Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Governance and Decision-Making (PPE)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Padua UNIPD

Program Overview

The Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Governance and Decision-Making at the University of Padua offers a well-balanced mix of economics, political science, philosophy, and law, giving you the tools to understand and tackle complex global issues. It’s a great fit if you’re someone who enjoys thinking critically about how societies work and wants to build a career in areas like policy, consulting, or international organizations.

Curriculum structure

First Year:
In the first year, you’ll focus on building a solid foundation across the main disciplines. You’ll study subjects such as Foundations of Law and Legal Systems, Logic and Critical Thinking, and Mathematics for Social Sciences, which help you develop structured thinking and analytical skills. At the same time, courses like Microeconomics and Political Philosophy introduce you to how markets and societies function, while Principles of Management and Accounting gives you a basic understanding of organizations and finance.

Second Year:
The second year takes things further by adding more depth and practical tools. You’ll work with courses like Econometrics for Social Sciences and Statistics and Data Analysis, learning how to interpret and work with real-world data. Alongside this, modules such as International Macroeconomics and Global Challenges, Business Ethics and Human Rights, and Political Analysis help you connect economic theory with global issues, governance, and ethical decision-making.

Third Year:
In your final year, you’ll start shaping your own path based on your interests. You can choose from specialized tracks like Policy Advising and Consulting in Multilevel Governance, Ethical Decision-Making and NGO Governance, or International Organizations and Geopolitical Risk. You’ll also complete electives and a compulsory internship, giving you practical experience and a clearer direction for your future career.

Focus areas:

Economics, Political Science, Philosophy, Law, Data Analysis, Global Governance, Ethics, Public Policy

Learning outcomes:

Critical thinking, analytical reasoning, data interpretation, ethical decision-making, policy analysis, interdisciplinary problem-solving, understanding of global economic and political systems

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The program follows the structure of internationally recognized PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) degrees and is designed to prepare graduates for roles in international organizations, NGOs, consulting firms, and public institutions.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Graduates from this program are well prepared for careers in consulting, policy-making, research, and international organizations, and many continue their studies in top master’s programs in economics, business, or political science.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Padua, this program is built to make sure you don’t just learn concepts—you actively apply them. Throughout your studies, you’ll work with real data, develop analytical skills through hands-on coursework, and take part in interactive classes that encourage discussion, teamwork, and problem-solving. The learning experience is designed to feel practical and engaging, using both classroom interaction and digital tools to prepare you for real-world decision-making.

As you move into the later years, the focus becomes even more practical, especially through your specialization and internship experience, giving you a clear sense of how your knowledge fits into professional environments:

Compulsory internship in the third year with public institutions, NGOs, research centres, or international organizations, giving you direct exposure to real workplaces
Support from the Department of Economics and Management’s Stage & Placement Service to help you find internships in Italy or abroad
Hands-on use of quantitative methods through courses in statistics, econometrics, and data analysis, working with real-world datasets
Interactive teaching methods including seminars, group discussions, and collaborative projects that build teamwork and communication skills
Specialization tracks such as Policy Advising, NGO Governance, or Geopolitical Risk, where you engage with applied case studies and global challenges
Access to dedicated academic resources like the Ettore Anchieri Library of Political Science, offering extensive materials for research in political science and international studies

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Economics and Political Science programme at the University of Padua gives you a strong advantage in today’s global job market. You’ll develop a versatile skill set that prepares you for roles like policy analyst, consultant, public affairs specialist, or research assistant, across both public institutions and private organisations. The program’s interdisciplinary approach means you won’t just understand problems—you’ll know how to approach and solve them in real-world contexts:

Dedicated Career Service and Stage & Placement Service that guide you with career counselling, CV support, workshops, and job opportunities
Strong connections with companies, public institutions, NGOs, and international organisations, helping you access meaningful internships and job roles
A compulsory internship during the degree, ensuring you graduate with hands-on professional experience
Access to university platforms and networks that connect you directly with employers in Italy and abroad
Structured career support designed to help you plan your path and confidently enter the job market
Graduate outcomes that commonly lead to careers in consulting, policy-making, research, international organisations, and public administration

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you’ll have a solid foundation to continue with a master’s degree in areas like economics, public policy, international relations, political science, or business. Many students go on to specialise further, either at the University of Padua or at other leading universities across Europe, opening up even more advanced career opportunities.

Country Requirements

Applicants from China must provide a Senior Middle School Graduation Certificate with official verification, along with a Gaokao score of at least 400/750, also supported by a verification report from an authorised institution.
Applicants from France must hold one of the following qualifications: Baccalauréat Général, Baccalauréat Technologique, or Baccalauréat Professionnel.
Applicants from Germany must hold the Allgemeine Hochschulreife (Abitur), which qualifies them for general higher education entry.
Applicants from India must have completed Standard XII with a recognised qualification such as CBSE (minimum 5 subjects), ISC (minimum 5 subjects), or an equivalent Higher Secondary/Intermediate certificate.
Applicants from Pakistan must hold either a Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) or an Intermediate School Certificate.
Applicants from Saudi Arabia must hold the General Secondary Education Certificate (Tawjihiyah).
Applicants from Turkey must hold a Lise Diploma (or equivalent) and provide proof of passing a national university entrance exam such as YKS (TYT and AYT) or YÖS.
Applicants from the USA must have a High School Diploma along with either three Advanced Placement (AP) exams (scores 3–5 in relevant subjects) or completion of at least one year of university-level study with all exams passed.
Applicants from the UK must hold qualifications such as A Levels (minimum 3 subjects), Cambridge Pre-U Diploma, a mix of A Levels and Pre-U subjects, or a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma.
Applicants from Scotland must hold a Scottish Qualifications Certificate with either at least 3 Advanced Highers, or 2 Advanced Highers plus at least 4 Highers.