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Master’s Degree in European and International Studies
Laurea Magistrale in Studi Europei e Internazionali
School of International Studies, University of Trento
Student Handbook
Academic year 2017/2018
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Dear MEIS student,
On behalf of the Staff and Faculty members of the School of International Studies (SIS), I would like to
welcome you to Trento!
We are delighted by your interest in the MEIS programme and we hope that your participation will be
fruitful and satisfying. Everyone at the SIS, both the administrative Staff and the Faculty members, are
committed to making your experience an important step in your career and a pleasant (an aMEISing, as the
alumni would say) period of your life. In the following two years, you will have the opportunity to cultivate
your interests, improve your knowledge, develop new abilities, enhance your skills, and you will establish
new relationships with colleagues and supervisors that will last for your entire life.
The Master’s Degree in European and Internal Studies is a demanding programme, as it requires hard work
and a great deal of organizational skills. The organizational structure of the course and the rules you are
expected to abide by, however, are by no means punitive; rather, they are meant to prepare you for the
tough competition and the pressure you shall face after graduation. While there is no intrinsic value in
working under stress and subject to continuous evaluation, learning how to work autonomously and to
adapt easily to circumstances will be an important asset in your future activities.
In the following months, you will have several choices to make, such as courses, projects, topics,
assignments, exchange programmes, internships, and the like. There is no single strategy which is right for
everyone. Staying in Trento, participating in an exchange programme or doing an internship while writing
up your final dissertation, are some of the various decisions you will make. These alternatives may all seem
attractive right now, but you will have to discern those that are best for your learning and working
prospects. For sure, during your study period at MEIS, you will always find guidance on our part.
At the School, we not only care about the academic aspects of your careers through innovative teaching
theories and methods, intent on feeding your passion for the fascinating world of international affairs, but
we are also committed to providing support and guidance throughout this important period of your life.
This Student Handbook shares this very same objective by illustrating the rules, regulations and practices
that govern student life at the School. It aims at clarifying a number of issues, identifying which body or
person is responsible for the various activities, processes and procedures, and presenting the best practices
students are expected to adopt during their degree. This guide will make your life easier, relationships with
Staff smoother and thus contribute to enhancing your whole learning experience as a member of the
School of International Studies at Trento.
Individual commitment and personal skills are undoubtedly essential factors in achieving great results, but
they cannot substitute team work and cooperation. Respect for the rules and attention to others, in turn,
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are the key ingredients of any pleasant, stimulating and successful community of cooperating actors. We
like to think that the School is one such community and you have just become an important part of it.
Hence, participation in its various activities (e.g., classes, seminars, conferences) and respect for the Staff
and Faculty members, as well as for your colleagues, are not only urged but expected. Mutual trust is a
peculiar resource, and it is cultivated only thanks to the commitment of all parties involved in a
relationship. Hence, we are committed to reciprocating the respectful attitude we advocate and expect.
We shall offer constant opportunities to make your voice heard and to keep you involved in the
management of any problems that, inevitably, will raise.
While discretion is at times necessary to address individual contingent problems, decisions at the SIS are
mainly based on established rules and procedures. This approach guarantees an equal treatment of
students both within cohorts and across them; moreover, it reduces uncertainty and expedites decisions
involving various bodies and people. I would like you to consider this Student Handbook as one simple
example of our dedication to clear, efficient and open communication with students and transparent
procedures and rules.
The School of International Studies is a relatively young institute but it has quickly gained a reputation of
excellence thanks to the constructive spirit of its Staff, Faculty members and not least, to its vibrant student
body. Your contribution and commitment will ensure the continuation of this success story.
Good luck!
Matteo Borzaga, MEIS Coordinator
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Content of the Student Handbook
General Information .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Degree Programme ......................................................................................................................... 6
Second Language Workshop ............................................................................................................ 9
Who’s who at MEIS ........................................................................................................................ 13
Best practices .................................................................................................................................................. 14
Houston, we have a problem. ........................................................................................................ 15
Negotiations, shopping and arbitrage ............................................................................................ 16
Integrated Programmes .................................................................................................................................. 17
Double Degree Programme SIS-Metropolitan University Prague (Czech Republic) ...................... 18
Master Module in European Policy Studies (MMEPS) ................................................................... 19
Exchange Programmes .................................................................................................................................... 20
Erasmus + (Study) ........................................................................................................................... 21
Bilateral Agreements ...................................................................................................................... 22
Internships: Erasmus + for Traineeship and other programmes ................................................... 23
Financial Support for Student Mobility .......................................................................................... 25
Final dissertation, punti tesi, seminars and research ...................................................................................... 26
Final dissertation ............................................................................................................................ 27
Punti tesi (thesis points, i.e. extra points) ...................................................................................... 28
Guest lectures, Seminars, Conferences.......................................................................................... 29
Collective research projects at the School of International Studies .............................................. 30
Glossary .......................................................................................................................................... 31
Please note that there are some context specific terms, used in this Student Handbook, which may not be
completely transparent to students unfamiliar with the Italian context. These terms have been given in the
original Italian and written in italics with the English in brackets. A Glossary of all these Italian terms is
provided at the end of this Handbook.
