Political Science
The Bachelor's Degree in Political Science provides knowledge, methods, and tools to understand contemporary political realities.
The theoretical framework is interdisciplinary and encompasses the following fields:
- economics and statistics
- political science
- philosophy
- law
- sociology
- historical
There is a particular emphasis on language study and the development of computer and data analysis skills.
- The degree class is L-36
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 Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Scienze Politiche offers two majors that allow students to study specific subject areas in depth:
- Major in International and Global Studies – offering an advanced education on global dynamics, international relations and international public policy, providing skills to operate in transnational contexts and tackle the challenges of global governance.
- Major in Government and Public Policy - focusing on governance mechanisms, decision-making processes and public policy analysis, with a view to developing professionals capable of working in government and public service.
Majors commence in the third year and include core courses for each track, at least one in English, ensuring both specialised and international training.
This structure combines basic interdisciplinary education with an in-depth study aimed at the needs of the contemporary labour market, developing the ability to understand the relationships between the economic system, the political system and institutional set-ups, together with specific skills in areas requiring socio-political and political-planning knowledge.
Study Plan
Year 1: 2026/2027
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.
Contemporary History 1
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.
Year 2: 2027/2028
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.
Contemporary History 2
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: 2028/2029
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 from among**:
*Courses are subject to change **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.
3 Electives
Additional Credits
Mandatory English Language
Second Mandatory Foreign Language
Other Activities
Humanities
Final Thesis
Total ECTS
Year 1: 2026/2027
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.
Contemporary History 1
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.
Year 2: 2027/2028
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.
Contemporary History 2
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: 2028/2029
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 from among**:
*Courses are subject to change **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.
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 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.
3 Electives
Additional Credits
Mandatory English Language
Second Mandatory Foreign Language
Other Activities
Humanities
Final Thesis
Total ECTS
Luiss offers a wide range of programs for students, accessible based on their current or future degree program.
- Dual degree programs for students enrolled in the first or second year of their Bachelor's degree
- Dual degree programs for students in their final year of a Bachelor's degree or recent graduates
- Erasmus and International Exchange Programs
- Free Mover Semester Abroad
- Summer Schools Abroad
- Double Degree in Social Science with Sciences Po
Discover all the international programs and opportunities for experiences abroad offered by Luiss to enrich your academic and professional journey.
Admission procedures and requirements
Admissions for the 2026/2027 academic year
Check the useful information, procedures, and deadlines for submitting your application.
Learn about all the ways to get admitted to Luiss Bachelor's Degree programs.
Tuition, scholarships, and financial aid
The annual tuition fee for the 2026/2027 academic year for the Bachelor's Degree in Political Science is 14,000.00 euros (payable in 3 installments*) plus the regional tax.
Luiss offers scholarships and partial or full tuition waivers, made possible in part by support from public and private partners. Students can access tangible support throughout their academic journey. Additionally, the University has partnered with Italian banks to offer flexible financing without collateral.
Explore all the opportunities for scholarships and funding.
*The amount of the regional tax will be decided by the Lazio Region in June/July 2026.
The Bachelor's Degree in Political Science not only offers solid career prospects, but also numerous opportunities for further study.
Students can enroll in the university’s Master’s degree programs or Level I Master’s programs, with support from the Orientation Office to help navigate the available options.
Furthermore, upon completing their three-year degree, graduates in Political Science can find employment:
- through public competitions open to Bachelor's degree holders
- through direct staff selections, often preceded by internships
- in international organizations, as well as national, EU, and international regulatory authorities and agencies
- in public administration, large corporations, and consulting firms
- in NGOs, non-profit organizations, think tanks, lobbying activities, and embassies
Graduates with a major in International and Global Studies are particularly well-suited for roles in international organizations and cooperation sectors, while those with a major in Government and Public Policy are especially prepared for careers in public administration and policy analysis.
However, the most common path remains pursuing a Master’s degree (or, in some cases, a first-level Master’s), as the theoretical and interdisciplinary foundation gained during the three-year program—enhanced by the specialization of the major—needs to be refined and focused to maximize professional opportunities.
