2028
Political philosophy
The course enables students to appreciate the key conceptual intersections and theoretical shifts in contemporary political philosophy and to apply these skills. Particular attention will be paid to the skills demonstrated when discussing specific cases.
Statistics
The course introduces students to the core concepts of probability and statistics, providing the methodological foundation for data collection and analysis. Students will then be able to understand and interpret statistical models.
Elements of Mathematical Analysis
The course provides the fundamental elements of mathematics needed to learn subjects like Statistics and Economics, as well as other disciplines that use mathematical models. It also covers the main mathematical terms used in scientific language.
Coding Lab
The course provides a foundation for understanding the operating principles of modern digital technologies and their impact on everyday life. Students will be introduced to computer programming to develop an alternative approach to problem-solving.
Principles of Public Law
The course provides a foundational understanding of public law as the cornerstone of the state structure and a starting point for further legal studies. It also provides the essential tools of legal language, covering both legal theory and relevant case law.
Microeconomics
The course provides an introduction to microeconomic analysis, covering the fundamental elements of classical consumption and production theory, as well as the main market forms—perfect competition, monopoly, and oligopoly—also in light of modern choice theory.
History of Political Literature
The course provides concepts for studying political realities throughout human history. The general section will outline the development of government forms from the classical period to the 19th century, while a second section will focus on the concept of liberty and its implications.
History 1: Nineteenth-Century History
The course provides the cognitive tools needed to understand the issues of contemporary history. By introducing students to the historiographical debate, they will be able to develop critical thinking skills that are useful for addressing contemporary issues.
Methodology of the Social Sciences
The course equips students with the tools to appreciate the methodological issues underlying economic and social science thought, to understand the methodological aspects related to strategic and economic behavior, and to grasp the methods for measuring and analyzing social phenomena.
History and Literature: Literature and Politics
Year 2: 2028/2029
Lab of Data Analysis for Political, Economic and Social Sciences
The Lab equips students with the skills to collect and process data, interpret results, and communicate useful findings to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, helping them develop independent critical thinking.
History 2: History of the Twentieth Century
The course delves into the analysis of historical processes in the contemporary world, with a particular focus on global dynamics and the most recent political and social transformations. By examining case studies and comparing different historiographical interpretations, the course develops students' ability to critically analyze the connections between past and present in international relations and contemporary political systems.
Macroeconomics
The course provides an introduction to macroeconomic analysis by studying the economic system and its main components. We will therefore seek to explain and clarify how and why economies grow, and what economic policies can be implemented.
International Relations
The course provides students with the theoretical and methodological tools to analyze the international system, examining the main interpretative paradigms, the historical development of the discipline, analytical approaches to international politics, and key issues in contemporary global politics.
International Law
The course provides students with the essential tools to understand the phenomenon of international law and to interpret current events in international relations, along with their consequences for the international political order.
European Union Law
The course focuses on analyzing and studying the European Union’s legal system through the evolution of its founding treaties and the case law of the Court of Justice. The objectives, fundamental characteristics, and complexity of the European integration process will be highlighted.
Political Science
The course equips students with the tools and knowledge to understand how contemporary democracies function and evolve. It introduces the basic concepts of the discipline and then applies them to the comparative analysis of political institutions.
Writing Workshop
The course provides the knowledge and skills needed to write a variety of academic texts clearly, coherently, and accurately, as well as the linguistic components and writing strategies suitable for a wide range of contexts and purposes.
General and Political Sociology
The course aims to help students understand fundamental theories and concepts in sociology and provide them with the basic knowledge needed to conduct field research. Part of the course focuses on the main stages of qualitative research.
Advanced Excel
The course provides advanced skills in using Excel, with a particular focus on integrating Artificial Intelligence, enabling participants to earn a micro-credential that is valuable in the job market. Through hands-on application of the digital tool, the course enables students to empirically translate the theoretical knowledge gained from their coursework into practical skills that are directly applicable in professional settings.
Year 3: 2029/2030
Sociology of Communication
The course provides a solid understanding of the main aspects and issues in the sociology of communication, starting with media research and progressing to audience studies, with a focus on the sociology of digital media and the tools used in political communication.