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General Information
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Degree Programme
MASTER'S DEGREE IN EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES - LAUREA MAGISTRALE IN STUDI EUROPEI E INTERNAZIONALI (CDS 0803H) ACADEMIC YEAR 2017/2018 Coordinator of the Master’s Degree: Matteo Borzaga
Individual course syllabi available on Esse3 Code Course CFU SSD Professor(s) hours year semester
155300 Contemporary History 8 M-STO/04
Gustavo Corni (24)/Sara Lorenzini (24)
48 1st 2nd Compulsory
155201 Principles of International Economics
8 SECS-P/02
Stefano Schiavo 48 1st 2nd Compulsory
155302 Elements of International and European Union Law
8 IUS/13 Antonino Alì (24)/Marco Pertile (24)
48 1st 1st Compulsory
155402 Quantitative Methods in Social Sciences (Basic)
6 SPS/07 Stefano Benati 36 1st 2nd Compulsory
155403 Quantitative Methods in Social Sciences (Advanced)
6 SPS/07 Stefano Schiavo
36 1st 2nd Compulsory
155204 European and International Politics
8 SPS/04 Paolo Foradori
(24)/Louise
Parks (24)
48 1st 1st Compulsory
155305 English Language 10 L-LIN/12
Catherine Riley (40)/Richard Straub (14)/Lesley Orme (6)
60 1st 1st and 2nd
Compulsory
155306 French Language Workshop 6 --- CLA / 1st CLA Compulsory
155307 Spanish Language Workshop 6 --- CLA / 1st CLA
155308 German Language Workshop 6 --- CLA / 1st CLA
155309 Political Philosophy 6 SPS/01 Paolo Carta 36 2nd 2nd Compulsory
155316 Global Economic Policy 6 SECS-P/02
Luigi Bonatti 36 2nd 2nd One is compulsory, the other available as an elective
155211 The Economics of European Integration
6 SECS-P/02
Andrea Fracasso 36 2nd 1st
155210 The Legal Framework of EU Policies
6 IUS/13 Luisa Antoniolli 36 2nd 1st One is compulsory, the other available as an elective
155328 Human Rights and Natural Resources under International Law
6 IUS/13 Marco Pertile 36 2nd 2nd
155335 Strategic studies 6 SPS/04 Paolo Rosa 36 2nd 1st One is compulsory, the other available as an elective
155326 Advanced European Studies 6 SPS/04 Louise Parks 36 2nd 2nd
155400 The United States in the World, 1898-2012
6 SPS/05 tbd 36 1st or 2nd
2nd Elective
155401 Economic Development in a Global World
6 SECS-P/02
Mauro Caselli 36 1st or 2nd
1st Elective
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155336 Labour Rights in the Global Economy
6 IUS/07 Matteo Borzaga 36 1st or second
2nd Elective
155338 Peace and Conflict Studies: Theory and Methods
6 SPS/04 Paolo Rosa 36 1st or 2nd
2nd Elective
155320 Minority Rights (36 hours shared with the Fac. of Law - code 25138 Comparative Constitutional Law of Groups and Minorities)
6 IUS/21 Jens Woelk 36 1st or 2nd
1st Elective
Joint courses
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160011 The Use of Force in International Politics (shared with the Master’s Degree In International Security Studies)
6 SPS/04 Paolo Foradori 36 1st or 2nd
1st Elective
160021 International Cooperation, Development and Security (shared with the Master’s Degree In International Security Studies)
6 M-STO/04
Carlo Ruzza (12)/Sara Lorenzini (24)
36 1st or 2nd
1st Elective
160022 Global Migration and Security (shared with the Master’s Degree In International Security Studies)
6 IUS/07 Matteo Borzaga (18)/Luigi Bonatti (18)
36 1st or 2nd
1st Elective
160012 Natural Resources and Energy Security (shared with the Master’s Degree In International Security Studies)
6 SECS-P/02
Stefano Schiavo (18)/Marco Pertile (18)
36 1st or 2nd
1st Elective
160023 Global Markets and Security Issues (shared with the Master’s Degree In International Security Studies)
6 SECS-P/02
Mauro Caselli (18)/Luisa Antoniolli (18)
36 1st or 2nd
1st Elective
155214 International History (30 hours shared with the Dep. of Art and Humanities-code 130152 Storia Contemporanea II)
6 M-STO/04
Sara Lorenzini 36 1st or 2nd
1st Elective
In addition to the compulsory courses and the second foreign language (more on this in the next section),
all MEIS students must choose elective courses for a total of 18 credits, either from among those offered by
the School or from other Master’s programmes in English in Trento.
Elective courses must be at the Master’s level and in line with the individual study-programme of the
student in order to be approved by the MEIS Coordinator, Professor Matteo Borzaga. Only the elective
courses offered by the MEIS are automatically approved: students must provide reasons for choosing any
other elective courses.
Examples of possible study plans, focused on specific themes, are proposed below.
1 In cooperation with other Departments and Faculties.
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Focus on European studies: The Legal Framework of EU Policies, The Economics of European Integration,
Advanced European Studies (as to the compulsory courses), and three electives among, The European crisis:
interdisciplinary perspectives, Applied International Economics, English for International Communication and
other EU-related courses offered by the UNITN Departments.
