Search
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Cattolica International

Course details

You are viewing

The programme is full-time and lasts one year. Attendance is mandatory to obtain the diploma. 

It combines academic training, practical skills, and international experience. You will earn 60 ECTS credits through courses, project work, and an internship. 

 

Main Study Areas

  • Global Affairs and Management Skills (35 ECTS) 

You will study: 

  • International trade and economics 
  • Sustainable development policies 
  • International and human rights law 
  • European law and institutions 
  • Global politics and international relations 
  • Regional integration and emerging powers 
  • How international organisations work 

You will also develop soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. These are supported by experts from AegisGroup, who specialise in preparing students for the job market. 

 

  • Advanced Training on Regional Areas (20 ECTS) 

You will explore global issues by region, focusing on: 

  • Africa 
  • Asia 
  • Europe 
  • Latin America 
  • Middle East 

Courses include the role of governments, international organisations, NGOs, and multinational companies in these regions. 

 

  • Project Work (5 ECTS) 

You will work in small teams to analyze a complex international problem and propose a practical solution. 

 

  • Internship (5 ECTS) 

You will complete a supervised internship, where you can apply your knowledge in a real-world setting and gain valuable international work experience. 

This Master brings together professors and professionals from top universities, global institutions, and international organisations. Students learn through lectures, seminars, and guided internships, gaining both academic knowledge and practical skills. 

 

The programme is directed by: 
Prof. Damiano Palano, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore 

Faculty and guest lecturers 

The teaching staff includes scholars and experts from across Europe, the U.S., and international organisations: 

  • Prof. Ibrahim Al-Marashi, California State University San Marcos 
  • Prof. Isabella Alcañiz, University of Maryland 
  • Renato Giacon, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development 
  • Dr. Raoul Ascari, Concrete Finance and ITARE 
  • Dr. Sara Balestri, Università Cattolica 
  • Dr. Matteo Carlo Borsani, Confindustria, Brussels 
  • Prof. Emilio Colombo, Università Cattolica 
  • Prof. Michael Cox, London School of Economics 
  • Prof. Matthew A. Evangelista, Cornell University 
  • Dr. Matteo Ferrazzi, European Investment Bank 
  • Dr. Luca Lionello, Università Cattolica 
  • Prof. Jörge Friedrichs, University of Oxford 
  • Prof. Marco Gestri, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia 
  • Dr. Soraya Johaar, UN career development specialist 
  • Prof. Miklós Király, Eötvös Loránd University 
  • Prof. Martin Klein, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg 
  • Prof. Ludger Kühnhardt, University of Bonn 
  • Dr. Ignacio Lara, National University of Lanús 
  • Prof. Marco Lombardi, Università Cattolica 
  • Prof. Andrés Malamud, University of Lisbon 
  • Dr. Philippe Musquar, European Parliament 
  • Prof. Beatrice Nicolini, Università Cattolica 
  • Prof. Aldo Pigoli, Università Cattolica 
  • Dr. Massimiliano Riva, UNDP, New York 
  • Dr. Arouna Roshanian, UN Consultant and Social Entrepreneur 
  • Prof. Giuseppe Scaratti, Università Cattolica 
  • Prof. Giuseppe Gabusi, University of Turin 
  • Prof. Thomas A. Zimmermann, University of St. Gallen 

Each year, guest speakers from the UN, NGOs, and research centers also deliver open lectures and workshops. 

Graduates of this programme are prepared to work in many sectors that deal with global challenges. Depending on your background, you may find roles in: 
  • International institutions 
  • NGOs and humanitarian organisations 
  • Government and public administration 
  • Private companies and multinational corporations 
  • Research centers and think tanks 

You will be trained to analyze and manage global issues from different perspectives, combining theory with practical skills. 

 

Where Students Gain Real-World Experience 

 

Students in the programme have completed internships at top-level organisations around the world, including: 

  • International organisations: FAO, UNESCO, UNCTAD, WHO, OSCE, IOM, European Parliament 
  • Embassies and consulates: United States, Serbia, Lebanon, Ecuador, Czech Republic, European Commission 
  • NGOs and research centers: Chatham House (UK), Peace Research Institute Frankfurt, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, Istituto Affari Internazionali 
  • Private sector: Eni, LVMH, UniCredit, Marsh, Nielsen, CheBanca! 
  • Academic and cultural institutions: ITC/ILO, Otterbein University, Università di Trento, Il Caffè Geopolitico 

These internships help students apply their knowledge and build international careers. 

“The Master gave me a deeper understanding of the world and of myself. I especially valued the diversity in the classroom—different nationalities, cultures, and views.” 
– Michele Varalda, Consultant, KPMG Advisory, Milan 

 

“I learned not only from the professors but also from my classmates. Studying in Milan with people from many countries made it a truly global experience.” 
– Laurel Zigerelli, Deputy Project Manager, USA 

  • Class start date: January 2027 
  • Class end date: June 2027 
  • Exams: June 2027 
  • Project work (Thesis) discussion: end of November 2027 
  • Graduation: December 2027 
International students can join Italian language courses offered by SELDA (Servizio Linguistico d’Ateneo). These courses require a fee.


To contact SELDA: