MEIS - European and International Studies
The MEIS is designed to equip the student with the theoretical and practical tools needed to understand key aspects of the contemporary world and international affairs. The hallmark of the MEIS is its multi- and inter-disciplinary approach, which encourages students to venture beyond the confines of individual academic disciplines. Taught courses, language workshops and tutoring activities contribute to developing advanced English language communication skills, necessary to enter into an international work and research environment. Alongside the taught courses the School runs a rich series of guest lectures held by visiting professors of international standing and conversations with professional practitioners working in distinguished international organizations.
The large majority of MEIS students spend a short period of study and research abroad through the many Erasmus + and extra-EU student mobility programmes, among which the Double Degree Programme with the Metropolitan University Prague, as well as the thesis research abroad programme and international internships.
Starting 2019/2020, MEIS students can apply to participate in TALETE, conceived by the University of Trento and Centro per la Cooperazione Internazionale along the lines of honours programmes in British universities. TALETE represents an advanced training programme in addition to the regular studies with a view to giving students an international dimension in the world of international cooperation.
The MEIS prepares students for careers both in the public and the private sectors. Graduates will be qualified: to hold positions of responsibility within national and international institutions engaged in European and international affairs and private enterprises operating in international markets; to work for governmental and non-governmental organisations engaged in areas such as human rights, environmental protection, institution-building, project management; to enter the diplomatic service. Moreover, for those intending to continue their studies, the MEIS provides a solid basis for admission to PhD programmes in International Studies in disciplines relating to economics, history, law, and political and social sciences.
Former MEIS students have gone on to rewarding careers as young diplomats, policy advisors, consultants, project coordinators, researchers, and the like, or have been admitted to prestigious PhD programs in Europe and North America. Recent statistics show that the MEIS provides the cutting edge in terms of both employability and continued academic success, with the large majority of our graduates fully embarked on an international career just 3 years after graduation.
MISS - International Security Studies
The MISS is offered jointly by the School of International Studies (Trento) and the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies (Pisa). It adopts a strong multi-disciplinary approach coupled with a broad range of optional specialization courses. The programme allows students to acquire a deep understanding of the main challenges posed to security in our globalized society providing them with the skills required to evaluate responses from national actors and the international community. Thanks to an innovative learning approach that combines class teaching with role-play, simulations, moot courts, and case-study analysis, participants are expected to understand the various factors and actors having an impact on the global order, with specific reference to security issues.
The MISS prepares its students for positions within the areas of security, public policy, and international relations. MISS graduates will possess the skills and qualifications necessary: to hold positions of responsibility within European and international organisations engaged in security, peacekeeping, and state-building activities; to work in private organisations dealing with risk prevention and risk management; work in national ministries and enter the diplomatic service; to work for governmental and non-governmental organisations engaged in areas such as institution-building, project management, humanitarian assistance, local development and reforms, security risk prevention and management. For those intending to continue their studies, the programme provides a solid basis for admission to PhD programmes in international studies and in disciplines related to international security.
Students spend the first year at the Sant’Anna School in Pisa, where teaching is focused on the main issues concerning security, including hard and soft security, technological security, environmental security, and human security. The second year is based at the School of International Studies in Trento, where students have a closer look at the specific security challenges modern societies are faced, such as armed and other violent conflicts, terrorism, energy issues, environmental degradation, migration and financial flows. During the second year, students are encouraged to spend a period abroad for research purposes, to prepare their dissertation, or pursue an internship.
IMSISS - International Master in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies (Erasmus Mundus)
The International Master in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies (IMSISS) is a 24 month Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree awarded by a consortium of European universities: University of Glasgow (UK), Dublin City University (Ireland), Charles University in Prague (Czech Republic) and - from 2020 - the University of Trento (Italy).
Students on this degree programme examine both the causes of conflicts and a broad range of contemporary security challenges, such as terrorism, civil war and conflict, mass migration, energy supply security, cyber security and new technologies, and transnational and serious organised crime. Students also explore the intelligence and strategic approaches used by governmental and non-governmental actors to combat these threats. The degree adopts a unique approach to the study of security by combining theoretical, applied and empirical knowledge and skill sets. Students have the opportunity to meet with and work alongside a range of academics and researchers from international partner universities and think tanks from around the world, as well as practitioners and experts from governmental and industry security and defence sectors.
Students have the opportunity to study in various locations across Europe – the University of Glasgow, either the University of Trento or the Dublin City University, and the University of Prague. Thanks to a wide network of partners, students are encouraged to spend a semester abroad for internships and thesis-related research. The student body is highly international, and the degree is taught entirely in English with extensive opportunities for language learning (compulsory for those at the University of Trento).
Graduates from this programme are prepared to pursue careers in security-related posts in government offices and public administration, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, transnational business corporations and private security and risk analysis companies. Some might also like to pursue a doctorate and an academic career.