The first module, "Global Issues in International Relations", offers students from different academic backgrounds an articulated overview of the major political, economic and social issues, and the impact of the energy transition on geopolitics.

In the second module, "Public and Cultural Diplomacy", students acquire an in-depth knowledge of Public Diplomacy and the challenges posed by the global scenario to contemporary Diplomacy. Actors and types of Cultural Diplomacy in different areas of the world are presented in a wide spectrum of cases. The topics: Creation of Nation Branding and Strategic Narratives, how to build Reputational Value and new Narratives for Countries and Cities, are entrusted to expert international teachers.

The strategic use of digital communication in the new Public Diplomacy is at the heart of the teachings of the third module, "Digital and Global Communication".

The growing relevance of large international companies in the global scenario is presented in the fourth module dedicated to "Business Diplomacy" through concrete examples and group exercises, with lectures and testimonies of real protagonists of the case studies.

In addition to the teaching modules, there are numerous workshops for the development of soft skills. In fact, the MAPCD places great emphasis on the training of transversal skills such as project management, communication skills, team building and problem solving.

At the end of the Master, an interdisciplinary Final Project Work is assigned aimed at analyzing topics related to the areas covered during the Master.

The Master includes a Curricular Internship of at least three months in Italy or abroad, hosted by Ministries, Institutions, International Organizations, Foundations and Companies whose mission and activities are in line with the Master's program. The internship, identified by the Master's Team in dialogue with each student, offers a valuable opportunity to test oneself and strengthen the knowledge and skills acquired during the course of study.

      · Multidisciplinary skills: professional knowledge in the field of International Relations, Public and Cultural Diplomacy, Digital and Business Diplomacy.

       · Strategic thinking: the ability to support the definition and development of strategies for Public and Cultural Diplomacy, with a focus on Reputational Security, Nation Branding and Strategic Narratives.

       · Intercultural management: ability to manage and operate effectively in multicultural environments and navigate complex global contexts.

       · Analytical skills: ability to analyze and understand the international contexts in which one operates as well as the cultural differences that affect negotiations.

       · Practical skills: ability to  project manage and act in real work situations and in multicultural environments. 

To submit your application for admission to the First Level Specialising Master’s program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree, an equivalent first-cycle degree, or an Italian laurea under the previous system;

• Possess a good command of the English language (minimum level B2, which will be assessed during the admission interview).

MIMES welcomes students from a wide variety of academic backgrounds. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application regardless of their field of study, as diverse educational paths are considered an added value to the Master’s program. 

For further details on eligibility and admission criteria, please refer to the following pages:

• For students holding an Italian degree: the dedicated page on the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore website;

• For students holding a non-Italian degree: the dedicated page on the Cattolica International website.

Applications must be submitted through the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore website, following the specific procedure based on the type of degree obtained.

If you hold an Italian degree, access the application procedure at this link. 
If you hold an international (non-Italian) degree, access the application procedure at this link.

MAPCD has a limited enrollment of 25 participants.

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis and in the order in which they are received. When deemed eligible, applicants will receive an admission confirmation via email. Early applications have a higher chance of acceptance. Once the maximum number of admitted students is reached, additional applications will be placed on a waiting list.

The Master’s Direction reserves the right to increase the maximum number of participants or, conversely, cancel the program if the number of admitted students is insufficient to ensure the high-quality delivery of the Master’s program.

Step 1: Submit your application.

If you hold an Italian degree, access the application procedure at this link. 
If you hold an international (non-Italian) degree, access the application procedure at this link.

Step 2: Academic credentials assessment.

Step 3: Motivational interview with the Program Assistant, covering:

• CV

• Academic and professional background

• Motivation for pursuing the Master’s program

• English language proficiency

Step 4: Admission to the Master’s program, upon evaluation by the Direction.

Step 5: Confirmation of enrollment and payment of the first installment.

Once admission is confirmed, applicants must finalize their enrollment by paying the first installment of the program fee. Typically, payment is required:

• Within 5 days of admission for applicants with an Italian degree;

• Within 15 days of admission for applicants with an international (non-italian) degree.

Payment instructions will be provided by the relevant administrative offices.

Step 6: Enrollment and start of the Master’s program, following instructions that will be sent by the administrative offices

• Self-certification of Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, including transcript of records, uploaded as a single file. If the degree is in progress, the GPA may be considered for evaluation.*

• ID document and tax code

• CV and passport-style photo

• Motivation letter 

• Academic reference letter

• Residence permit (for non-EU citizens only)

• * The Bachelor’s degree, if still in progress, must be awarded no later than March 2027 to be considered valid for admission.

The tuition fee for MAPCD is €10,000, payable in four installments: the first upon admission and the remaining ones in February, April, and June of the following year.

For students holding an Italian degree, up to 4 partial scholarships (covering 25% of the total tuition fee) are available and are awarded based on evaluation by the Scientific Direction.

Exclusively for students holding an international degree, up to 2 scholarships covering 50% of the tuition fee and up to 2 additional scholarships covering 25% may be awarded following evaluation by the Scientific Direction.

• Visa support: students with an international degree admitted to the Master's degree who need to obtain a study visa, will receive a letter of admission to the Master's degree which will be necessary for the visa procedure.
• Declaration of Value/Diploma Supplement: degrees obtained abroad (from non-Italian universities) must be accompanied by a Declaration of Value, or a Diploma Supplement (for qualifications issued by universities in countries that have signed the Lisbon Convention). The offices will give precise indication of the documents to be submitted.

For further information onthe documents required at the time of admission and enrolment in the first level university Masters for students with an international qualification, please contact the International Recruiting Office of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, at the email international.inquiry@unicatt.it

For any other information regarding University Master's Degrees for students with an international degree, please refer to the dedicated page on the Cattolica International portal.