Focus on Rights: Human Rights and Natural Resources under International Law, Global Economic Policy,
Strategic Studies (as to the compulsory courses), and three electives among Labour Rights in the Global
Economy, Minority Rights, Development Economics, Transitional Justice, English for International
Communication and other rights-related courses offered by the UNITN Departments.
Focus on International Politics: Human Rights and Natural Resources under International Law, Global
Economic Policy, Strategic Studies (as to the compulsory courses), and three electives among The evolution of
the international system, Introduction to Non-proliferation and Disarmament , Applied International Economics,
Development Economics, English for International Communication and other relevant courses offered by the
UNITN Departments.
The examples of study plan above are not exclusive. Other combinations, with a different focus, can be
submitted to the MEIS Coordinator for approval.
During the first year, students can choose some second year courses: they must choose one elective course
and might even choose another second-year exam. Please note, however, that first year students must give
priority to first-year courses and cannot include in the first year of their study plans more than one of the
following courses: The Economics of European integration, Global Economic Policy, The Legal framework of
EU Policies, Human Rights and Natural Resources under International Law, Strategic Studies, Advanced
European Studies.
Students involved in international exchange programmes must also satisfy these requirements: this is why
the study plan and the learning agreement must be simultaneously pre-approved, respectively, by the MEIS
Coordinator and the destination Coordinator before departure (and, if necessary, amended at the end of
the exchange). For more details on this see the dedicated sections of the Handbook.
Generally, there are three exam sessions each year (winter, summer and fall session). First year courses:
students can sit the exam in the winter session for the first semester courses and in the summer session for
the second semester courses; the last session in September (fall) is to re-sit any exam related to the courses
taught during both semesters. Second year courses: students can sit the exam at any session (winter,
summer or fall), but only twice for each course.
Further information is available on the SIS website.
Please contact the MEIS Secretariat for any remaining questions.
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Second Language Workshop
MEIS students are required to achieve a good working knowledge (B2) of a second foreign language (other
than English) from those taught at the University. This is not an easy achievement if you only have a basic
knowledge of the language at the start of the Master’s, you are warmly advised to start studying
immediately!
To reach the required level of B2 in German, French and Spanish (for Russian, Chinese, Arabic or
Portuguese see below), students attend classes at the University Language Centre (CLA) which is on the first
floor of Palazzo Cavazzani, via Verdi 10. With the exception of complete beginners, to attend courses at the
CLA students first take the online placement test (http://www.cla.unitn.it/en/node/540/mid/3050) and
then enrol for the appropriate course online. Students with internationally recognised language certificates
(levels A1, A2 and B1) do not have to take the placement test but will be admitted to the course
immediately following the level of the certificate. Enrolment for autumn semester courses starts on 18
September, so please act promptly if you wish enrol (http://www.cla.unitn.it/en/673/course-regulations)2.
MEIS students can attend one course of each level (from A1 up to and including B2b) free of charge. Please
note that attendance on CLA courses is compulsory. If students drop out of a course or fail to attend 75% of
the lessons they will have to pay (€50) to re-enrol on a course of the same level.
To obtain the credits for the Language Workshop students must pass the B2 “Faculty Language
Examination/ Prova di conoscenza” at the CLA3. This consists of 3 online components (listening, reading,
writing) and an oral exam. There is an online exam session every week and an oral exam session once a
month. Enrolment for the exam is exclusively online. The syllabi and course descriptions along with
calendars and detailed information regarding the final exam can be viewed on the CLA website:
http://web.unitn.it/en/cla.
The CLA also offers courses in Chinese, Russian and Arabic. Up to B1 for Chinese and Russian and A1 for
Arabic. The CLA currently offers no Portuguese courses. However, provision can be made for students to
take a B2 exam in these languages to gain the second Language Workshop credits if students have already
reached this level or do so before graduation.
Students who have a valid international certificate at B2 level recognised by the University or who have
completed a bachelor's degree taught entirely in the second language do not need to take the B2 language
exam but can present the original certificate to the MEIS Secretariat for the credits to be awarded.4
NB: Students should ensure they have the correct language exam in their study plans, otherwise they will
not be able to enrol for either the courses or the exam.
2 Unfortunately, as we go to print, the CLA website is currently under revision and not all the English versions of the pages are
active. If you are having problems understanding what you have to do to enrol for course, please contact Kate Riley, who is head of
foreign languages at the School.
3 For further details regarding the Second Language Workshop exam see the CLA pages http://www.cla.unitn.it/571/esami (Italian
only for the moment).
4 Consult the CLA table of certificates recognised by UNITN at: http://www.unitn.it/en/cla/578/internationally-recognised-
language-certificates Please note that certificates which were awarded more than two years before they are presented for recognition will not be taken into consideration.
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International students, including those from other EU countries, have to take an A2 Italian exam in order to
graduate. To this end, they can attend Italian courses at the CLA up to and including the A2b course at no
charge. Sessions for the Italian exam take place 4 times a year (October, December, April and July). The
format of the exam is similar to the B2 exam with 3 online components (listening, reading and writing) and
an oral exam. Students with an A2 (or higher) Italian language certificate recognised by the University (see
the CLA website) or who have a high school diploma or who graduated in Italian are exempt from this
requirement. Please note that Italian B2 qualifications cannot be recognised as the Second Language
Workshop.
