Master degree in Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs

PPPA offers a common core of courses addressing cutting-edge topics in political science, political philosophy and moral philosophy, which provide insights about concepts and approaches crucial to tackle questions currently at the centre of public discussion. Students will also acquire competences in history, economics, law and sociology that will enable them to frame debated public questions in a broader and more sophisticated perspective. Common courses also offer high-level training in argumentative strategies and empirical methodologies. Moreover, students will have the chance to complete their preparation by selecting among a wide array of courses addressing more specific topics organized into two thematic areas:
“Technology, science and society” and “Prosperity, peace and international affairs”.

Program description

1st year Common courses

- Economy and society: past, present and perspectives

- The Western tradition: moral and political values

- Conflicts and political legitimacy

- Society, politics and institutions: stability and change

- Facts, principles and hard choices

- Migrations, diversity and non-discrimination

2nd year Common courses

- Governing the future: goals and tools

2nd year Elective courses: 3 courses selected among the following ones, which are organized into 2 thematic areas:


- Ethics and ecosystems

- Bioethics

- Neuroethics and human enhancement

- Biopolitics: bodies, health and food

- The information society: the epistemology of big data

- Media ethics

- Communications technology and society


- Global political economy and social policy

- Differences, inequalities and the politics of law

- Human development and mobility in a changing world

- Justice and International Affairs

- Dirty-hands politics: war, terrorism, torture

- Wars of images

Other activities

Further elective courses for 9 ECTS; internship/advanced computer skills/advanced foreign language; final dissertation

PPPA provides a solid academic background allowing students to continue their education through Ph.D. programmes in social sciences and philosophy, both in Italy and abroad