Bachelor in Economics, Politics and Social Sciences

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Bologna

Program Overview

The Economics, Politics and Social Sciences degree at University of Bologna is a unique 3-year undergraduate programme that equips you with multidisciplinary expertise across economics, politics, and social sciences—skills that are increasingly vital in today's interconnected world of work. You'll learn to analyze real-world economic, social, and political phenomena using empirical data, preparing you for careers in both the private sector and public administration, or for advanced study in economics, management, politics, law, or statistics.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Building Foundational Knowledge

Your first year establishes the methodological and theoretical groundwork for understanding how economics and politics interact. You'll take core courses in econometrics, which teaches you how to use data and statistical software like STATA to analyze real socio-economic phenomena. Alongside this, you'll explore comparative political economy, examining how different countries organize their economic systems and the role that institutions, political actors, and interest groups play in shaping these arrangements. These foundational courses ensure you can think critically about the complex relationships between economic policy and political decision-making.

Second and Third Years: Specialized Analysis and Application

In your second and third years, you'll deepen your understanding of how politics and economics shape each other at multiple levels. You'll study courses like EU Institutions, which examines the political and economic framework of European governance, and Strategy, Behavior, and Policy in Economics, where you'll apply economic theory and real-world experiments to pressing societal challenges—from environmental conservation to education policy. By this stage, you'll have developed the analytical skills to understand macroeconomic policy formation, institutional frameworks for economic growth, and how political decisions impact economic outcomes. Your learning culminates in the ability to respond professionally to complex problems faced by governments, organizations, and societies.

Focus Areas

Economic systems analysis, political institutions and governance, empirical research methods, comparative policy analysis, and sustainable development.

Learning Outcomes

You will analyze and compare national political economies; critically evaluate political and economic inputs and outcomes; understand institutional foundations of competitive advantage; use empirical data to inform analysis; and develop multidisciplinary skills essential for contemporary professional environments.

Professional Alignment

The programme prepares you for restricted access admission to any second-cycle degree programme in social sciences, economics, management, politics, law, and statistics. Upon completion, you'll be qualified for roles in both private sector organizations and public administration that require understanding of how economic and political systems interact.

Reputation

University of Bologna is Italy's oldest university and a globally recognized institution. The Economics, Politics and Social Sciences programme offers what the university describes as "a unique training programme in Italy," combining economic rigor with political analysis in ways that most Italian universities do not offer in a single integrated degree.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Bologna's Economics, Politics and Social Sciences programs, you'll dive into experiential learning through hands-on research projects, collaborative initiatives, and real-world applications tied directly to the Department of Political and Social Sciences. This means gaining practical skills in areas like social innovation, political discourse analysis, and interdisciplinary research using university-supported learning pathways that connect classroom theory to societal impact. You'll have access to departmental facilities, research grants, and collaborative networks that prepare you for careers in policy, economics, and social analysis.

Here are some standout experiential opportunities specific to the program:
- Research projects with funding: Join funded initiatives like the PRIN 2020 MIUR DEMOPE project on "Democracy under Pressure" or the Volkswagen Foundation's U3B grant (1.5 million Euros) for "Unbiased Bots That Build Bridges," focusing on technical systems for political discourse—led by faculty in the Department of Political and Social Sciences.
- Collaborative international research: Participate in networks like the Leverhulme Trust's "Performances of Value" (with partners at Warwick, Sciences Po, and others) or the TRR 318 Constructing Explainability center (with Bielefeld and Paderborn), emphasizing group work on AI, legal studies, and market competitions.
- Departmental labs and facilities: Leverage the 31 Departments' resources, including the Department of Political and Social Sciences for coordinated research labs, teaching labs, and third mission/social impact activities that integrate hands-on training.
- Social innovation programs: Engage in university learning pathways designed for social innovation initiatives, using departmental tools for real-world program development in economics, politics, and social sciences.
- Libraries and institutes: Access specialized departmental libraries and research institutes supporting sociology, political sciences, and communication processes, with faculty-led visiting programs (e.g., Cornell Tech, EHESS Paris) for immersive group experiences.

Imagine applying to a program where these opportunities turn your studies into actionable expertise—your future in economics, politics, and social sciences starts here at Bologna.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies at the University of Bologna gain a solid understanding of global political, social, economic, and cultural issues, along with strong analytical, language, and communication skills. This prepares you for careers such as international relations officer, international cooperation specialist, policy analyst, or research associate in global affairs:

Career support through university services, including internship guidance, networking events, and connections with public institutions, international organisations, and NGOs
Practical experience via traineeships and international opportunities, such as study abroad and internships, building real-world skills and global exposure
Close collaboration with international organisations, NGOs, and institutions, providing professional contacts and project experience
An interdisciplinary curriculum with a strong focus on languages, increasing competitiveness in international and multicultural job markets
A degree recognised across Europe, enhancing long-term career mobility and access to opportunities worldwide
Graduates are ready for roles in global policy, development projects, diplomatic work, research, and related international fields

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this programme, you can continue with Master’s degrees in international relations, global policy, development studies, or public affairs at the University of Bologna