Study location	Italy, Siena, San Niccolò, Via Roma, 56 - email: didattica.dispoc@unisi.it
Academic field	International politics (JACS L240)
Type	Master's Degree, full-time
Nominal duration	2 years (120 ECTS)
Study language	English
Awards	M (LM-81 Second cycle degree in Science for the cooperation to the development)

Application fee	€49.90 per program

Entry qualification

Bachelor/Undergraduate diploma (or higher) After You Apply An Enrolment Committee will evaluate your competencies and skills to determine if they meet the program requirements. Admission Criteria The required competencies for admission include: a background in social sciences and humanities, equivalent to that obtained in a first-level (Bachelor’s) degree basic knowledge in medieval and contemporary history, political sciences and regional and political geography. After the Evaluation You will be notified of the outcome approximately one month after the application deadline, or earlier. At the discretion of the Enrolment Committee, students who pass the initial selection based on the submitted documents may be invited to take a remote online test and/or attend an interview. The dates for any additional selection tests will be communicated via email. The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English / Italian. Schools and universities usually provide documentation translated into English. If this is not available, an official translation will be required, along with certification of the authenticity of the original documents. Review the documents required for the admission application at this link: admission.unisi.it/?p=1193 Review the documents required for enrollment (upon admission) at the link admission.unisi.it/?p=1193 Upload copies on the application

Territory requirements	Applications are accepted from the following territories (based on citizenship): World.

Language requirements	English English fluency is required, with a minimum proficiency level of B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For further information, check the following link admission.unisi.it/?p=1944

More information	public-cultural-diplomacy.unisi.it/en

Overview

Overview

The Master’s Degree Programme in Public and Cultural Diplomacy aims to develop
expertise and professional skills in international cooperation, with a focus on the
emerging field of public and cultural diplomacy. This rapidly growing area attracts a wide
range of professionals, not only from political institutions and public administrations but
also from global governance actors such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs),
new media, interest groups, associations, and the third sector. In this context, the
programme emphasises two key dimensions: the practices of public and cultural
diplomacy in international relations and the international approach to designing policies
and institutions for preserving, enhancing, and promoting cultural heritage.

The programme is structured as follows:

First Year
The first year provides advanced knowledge in socio-political studies, with a particular
emphasis on comparative politics in non-European contexts and international relations.
Core courses in political science cover essential topics and approaches to
understanding public and cultural diplomacy within extra-European political systems.
Additional courses focus on socio-economic sustainability and human rights across
diverse global regions. These are supported by subjects such as international law,
geography, Christian and medieval archaeology, anthropology, the history of political
institutions, and economic policy. The programme also offers short courses in data
analysis and report writing to familiarise students with practical tasks typically required
by hosting institutions during their traineeships.

Second Year
The second year focuses on applied knowledge for interpreting the contemporary world
through historical, social, political, and legal perspectives. Particular attention is given to interactions between the West and other regions, the role of international organizations,
and the influence of traditional and new media. Courses include international history
and humanities as well as subjects such as palaeography, ancient topography and
religious diplomacy. Advanced training in cultural diplomacy is complemented by
courses in social sciences and communication, the history of international relations, and
linguistics.

Interdisciplinary and Intercultural Focus
The programme emphasises its interdisciplinary and intercultural dimensions. The use
of English as the medium of instruction facilitates immediate intercultural exchange and
removes language barriers, preparing graduates for international careers or roles
requiring collaboration with institutions and actors from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Global Scope
The programme integrates robust training in social, historical, legal, and humanities
disciplines, unified by a focus on institutional and cultural contexts that characterise
dynamic political and social realities. It explores regions such as the Mediterranean, the
Middle East, China, East Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Methodological competencies
converge on key topics relevant to globalization, multiculturalism, international politics,
human rights, crisis areas, cultural pluralism, and the role of soft power in international
dialogues.

The skills acquired align with the goals of governments and organizations promoting
sustainable socio-cultural development. These include the dissemination of best
administrative practices, conflict resolution, and the reorganization of civil society in
crisis areas. The programme thus equips graduates with the expertise needed to
contribute to socio-cultural progress and global governance initiatives.

Program structure

MUR degree class: LM-81 Second cycle degree in Science for the cooperation to the development
Duration in years: 2
Credits: 120
Language: English

Career opportunities

This innovative programme adopts a multidisciplinary approach through its diverse
course offerings, international partnerships, and organizational training opportunities.
Most of the classes are specifically designed for this programme, addressing the
evolving roles of public diplomacy. These roles include international cooperation, global
cultural promotion and planning, social communication in cultural affairs, expertise in conflict resolution, cultural policy development, international facilitation and mediation,
and scientific journalism.