Grand Challenge
The Grand Challenge aims to shape global citizens who can analyze and solve complex challenges of today's world with an ethical, systemic, and practical approach. Students work in groups to analyze a problem, propose an integrated solution, and present it publicly after preparing a written paper.
2 core courses of the major to be chosen between:
*One course will be taught in English
International Public Policy
The course provides knowledge on formulating and implementing public policies at the global level, with a focus on international stakeholders and strategic sectors such as the environment, health, and safety.
History of International Relations
The course traces the evolution of relations between states from the 18th century to the present, delving into conflicts, alliances, and the emergence of multilateral institutions.
International Relations in Political Philosophy
The course explores the philosophical foundations of international relations through topics such as global justice, sovereignty, and just war, from a theoretical and normative perspective.
Economics for Development
The course introduces economic concepts related to development, with a particular focus on poverty, inequality, and the role of institutions in middle- and low-income countries.
Data Science for Global Governance
The course provides data analysis tools to study global phenomena, using international indicators, statistical models, and visualization techniques to support public decision-making.
2 Electives
Additional Credits
Mandatory English Language
Second Mandatory Foreign Language
Other Activities
Internship
Final Thesis
Total ECTS
Year 1: 2027/2028
Political Philosophy
The course enables students to appreciate the key conceptual intersections and theoretical shifts in contemporary political philosophy and to apply these skills. Particular attention will be paid to the skills demonstrated when discussing specific cases.
Statistics
The course introduces students to the core concepts of probability and statistics, providing the methodological foundation for data collection and analysis. Students will then be able to understand and interpret statistical models.
Elements of Mathematical Analysis
The course provides the fundamental elements of mathematics needed to learn subjects like Statistics and Economics, as well as other disciplines that use mathematical models. It also covers the main mathematical terms used in scientific language.
Coding Lab
The course provides a foundation for understanding the operating principles of modern digital technologies and their impact on everyday life. Students will be introduced to computer programming to develop an alternative approach to problem-solving.
Principles of Public Law
The course provides a foundational understanding of public law as a core discipline within the structure of the state and as a framework for further legal studies. Students will be equipped with the essential tools of legal language, covering both legal theory and relevant case law.
Microeconomics
The course provides an introduction to microeconomic analysis, covering the fundamental elements of classical consumption and production theory, as well as the main market forms—perfect competition, monopoly, and oligopoly—also in light of modern choice theory.
History of Political Literature
The course provides concepts for studying political realities throughout human history. The general section will outline the development of government forms from the classical period to the 19th century, while a second section will focus on the concept of liberty and its implications.
History 1: Nineteenth-Century History
The course provides the cognitive tools needed to understand the issues of contemporary history. By introducing students to the historiographical debate, they will be able to develop critical thinking skills that are useful for addressing contemporary issues.
Methodology of the Social Sciences
The course equips students with the tools to appreciate the methodological issues underlying economic and social science thought, to understand the methodological aspects related to strategic and economic behavior, and to grasp the methods for measuring and analyzing social phenomena.
History and Literature: Literature and Politics
Year 2: 2028/2029
Lab of Data Analysis for Political, Economic and Social Sciences
The Lab equips students with the skills to collect and process data, interpret results, and communicate useful findings to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, helping them develop independent critical thinking.
History 2: History of the Twentieth Century
The course delves into the analysis of historical processes in the contemporary world, with a particular focus on global dynamics and the most recent political and social transformations. By examining case studies and comparing different historiographical interpretations, the course develops students' ability to critically analyze the connections between past and present in international relations and contemporary political systems.
Macroeconomics
The course provides an introduction to macroeconomic analysis by studying the economic system and its main components. We will therefore seek to explain and clarify how and why economies grow, and what economic policies can be implemented.
International Relations
The course provides students with the theoretical and methodological tools to analyze the international system, examining the main interpretative paradigms, the historical development of the discipline, analytical approaches to international politics, and key issues in contemporary global politics.
International Law
The course provides students with the essential tools to understand the phenomenon of international law and to interpret current events in international relations, along with their consequences for the international political order.
European Union Law
The course focuses on analyzing and studying the European Union’s legal system through the evolution of its founding treaties and the case law of the Court of Justice. The objectives, fundamental characteristics, and complexity of the European integration process will be highlighted.
Political Science
The course equips students with the tools and knowledge to understand how contemporary democracies function and evolve. It introduces the basic concepts of the discipline and then applies them to the comparative analysis of political institutions.
Writing Workshop
The course provides the knowledge and skills needed to write a variety of academic texts clearly, coherently, and accurately, as well as the linguistic components and writing strategies suitable for a wide range of contexts and purposes.
General and Political Sociology
The course aims to help students understand fundamental theories and concepts in sociology and provide them with the basic knowledge needed to conduct field research. Part of the course focuses on the main stages of qualitative research.
Advanced Excel
The course provides advanced skills in using Excel, with a particular focus on integrating Artificial Intelligence, enabling participants to earn a micro-credential that is valuable in the job market. Through hands-on application of the digital tool, the course enables students to empirically translate the theoretical knowledge gained from their coursework into practical skills that are directly applicable in professional settings.
Year 3: 2029/2030
Sociology of Communication
The course provides a solid understanding of the main aspects and issues in the sociology of communication, starting with media research and progressing to audience studies, with a focus on the sociology of digital media and the tools used in political communication.
Grand Challenge
The Grand Challenge is a project designed to cultivate global citizens who can analyze and solve complex challenges of today's world with an ethical, systemic, and practical approach. Students work in groups to analyze a problem, propose an integrated solution, and present it publicly after preparing a written paper.
2 core courses of the major to be chosen between*:
*One course will be taught in English
Theory and History of Political Parties
The course provides analytical insights into the historical evolution, ideologies, and organizational structures of political parties, with a focus on their role in democratic systems and the transformation of political consensus.
Economic Law
The course provides knowledge of the legal framework governing economic relations between the state and the market, with a focus on competition, regulation of strategic sectors, and public intervention in the economy.
Public Policies
The course introduces students to the analysis of theoretical and analytical tools to understand how public policies are designed, implemented, and evaluated in national and international contexts.
Economic Policies
The course examines key economic policies (fiscal, monetary, and industrial) and their impact on growth, employment, inflation, and income distribution.
Data Science for Public Policy
The course provides foundational skills for analyzing and interpreting data, which are useful for designing and evaluating public policies, using an empirical and digital approach.
2 Electives
Additional Credits
Mandatory English Language
Second Mandatory Foreign Language
Other Activities
Internship
Final Thesis
Total ECTS
Luiss offers students enrolled in the Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science numerous international opportunities to study abroad, develop intercultural skills and deepen their understanding of different political and institutional systems.
Available programmes include:
- Double Degree in Political Science with Pontifical Lateran University;
- International Honours Programme – Stanford Summer Session;
- Erasmus+ and international exchanges;
- Free Mover Semester Abroad;
- Summer Schools Abroad;
- ENGAGE.EU International Mobility Programmes.
Discover all the international programmes and study abroad opportunities offered by Luiss to enrich your academic and professional journey.
Starting from October 2026, the admission calls will be published, providing the requirements, application procedures and deadlines for submitting an application for admission to the Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.
Tuition Fee
The annual tuition fee for enrolment in the first year of the Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science for the 2027/2028 academic year is €15,000, payable in three instalments, in addition to the regional tax.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Luiss offers scholarships and partial or full tuition fee waivers, also thanks to the support of public and private partners. Students can access concrete financial support throughout their academic journey.
The Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science offers concrete career prospects and numerous opportunities to continue studying in Italy or abroad.
Graduates can work in public administration, European and international institutions, regulatory authorities, non-governmental organisations, embassies, consulting firms, companies and think tanks.
The International and Global Studies Major prepares students in particular for careers in international organisations and cooperation, while the Government and Public Policies Major develops skills useful for public administration, policy analysis and institutional decision-making processes.
The programme also provides a solid foundation for accessing Luiss Master’s Degree Programmes, first-level university Master’s programmes or postgraduate programmes in political science, international relations, public administration and related fields.
Luiss Alumni Network
After graduation, students can join the Luiss Alumni Network, an international community of more than 70,000 alumni.
Through 19 international chapters, the network fosters professional relationships, experience sharing and dialogue across generations. Activities include networking events, training sessions, reunions, cultural visits and initiatives dedicated to the alumni community.