For any doubts or questions regarding the Second Language or the Italian language requirement contact
Kate Riley ([email protected])
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Academic Calendar 2017/2018
FIRST YEAR Lectures 1st Semester 18.09.2017 - 22.12.2017 (14 weeks) Holidays 01.11.2017, 08.12.2017 Christmas Holidays 23.12.2017 - 07.01.2018 Lectures 2nd Semester 19.02.2018 - 25.05.2018 (14 weeks) Holidays 15 March 2018 (Graduation session) Easter Holidays 30.03.2018 - 03.04.2018 Holidays 25.04.2018 (Liberation day) Holidays 30.04.2018 and 01.05.2017 (May day) Holidays 02.06.2015 (National Day) Exam sessions End of 1st semester – session 08.01.2018 - 16.02.2018 End of 2nd semester – session 04.06.2018 – 13.07.2018 Re-sits (for all courses) 03.09.2018 - 21.09.2018 SECOND YEAR Lectures 1st Semester 25.09.2017 - 22.12.2017 (13 weeks) Holidays 01.11.2017, 08.12.2017 Christmas Holidays 23.12.2017 - 07.01.2018 Lectures 2nd Semester 19.02.2018 - 25.05.2018 (14 weeks) Holidays 15 March 2018 (Graduation session) Easter Holidays 30.03.2018 - 03.04.2018 Holidays 25.04.2018 (Liberation day) Holidays 30.04.2018 and 01.05.2017 (May day) Holidays 02.06.2015 (National Day) Exam sessions
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End of 1st semester – session 08.01.2018 - 16.02.2018 End of 2nd semester – session 04.06.2018 – 13.07.2018 Re-sits (for all courses) 03.09.2018 - 21.09.2018
Graduation sessions 12 October 2017 30 November 2017 16 March 2018 7 June 2018 11 October 2018 29 November 2018 14 March 2019
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Who’s who at MEIS
Andrea Fracasso ([email protected]) - Director of the School of International Studies
Matteo Borzaga ([email protected]) - Coordinator of the MEIS
Paolo Foradori ([email protected]) - Delegate for Internships and Erasmus + Placement
Mauro Caselli ([email protected]) - Delegate for the Erasmus + Study Program and for Double
Degree Program SIS-MUP
Kate Riley ([email protected]) - Delegate for Foreign Languages
Matteo Borzaga ([email protected]) - Delegate for Guidance and the Alumni network
Paolo Rosa ([email protected]) - Delegate for the Quality Assurance
Rosalia Amico ([email protected]) - MEIS Secretary
Silvia Tomaselli ([email protected]) - Head of the School Secretariat
Giulia Sciorati ([email protected], [email protected]) - MEIS Tutor (SIS PhD student)
Martina Seppi ([email protected]) and Simone Garipoli
([email protected]) - Student Representatives ([email protected])
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Best practices
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Houston, we have a problem.
Common and individual problems will likely arise in the course of the next two years. While we cannot
assure to solve them all, we shall endeavour to do so. In what follows, we suggest the correct way for
students to report a problem and, should this be the case, to raise constructive criticism.
In general, students should first address the secretary, the student representatives and the tutor. These
people will help to figure out a solution, to indicate the relevant Staff members of the School and/or
University, and to report the issue to the correct body (if necessary). They are in the best position since
they can compare any reported problem with their previous experience. Should this not solve the issue,
either the students or any member of Staff mentioned above can bring the case to the attention of the
MEIS Coordinator and of the SIS Director. Referring directly to the Coordinator or the Director, unless
absolutely imperative, is neither ideal nor efficient, as they must in any case consult with the members of
Staff so as to understand the situation and figure out how to address a problem. Please, keep in mind that
the SIS has direct control over a limited number of processes, whereas most matters are under the
exclusive (or shared) competence of higher-level Offices, Committees and Boards in the University. Please,
do not rely on past students’ experiences and suggestions.
Should problems emerge with individual professors and courses (clearly, this is a purely hypothetical
situation!), students are encouraged to make their case with the professor either directly or through the
student representatives. As before, resorting to the MEIS Coordinator and the Director of the School should
be considered an extrema ratio.
The Student Voice
The MEIS student body has its voice in the three elected representatives. These representatives are the
channel through which collective feedback, comments and suggestions are communicated to the
appropriate School and Degree course Bodies. The governance responsible for monitoring the degree
course, enhancing its strengths and addressing its weaknesses are:
the Consiglio della Scuola di Studi Internazionali (the School of International Studies Council), which
includes student representatives from both the Master’s and PhD programmes;
the Commissione Paritetica (Degree Study Board), which consists of 3 Faculty members and 3
students;
the Commissione per il Riesame (Quality Assurance Committee), which includes at least one
student representative.
These bodies meet regularly and student participation is by no means ancillary. As former representatives
can confirm, in the past the MEIS has addressed most of their concerns and endorsed various suggestions
(for instance regarding the meetings with professionals, the exam schedule, and many others).
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Negotiations, shopping and arbitrage
In international economics, negotiations, cross-border shopping and arbitrage are important phenomena
which help the global system to work. In academia, this is not the case.
