Master of Science in Politics and Policy Analysis
Program Overview
The MSc in Politics and Policy Analysis at Bocconi University provides advanced knowledge in political science and public policy analysis. The two-year, 120 CFU program equips students with comprehensive political and policy-making skills, combining rigorous quantitative disciplines with a multidisciplinary approach. Emphasis is placed on understanding politics and policy formulation/implementation in a rapidly changing society, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills for policy design and action in complex political contexts. Graduates are highly employable, with 98.2% employed one year after graduation.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MSc in Politics and Policy Analysis at Bocconi University is a two-year, 120 CFU program taught in English. It aims to provide advanced education in political science and public policy analysis. The program's objective is to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of complex political, economic, and social dynamics in the modern world, including how national and international institutions address these dynamics and how to act effectively within such contexts. Students will receive advanced training in analytical methods for studying public policies and the decision-making institutions. Specifically, the program offers:
- Complete preparation in the two major areas of Political Science (Comparative Politics and International Relations), integrated with knowledge of the role of laws and population dynamics in political contexts.
- Complete preparation with advanced quantitative skills in theoretical and empirical methods applicable to evaluating public policies, the public sector, the policy decision-making process, and political dynamics.
- Development of soft skills such as teamwork, effective presentation and discussion, critical thinking, and understanding major political and policy-making issues.
- Skill development through interdisciplinary workshops fostering understanding of political and social problems from diverse perspectives. Teaching methods emphasize interaction between faculty and students, and among students themselves. The MSc offers three paths: Politics and Policy Analysis, LSE-Bocconi Double Degree, and Sciences Po-Bocconi Double Degree, each providing exposure to different international learning environments. Applicants for the double degree programs require separate applications. The program director is Lanny Martin. The program emphasizes understanding politics and policy formulation/implementation in a rapidly changing society, equipping students to find innovative solutions to real-world policy problems. It combines rigorous quantitative disciplines with a multidisciplinary approach to develop critical thinking and analytical skills for policy design and action in complex political contexts.
Teaching:
The program utilizes interdisciplinary teaching activities organized into workshops to foster understanding of political and social problems from different perspectives. Teaching methods support interaction between faculty and students and among students. The program emphasizes the use of the latest technologies and continuous interaction between students and instructors, group work, business cases, testimonials, and discussions. An emphasis on relational and communication skills prepares students for collaborative work environments.
Careers:
2% of graduates are employed one year after graduation. 4% are employed on graduation day, and 68.4% are employed abroad on graduation day. The program provides opportunities to connect with employers worldwide through internships (in Italy or abroad), job fairs in Milan and internationally, and customized career services.
Other:
The MSc in Politics and Policy Analysis is ranked 4th in Europe and 16th worldwide in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 (Social Sciences and Management). Bocconi University is highlighted as one of the top 5 universities in Europe, emphasizing its strong research and teaching reputation, global network (280+ partner schools, 4,000 employers, 140,000+ alumni), and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The university's campus in Milan is described as dynamic and sustainable, offering various student activities and located in a vibrant city.
The university is a prominent European institution recognized for its strong international focus. It excels in research and teaching across diverse disciplines, including Economics, Management, Legal Studies, Political Science, and Data and Computer Science, with an increasing emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Committed to societal impact, the university values knowledge dissemination beyond academia. It fosters cultural openness, diversity, and mutual respect, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.
The university is dedicated to advancing and sharing knowledge in the social sciences through rigorous, innovative research that addresses contemporary global challenges. It emphasizes social mobility and equal access to education, providing excellent teaching to empower students to achieve their full potential, regardless of their background.
The institution strives for a global impact while fostering socioeconomic progress at local, national, and European levels. It leverages its international network of alumni, academic partners, corporations, and institutions to drive growth and collaboration.
The university also prioritizes enriching campus life by creating a sustainable, inclusive environment that encourages social and cultural exchanges among its diverse community members.
