Bachelors in International, European, and Comparative Legal Studies (IECoLS)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Macerata

Program Overview

IECoLS is a 3-year degree programme in International, European and Comparative Legal Studies taught entirely in English.

It allows you to apply for positions in both the public and private sectors. In particular, the IECoLS course will be your key asset for careers in International or supranational organisations, and in enterprises (such as the financial area) and public administrations with links to the international trade sector, and/or with specific relationships with the Chinese economy.

To complete the LLB degree, you must pass 18 subject-exams, attend specialising seminars, complete an internship and prepare a final thesis, for a total of 180 ECTS.The IECoLS programme is taught in English to allow students a transnational approach to the legal phenomenon, opening up at the end of the course the possibility of careers even outside the national territory.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Internships and Placements: The curriculum integrates practical experience (Type F activity) through mandatory internships to prepare students for real-world legal environments, including opportunities for international experience.
Multicultural Environment: The program is taught entirely in English, featuring an international student body, which promotes practical intercultural legal communication.
Workshops and Specialized Modules: Students gain professional skills through workshops and courses like "Data Protection, Privacy and Internet Law" and "EU Food Law," which focus on practical applications of law.
Focus on Employability: The program provides training for roles within European institutions, international organizations, and multinational companies, with a 70.4% employment rate a year after graduation.
Customizable Path: Starting in the third year, students can tailor their practical training towards transnational law or international trade law.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The programme prepares students for the job market by focusing on the transnational legal dimension, both in substantive and procedural matters. This helps IECoLS graduates to enter many different job sectors.
In particular, it prepares graduates for the following positions:

Legal advisor in international banking, financial and insurance area.
Legal advisor for the internationalisation of SMEs.
Representatives of international trade areas for Chambers of Commerce and trade associations.
Foreign contact officials in Public Administrations.
Permanent officials for European institutions and other international organisations.
In addition, the IECoLS graduate could decide to enrol in further Higher Education programmes, in Italy and abroad.

Additional Information & Requirements

A high school diploma obtained after at least 12 years of schooling; if the qualification is issued after a period lower than 12, please visit this webpage for further details.
A proficiency level in English of at least a B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• a valid language certificate at a minimum B2 level (CEFR) Please note that Duolingo and EF SET tests results are not accepted for this purpose
• a letter/certificate issued by the school of provenance certifying that the studies have been conducted in English (English as a Medium of Instruction);
• being a citizen of a country where English is the official language.
Those who have not provided sufficient proof of knowledge of the English language which is required for pre-admission to IECoLS, must take the English Language Proficiency Test (Reading and Listening) offered by the Language Centre of the University of Macerata and aim at verifying their proficiency in English at a minimum B1 level.
• Candidates must participate in only one of the two available dates.
• The test is reserved for those who have applied for pre-admission to “IECoLS” in the a.y. 2026/2027 and have not submitted a proper proof of knowledge of the English language (e.g., an internationally recognized language certificate). • The test is free of any charge. • *The test will be organized online through a specific platform and can be taken ONLYONCE, from 12 to 16 January 2026 or from 16 to 20 March 2026. Further updates are published here: cla.unimc.it/en/utility/pre-admission-english-test
• The test is passed with a verified level above B1; if the test is failed, the pre-admission application fails the pre-admission evaluation.

Country Requirements

being a citizen of a country where English is the official language.
Those who have not provided sufficient proof of knowledge of the English language which is required for pre-admission to IECoLS, must take the English Language Proficiency Test (Reading and Listening) offered by the Language Centre of the University of Macerata and aim at verifying their proficiency in English at a minimum B1 level.
• Non-EU Citizens residing outside Italy: Must submit a pre-enrolment application through the Universitaly portal to apply for a study visa.
• Mandatory Documentation: Valid ID/Passport, tax code number, and pre-enrolment documentation.
• Documentation Verification: Documents must be verified/validated by the relevant Italian diplomatic-consular mission in the country of origin

Career Options

International legal operator in banking
financial and insurance companies and international legal operator for SMEs: provides legal advice
both generic and international; coordinates
develops and maintains international relations of the company
including in the relationship with international institutional entities; deals with the investigation of documents and the preparation of specific procedures; provides consultancy in the field of management
control and support to the legal office in litigation
Has linguistic skills and knows the specialized legal language; has the ability to work in a team; knows the Italian and foreign regulations on specific sectors
Foreign trade area referent for Italian and foreign Chambers of Commerce and international referent for trade associations: provides technical assistance to companies with foreign interests; supports local companies in their search for international partners; provides consultancy on design in response to Calls issued by the European Union; knows the main organizations aimed at promoting Italian companies in their relations with foreign countries (Chambers of Commerce
ICE Agency
etc
); knows the national legal system
the European Union legal system and the fundamental characteristics of the main foreign legal systems
Has expertise in international contracts and trade; has linguistic skills; has the ability to work in a team and coordinate multidisciplinary groups
Public Administration Official with a specific vocation for contact with foreign countries; official of a level comparable to the permanent official in European institutions and other international organizations: manages external relations with foreign and supranational entities; supervises the investigation of administrative acts also of foreign relevance; drafts texts of legal relevance and analysis on legal issues of Project management
Knows the law applicable to the PA at national and European level; has specific skills in geopolitics and international relations; has linguistic and communication skills; has the ability to work in teams and multidisciplinary groups