While the SIS strongly encourages student discussions with administrative Staff and Faculty members in
order to make proposals, ask for clarifications and (politely) identify issues in need of address, we strongly
discourage two kinds of inappropriate behaviour:
1. Regulatory shopping and arbitrage: most regulations derive from national and institutional norms
and others have been carefully drafted by the SIS and MEIS governing bodies. Students should not
spend energies trying to shop across regulations: these might be plethoric, but they are consistent.
Similarly, rules that apply in other Universities and Departments may be inspirational for future
reforms, but have no direct application at the MEIS.
2. Negotiations: the Staff and Faculty members do not bargain over rules, marks, decisions, etc.
Individual problems, if properly and timely reported to the attention of the appropriate person, are
taken into account, last minute or late complaints and proposals for negotiations will not be
considered.
There are circumstances in which students might be tempted to twist opportunities toward unintended
purposes and ends. For instance, with a view to pushing up their average course mark, after receiving their
marks, students may ask to modify their choice of electives and/or corsi extranumerari. This cannot be
accepted as the study plan is meant to “plan” a future academic career, as the name suggests, not to tweak
the outcome.
This may be a trivial example. However, it illustrates how at the SIS we strive to ensure respect for the spirit
of the rules, and not just merely observe formal requirements. Respecting the spirit of the rules helps to
preserve their consistent application over time, to ensure horizontal and vertical fairness, and to enhance
coherence in addressing different issues. This approach clearly holds not only for MEIS students, but also
for the Staff and the Faculty members of the School.
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Integrated Programmes
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Double Degree Programme SIS-Metropolitan University Prague (Czech
Republic)
A double degree programme (DDP) is an integrated study programme established by two or more universities.
The DDP SIS - Metropolitan University Prague allows MEIS students to attend the first year of their career at the University of Trento and the second year at the Metropolitan University Prague (Czech Republic), thus obtaining both the Italian and the Czech qualifications at the same time.
The Prague Metropolitan University (Metropolitnì Univerzita Praha, MUP), a private university recognised by the Czech government, was founded over ten years ago. The MUP now has about 6,000 students and runs ten undergraduate degree programmes, nine Master’s and three Doctoral programmes.
The DDP agreement is run in cooperation with the Department of International Relations and European Studies at MUP (IRES), which offers undergraduate, Master's and PhD courses in these fields. Both courses and research programmes are carried out entirely in English.
An annual call for applications launches the selection process through which up to two first-year MEIS students can be admitted to take part in the DDP. Minimum requirements regard the number of credits needed when applying to the selection and before starting the exchange, as well as other selection criteria set by the selection Commission (e.g., curriculum studiorum, motivation letter, knowledge of languages).
A scholarship of about 3,500 euros is awarded to the students selected.
Further information is available on the SIS website.
Steering Committee of the DDP
Professor Mauro Caselli, School of International Studies, UNITN (SIS Delegate)
Professor Andrea Fracasso, School of International Studies, UNITN
Professor Mitchell Belfer – Department of International Relations and European Studies, Metropolitan University Prague
Professor Šárka Moravcová – Department of International Relations and European Studies, Metropolitan University Prague
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Master Module in European Policy Studies (MMEPS)
(Part of the Integrated Programme in European Policy Studies)
Up to three students will be given the opportunity to participate in a 8 weeks module (June-July 2018) focusing on European Policy Studies organized by the Center for European Policy Studies (CEPS) in Brussels. Students will attend classes and seminar, work in groups, meet with policymakers and professionals working in organizations (such as think tanks, advocacy groups, journals) operating with/for the EU institutions. The module will focus on five thematic pillars (to be confirmed):
i. Macro-Economic Governance; ii. Law and Economics of financial market; iii. The EU Energy Market; iv. The EU Single Market (four freedoms); and, v. EU decision making-across EU policies.
A detailed description of the topics will be distributed in due course. The module will involve up to 25 students enrolled in Master’s programmes offered by a few partner Universities around Europe, such as Erasmus University, HTW Berlin, LUISS. Students will receive 12 ECTS if they attend the module, participate in the activities in Brussels and succeed in the final evaluation. Hence, the integrated module is equivalent to two elective courses of the MEIS. The final mark also contributes to the average grade point for the graduation. Students will be selected in the early spring 2018 on the basis of two criteria:
1. Minimum requirements: a. Min 70 ECTS b. Min average grade (to be decided) c. Have successfully passed the following five courses: Principle of international economics;
Elements of International and European Union Law; English Language; Economics of European Integration; The Legal Framework of EU Policies
2. Merit so as to rank those satisfying the minimum requirements above. To support the participation in the module, the School of International Studies covers the participation fees. The University of Trento will also provide some financing (as for other mobility schemes under the Erasmus + programme) to support the costs of mobility to all the students successfully accomplishing the programme. The call for applications will be released at the end of the Winter exam session, so that second year students are given an additional opportunity to attend and pass “Economics of European Integration” and “The Legal Framework of EU Policies”. Although the module will take place during the exam session in June-July, this should not represent a problem. As the module will grant 12 credits (i.e., two courses), students attending MEIS courses during the second semester can participate in the module and then sit the exams in September.
