Instructional goals
The Certificate aims to develop professional skills that address even complex issues, building upon a foundation of theoretical knowledge
Prerequisites
To benefit fully from the Certificate, the following knowledge and skills may be useful, without constituting binding prerequisites:
• basic knowledge of the structure and functioning of the European Union, with particular reference to the EU decision-making process;
• introductory knowledge of major EU policy areas, such as environment, energy, artificial intelligence and social policy;
• familiarity with the analysis of institutional documents and legal acts;
• basic digital skills for searching and using information from official sources;
• teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon completion of the Certificate, students will be able to develop:
critical thinking regarding complex problems that require analysis from multiple perspective, evaluating the pros and cons of various options or facing unforeseen global scenario;
Recognize the importance of negotiation and when faced with conflicting interests, aiming to reach mutually agreed-upon and sustainable decisions
Working as a team
Course Contents
The program explores contents connected to:
EU Climate and energy policy, in particular the revision of EU Emission Trading System (EU-ETS) - its revision. The formation of the Italian position and those of other Member States at EU level.
The AI development in the internal market in Europe and the convenience to invest in it (pros and cons)
The single Italian answer to a consultation to be launched by the European Commission, probably to support the implementation of the European Pillar on social rights. To be confirmed later on.
Reference Books
It is recommended to read: the European Commission current work program; Current presidency Program, AI Act, Green Deal, Fit for 55, European Pillar for social rights, Draghi and Letta reports
Teaching Methods
The teaching methodologies adopted to promote active, experiential, and competency-based learning aligned with the objectives of the Certificate may include:
experiential and collaborative learning (simulations, role-plays, mini-challenges based on real cases, think-pair-share activities, peer feedback);
project- or data-based learning (dataset analysis, thematic deep-dives, case study redesign);
guided discussions and debates (Socratic seminars, expert panels, structured debates);
targeted use of digital tools and AI (AI assistants for preliminary analysis, storyline generation, and problem-solving support).
Assessment Method
Assessment is pass/fail and may be based, consistently with the planned activities, on individual assignments (e.g. policy memo, analytical note or reflection paper), business cases, simulations or role-plays, game-based assessment, peer evaluation, oral presentations with Q&A, and other applied activities. Participation in classroom activities contributes to formative assessment, without prejudice to the minimum attendance requirement for obtaining the Certificate.
Requirement for obtaining the Certificate: regular attendance of at least 70% of the learning activities and successful completion of the final assessment. For non-compliant students and students exempt from the attendance requirement, learning outcomes will be assessed through an oral examination, defined by the instructor in accordance with the Certificate content, learning objectives, and expected learning outcomes. For this purpose, the examination for non-compliant students and students exempt from the attendance requirement may include, at the instructor's discretion, questions on course content, discussion of cases or practical scenarios, analysis and discussion of materials, presentation and discussion of individual assignments, or any other assessment method deemed appropriate to verify the full achievement of the expected learning outcomes. The Digital Badge will only be awarded to students who meet the minimum 70% attendance requirement. Therefore, students who, for any reason, including exemption from the attendance requirement, do not meet this threshold will not be eligible to receive the Digital Badge, even if they successfully pass the final examination.
Thesis assignment criteria
Not applicable
Week 1
The session will focus on energy and environment.
The activities will consist of organizing a meeting of Comitato interministeriale per gli affari europei (CIAE) , operating at the Department for European affairs of Prime Minister Office-PCM
Students will represent both the different public administrations involved in the coordination process and the various EU member State, advocating and negotiating their respective positions.
Week 2
The session will focus on Generative AI .
The activities will address a market analysis topic conducted by a major consulting firm for a client looking to invest in this sector
Students will be divided in groups and each group will analyze specific aspects to be considered in this kind of job
Students are requested to write a single note, of which a drafting scheme will be provided, and an executive summery
The note will conclude with possible suggestions for the client, proposed on the basis of the analyses conducted
Further documentation might be sent before the meeting
Week 3
The third meeting focuses on the united response that Italy intends to give to the Commission’ Public Consultation
Consultations are important milestones in the European legislative process - a means of listening to the needs of citizens, governments and stakeholders from the ground up, finalized to the drafting of a legislative act to submit to the Council and the European Parliament.
We will follow what the Italian legislation foresees in these cases : the Public administration responsible for the policy of the consultation organizes a working table involving various stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and unified response .
Student will be the different actors and they will negotiate a common ground
Specific documentation will be sent before the meeting, considering that the Commission might launch new consultations.
At the moment we will consider those launched regarding the implementation of the Pillar of social rights.
Week 4
The fourth session will focus on the key features, dynamics and challenges of mainstream recruitment and selection processes for entry-level jobs in the international affairs industry, with particular reference to international relations, EU external affairs, diplomacy and international organizations.
The lecture will provide students with practical guidance on how to prepare successful applications, including techniques for drafting and adapting CVs, cover emails and motivation letters to specific vacancies and organizational templates.
This session will also address personal branding, the construction of a coherent narrative of one’s academic and professional background, and strategies to present skills, motivation and experience effectively before international recruitment panels. Planned activities include the analysis of sample job postings, CV templates, motivation letters and application packages.
Students are invited to consult the main course handbook as reference: G. Venneri, “Learning Policy Advice in International Affairs and Diplomacy”, Routledge, 2025.
Week 5
The fifth session will be dedicated to the preparation of structured interviews for positions in the field of international relations and international affairs.
Specific techniques to articulate effective answers to questions on competence, motivation, aptitude and ability to cope with pressure will be presented. Planned activities will include individual and group exercises, joint class brainstorming and preparation for the mock interview.
Students will receive a facsimile call for applications and will be asked to select one vacancy, preparing an application package composed of a formal cover email, a one-page motivation letter and a detailed CV drafted according to the template of the selected organization.
Students are invited to consult the main course handbook as reference: G. Venneri, “Learning Policy Advice in International Affairs and Diplomacy”, Routledge, 2025.
Week 6
The session will focus on mock interviews, aimed at simulating a recruitment process through an individual structured interview before a panel composed of members with experience in international institutions.
Each interview will last approximately 30 minutes and will be followed by an individual feedback session on the student’s performance, approach to questions, overall preparedness and the quality of the documents submitted as part of the application package.
A final group discussion will also be organised to reflect on the main lessons learned, with particular attention to strengths, common mistakes and useful strategies to approach future selection processes.
Students are invited to consult the main course handbook as reference: G. Venneri, “Learning Policy Advice in International Affairs and Diplomacy”, Routledge, 2025.
Week 7
Not applicable
Week 8
Not applicable
Week 9
Not applicable
Week 10
Not applicable
Week 11
Not applicable
Week 12
Not applicable