The Double Degree in International Relations, Environment, and Development with the University of Sussex offers students a unique academic path that combines skills in international politics, development economics, and environmental sustainability. The program takes a multidisciplinary approach to major global challenges—from the dynamics of economic and social development to climate change and environmental policy—providing advanced tools for analysis and research.
The University of Sussex (Brighton, UK) is internationally recognized for its excellent programs in this field, ranking 1st in the world for Development Studies in the 2025 QS rankings.
The program is structured as follows:

• The first year is spent at Luiss University (Rome)
• The second year is spent at the University of Sussex (Brighton, UK)
   

During the second year at the University of Sussex, students will explore the complex interconnections between environmental change and global development. The MA in Environment, Development, and Policy focuses on critical issues such as climate change, sustainable development, environmental governance, and the politics of resource management. It places a particular focus on social and environmental justice, encouraging you to challenge dominant paradigms and engage in real-world policy debates.
Graduates of this program emerge with a comprehensive understanding of the political, economic, security, and ecological dimensions of global development, enabling them to navigate complex global systems and advocate for sustainable and equitable solutions. Both programs foster analytical rigor, cross-cultural competence, and a nuanced understanding of the challenges shaping today’s interconnected world. They equip graduates with a dual qualification and a comprehensive skill set tailored for careers in international organizations, NGOs, government agencies, think tanks, and policy institutions.
 

Interested students must send an application via email to the International Degree Programs Office by March 16, including:

• Personal statement
• An English language certificate (if available) 
• CV
• ID/Passport
• Transcript of academic records

If you have any questions about which documents to upload or need more information about the required documents, please contact the International Degree Programs Office before the application deadline.
 

A joint selection committee composed of members from Luiss and Sussex will evaluate the applications and may conduct selection interviews with candidates during the week beginning April 6. 
Students will be notified of their selection via email on April 10. 
Selection will be contingent upon the following:

• enrolling at Luiss in accordance with the applicable admission procedure
• obtaining the Bachelor’s Degree by the end of August 2026
• submitting a valid English language certificate before August 2027 from among those listed in the Requirements paragraph. The certificate must not have been obtained before September 2025.

Students who fail to meet these conditions by the specified deadlines will be excluded from the program and will remain enrolled in the Luiss Master's Degree in International Relations.
 

• Students pay applicable tuition and administrative/university fees only to the institution where they are studying in any given academic year.
• The applicable tuition fees for the second year at the University of Sussex are as follows:
  • £11,250 (Home/UK)
  • £23,500 (Overseas/non-UK)
• A student’s fee status at Sussex is determined in accordance with UK government regulations. Please visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website for more details.
   

• Selected students will be enrolled at Luiss for the first year and at both Luiss and the University of Sussex for the second year. 
• Students selected for a Double Degree program must adhere to the corresponding study plan. They must accept all the changes listed in the study plan, especially regarding languages and other activities.
• Participation in this program will add additional points to the final grade of the master’s degree, as per Luiss rules.
• Luiss students will only be able to participate if they have no pending administrative issues with Luiss.
• Exams passed at the University of Sussex will be transferred to the Luiss career according to the study plan. It is not possible to request an official waiver of grade registration.
• If students meet both universities’ rules and conditions regarding credits, attendance, deadlines, academic integrity, and other requirements, they will receive two degrees, which will be issued according to each university’s procedures.