Referent for the module – Prof. Andrea Fracasso
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Exchange Programmes
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Erasmus + (Study)
MEIS students may spend a period of study abroad through the Erasmus + programme. The SIS encourages students to undertake the Erasmus + programme in order to acquire specific skills and knowledge and to collect research material for the final dissertation.
The Erasmus + programme provides scholarships to study (take courses, sit exams) at one of the participating universities abroad. Students can attend courses and use the facilities of their host university without paying further enrolment fees. Credits awarded during their period of study abroad will be recognised, using either the ECTS or another compatible credit system.
Particular care must be given to the Learning Agreement, which needs the approval of both the sending
and receiving institutions. When choosing the courses to follow abroad, MEIS students should keep in mind
that there are three different options for recognition purposes:
1. As elective courses (these must also be approved by the MEIS Coordinator as part of the student’s MEIS
study plan).
2. As equivalent to MEIS compulsory courses (each course must be approved, prior to departure, by the
corresponding MEIS Professor).
3. As Extranumerari (these must also be approved by the MEIS Coordinator as part of the MEIS study plan).
Although the destination partners are specific to the SIS, the Erasmus + programme is run by the Offices of
the University. Students are advised to carefully read through the University directives concerning the
Erasmus + regulations.
It is important that students inform the SIS Staff and Delegate about their intentions to take part in the
programme.
Further information is available on the SIS and UNITN websites.
Professor Mauro Caselli is the SIS Delegate for the Erasmus + (Study) Programme.
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Bilateral Agreements
Other than with the Erasmus + programme, students can also spend a period of study abroad with UNITN international exchange programmes or one of the School’s exchange programmes.
Agreements allowing student mobility entail an annual selection call for a mobility scholarship. The procedures are entirely managed by the International Mobility central offices of the University of Trento and are open to all the Departments that participate in the agreements. Accordingly, MEIS students compete with the students enrolled at other courses and Departments to be awarded such scholarships.
Every year, UNITN publishes the list of available destinations and the call for applications.
Particular care must be given to the Learning Agreement which needs the approval of both the sending and
receiving institutions. When choosing the courses to follow abroad, MEIS students should keep in mind also
that the elective courses must be approved by the MEIS Coordinator as part of the student’s MEIS study
plan.
Further information is available on the SIS and UNITN websites.
Professor Mauro Caselli is the SIS Delegate for the International Relations.
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Internships: Erasmus + for Traineeship and other programmes
While the MEIS programme does not foresee a compulsory internship, students are by no means discouraged from doing internships in an institution or organization which are of relevance to the MEIS programme. Gaining some working experience through an internship in international organizations and private companies, either in Italy or abroad, provides added value from a professional point of view and enriches the curriculum vitae of a student who, after graduation, aims at entering the international labour market.
Only one internship will be authorised. The standard internship lasts three months and, preferably, shall take place during the second year of the program.
The internship must receive the prior authorization from the Delegate for Internships (Prof. Paolo Foradori) after completing the Internship – Request for Approval form, which is available on the MEIS website. The form must be filled in and sent via email to the MEIS secretary at [email protected]
The university has precise documentation procedures for starting an internship, access to funding, completing an internship and obtaining credits / thesis points. Students should carefully respect these procedures and start the process with enough time in hand. All the necessary information is available on the UniTrento Job Guidance Office web page or can be requested via email by writing to [email protected]
Upon return from the internship and the submission of the necessary forms, the SIS Delegate can grant the students 6 ‘extra’ credits (i.e. beyond the 120 needed for graduation, and hence not in substitution for elective courses) and 1 ‘thesis point’.
The University of Trento offers several working and internship opportunities abroad such as those in the framework of European programmes providing a mobility grant (including Erasmus+ for Traineeship) and those in a few other programmes, which include the provision of financing, however minimal, and for the acquisition of credits/thesis points.
Erasmus + grants are awarded on the basis of two students’ selection calls, one in spring for mobility starting in fall, and one in fall for mobility starting in January the following academic year. Applicants must upload an acceptance letter by a company, available to host them as interns, which can be found either autonomously, or by contacting one of the UniTrento partner companies offering a position in line with the student’s interests, skills and academic profile.
Grants for internships are awarded on a competitive basis and, generally, involve a limited number of students in each Department and Center of the University. Applicants are recommended to follow the guidelines which are laid down in the annual calls for participation published on the website of the International Mobility Office.
A student who does not qualify for these grants can still look autonomously for opportunities at the institutions and companies he/she may wish to work for and apply for a mobility grant awarded by the Job Guidance Office of Trento University. Information for application and funding can be found on the Job Guidance Office’s web page.
The MEIS will not recognise any activities that are not in accordance with UnitTrento’s rules and regulations and that do not receive the preliminary approval of the MEIS Delegate.
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For more information about internships, please refer also to the document ‘Guidelines for Internship,
Summer Schools and similar activities’ available on the MEIS webpage or contact the MEIS Secretariat.
Professor Paolo Foradori is the SIS Delegate for Internships and Erasmus Placement.
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Financial Support for Student Mobility
The School of International Studies offers small grants (up to 300 euro) to finance a limited (annually
determined) number of short trips of second-year MEIS students.
Activities that qualify for financing:
a) short trips to archives, international events, research centres, universities, industrial plants,
governmental and non-governmental organisations, insofar as they concern either research activities for
the final dissertation or participation in seminars and courses of specialization
b) collective trips organised by the SIS;
The activities not covered by the grants are: internships; activities organised by the University of Trento
(unless for collective trips); activities taking place in the Trentino- Alto Adige/South Tyrol Region.
All applications for financing must be made well in advance of departure to be eligible. Further eligibility
criteria are determined annually in the call(s) for applications.
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Final dissertation, punti tesi, seminars and research
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Final dissertation
In order to graduate, MEIS students must write a final dissertation under the supervision of a professor at the University of Trento. External advisors who are not members of the University of Trento can provide support and guidance, but cannot substitute the supervision of a UNITN professor. Students are suggested to choose the topic of their final dissertation and find the right supervisor by the end of the first semester of the second year at the latest. This should allow them time to plan ahead and to take advantage of international exchange programmes and internships that may enhance the quality of the dissertation. A respectful working relationship with the supervisor requires regular contact. The work must be handed well in advance so that the supervisor has the time to give it due attention and to schedule meetings with the student.
Once the dissertation is written and has received the approval of the supervisor, the student is admitted to the final exam. This entails the public presentation and defence of the final dissertation during one of the graduation sessions5. The Commission evaluating the dissertation consists of at least five members: one is the relatore (supervisor), or a substitute if necessary, and another is the controrelatore (the main discussant). All members of the Commission can question the candidate and ask for further elucidations and all members participate in deciding the final mark.
Following the provisions contained in the Regolamento di laurea (Graduation regulations), the Commission evaluates both the dissertation and the defence, and awards up to 8 points. These points contribute to the final graduation mark. The conferring of lode (honors) must be a unanimous decision by the Commission.
The final graduation mark depends on three components: the points assigned to the final dissertation and defence, the average course mark (min 66 max 110), and up to two punti tesi (extra points) assigned by the MEIS Coordinator for a limited number of additional activities undertaken by the students.
Students are recommended to carefully read through the rules and regulations regarding the graduation procedure and take note of the relative deadlines (i.e. depositing the title – more the 4 months before the graduation session, formally applying to graduate – 4 weeks before the graduation session, submission of the dissertation to the Commission – 2 weeks before the graduation session).
Special provisions hold for students enrolled on the DDP-MUP.
Please, consult the website and contact the MEIS Secretary for further information.
5 There are four graduation sessions each year in June, October, December and March. The graduation session in March is the last
session of any given academic year. A student enrolled in 2017/2018 has until the official end of his/her second year, i.e. March 2020, to apply for graduation and defend the final dissertation to graduate “on time”.
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Punti tesi (thesis points, i.e. extra points)
Up to two thesis points (extra points) can be recognised for activities that are in accordance with certain relevant directives. These points are added to the average course mark and to the points awarded for the final dissertation.
Thesis points can be awarded for two kinds of activities:
1. Internships and summer schools. Students find such activities and events themselves. They must seek the preliminary approval of Professor Paolo Foradori, the SIS Delegate, and comply with specific procedures as detailed in other sections of this Handbook and in the document ‘Guidelines for Internship, Summer Schools and similar activities’ available on the MEIS webpage. Internships are awarded with 1 ‘thesis point’. Additional educational activities such as Summer/Winter Schools, intensive courses or similar activities – which need to be intensive and last at least 4 days – will be awarded with 0.5 thesis point for each activity, up to a maximum of 1 thesis point. Any activities that are not in accordance with UniTrento rules and regulations and that have not received preliminary approval by MEIS Delegate will not be recognised.
2. Other specific activities which the SIS promotes.
Students are informed by the MEIS Coordinator or the administrative Staff about other activities, whether organised or sponsored by the SIS, for which punti tesi are awarded. The number of points and the conditions will be clearly indicated. Given that punti tesi are primarily awarded for time-consuming activities, such as internships, only a restricted number of additional initiatives qualify.
In general, no thesis points are awarded for crediti extranumerari, that is for any extra credits accumulated in addition to the 120 necessary to graduate.
Please, keep in mind that punti tesi are ultimately awarded at the discretion of the MEIS Coordinator: students who are guilty of misconduct during their MEIS career (e.g., plagiarism, lack of respect for the Staff and the Faculty members, serious problems with the local tutor during internships, etc) shall not receive any punti tesi.
Please, consult the website and contact the MEIS Secretary for further information.
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Guest lectures, Seminars, Conferences
Alongside the taught courses the School of International Studies runs a rich series of guest lectures and
seminars held by visiting professors of international standing and by professional practitioners working in
distinguished international organizations.
During each semester, the School holds at least nine guest lectures and seminars. In at least two of these
meetings, professional practitioners present their activities, introduce the institutions/organizations in
which they work and give suggestions regarding recruiting and internship opportunities. In the last couple
of years, the School has hosted experts from the EEAS, IAEA, NATO, OECD, OSCE, UNDESA, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNICEF, UNRIC, and WFP.
Participation of MEIS students in the majority of the guest lectures and of the seminars with professional
practitioners is mandatory (at least 3 per semester).
MEIS students are encouraged to participate also in the many other events organised at the School,
including conferences, debates, one-day seminars, careers talks and fairs.
UniTrento will hold a ‘Career Day’ on 14 March 2018. The School of International Studies will contribute to
this event with the organisation of some activities related to international careers.
Unless otherwise specified, neither credits nor punti tesi are assigned for attendance to seminars and
events.
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Collective research projects at the School of International Studies
The School has undertaken and funded three interdisciplinary research projects which fall within the more
general topic of interest “Institutional change, economic growth and social development”.
1) The reform of the Chinese growth model: economic, political and institutional issues.
Team leaders: Luigi Bonatti, Andrea Fracasso, Paolo Rosa, Peng Bin
2) A Legal Analysis of the Financial and Economic Crisis Management in the European Union:
Intergovernamentalism and its Implications
Team leaders: Antonino Alì, Giorgio Guido Fodor, Marco Pertile, Chiara Sisler
3) Crisis in the European Union: between Transnational Integration and National Disintegration
Team leaders: Luisa Antoniolli, Matteo Borzaga, Gustavo Corni, Giorgio Guido Fodor, Sara Lorenzini, Carlo
Ruzza, Jens Woelk, Umberto Tulli
There are also two externally funded research projects at the moment.
1) The global virtual-water network: social, economic and environmental implications (funded by MIUR, call
FIRB 2012 – Future in Research)
Team leader: Stefano Schiavo
Research team: Andrea Fracasso, Marco Pertile, Martina Sartori, Stefano Schiavo, Paolo Turrini
2) The INTL-UNI Project : The Challenges of the Multilingual and Multicultural Learning Space in the
International University (funded by the EU Commission)
Team leader: Catherine Riley
All Faculty members and PhD students carry out individual research activities that we cannot report here:
you can learn about their interests by browsing their personal webpages and speaking directly with them.
Please, keep in mind that the active participation in seminars, conferences and other events is a very
effective way to learn about the on-going research activities at the SIS and also to find inspiration for your
own research/dissertation projects.
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Glossary
To facilitate exchanges with the administrative Staff and to ease your way through your academic career, it may be helpful to understand some important terms. As most procedures are set up by national and local regulations, the Italian terms are used where necessary alongside a functional translation in English.
Commissione di Riesame (Quality Assurance Committee), chaired by the Degree Coordinator, two further Faculty members and at least one student representative, with administrative support from the Degree secretary. This Committee is responsible for the annual Quality Assurance Report (Rapporto di Riesame) which is submitted to the Ministry each year and outlines the strategies and initiatives the Degree Programme intends to undertake in the following academic year.
Commissione Paritetica della Didattica (MEIS Study Board), presided over by the School Director consisting of 3 Faculty Members (including the President) and 3 students. The Commissione discusses any issues arising during the academic year and possible strategies and solutions to address these issues and further enhance the quality of the programme. The Commissione drafts an annual report (relazione annuale) which is an official Quality Assurance Document.
Consiglio della Scuola di Studi Internazionali (the School of International Studies Council), presided over by the School Director, consists of the Faculty Members, post-doc researchers, student representatives from the Phd and Master’s programmes. The Consiglio is the main decision-making body of the School.
Crediti extranumerari: Extra credits - should students wish to take more classes and courses than those necessary to graduate, these can be included in the study plan. These do not provide any further punti tesi, nor do they increase the final grade point average. However, they are included in the transcript of records and become an integral part of the student’s academic CV.
Learning agreement: This is an official document of an international exchange programme, whose purpose is to record course/module choices at destination. The learning agreement must be approved by the sending and the receiving institutions prior to departure.
Manifesto annuale del Corso di Laurea Magistrale: Master’s Degree Course Programme - this is an annual document which contains a list of all the mandatory and elective courses in any given academic year, as well as any relevant restrictions, and specifies the name of the professors in charge of the various courses.
Piano di studi individuale: The study plan is a document that each and every student has to prepare before he/she can sit any exams. Students must specify which elective courses they intend to choose (and why) in order to gain the approval of the MEIS Coordinator. This applies also to the courses offered within any international exchange programmes. Accordingly, study plans and learning agreements must be coherent and consistent with the degree programme and approved jointly.
Punti tesi (thesis points): For certain additional activities, such as internships, students can receive up to two extra points that are added to the final graduation mark. Punti tesi are awarded by the MEIS Coordinator at his/her discretion, misconduct will result in the annulment of all punti tesi.
Regolamento del Corso di Laurea Magistrale: Master’s Degree Regulations - this founding document of the degree course contains the core features and structure of the MEIS programme, such as the list of compulsory exams, the credits for elective activities, the requirements to graduate, learning objectives and outcomes, etc.
Tesi: In order to graduate, students are expected to write a final dissertation under the supervision of a professor at the University of Trento. External advisors (who are not members of the University of Trento)
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can co-supervise, but not substitute the supervision of a local professor. The dissertation is publicly defended during the graduation session. The Commission awards a number of points which go towards the final graduation mark.
Voto di laurea: The final graduation mark depends on three components: the average course mark (min 66 - max 110), the points awarded for the final dissertation (up to 8) and up to two punti tesi awarded by the MEIS Coordinator for recognized additional activities.
