Master of Arts in Local Development
Padua, Italy
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
02 Feb 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
01 Oct 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 2,642 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
The Master’s degree provides a thorough understanding of the specific social, organizational, economic, territorial, and institutional forms and dynamics that characterize local development processes in different geographical contexts. It offers an in-depth knowledge of the different methodologies used for the formulation, implementation, monitoring, and
evaluation of programs for local development and promotes the implementation of the sustainability process. Its intrinsic multicultural and multilingual dimension is reinforced by international partnerships and mobility agreements.
Admissions
Curriculum
The Local Development course, comprising 120 (ECTS) credits, focuses on empowering students with the knowledge and tools to foster sustainable economic, social, and cultural growth at the community level. Through a multidisciplinary approach, this program equips students to address the unique challenges of local development, emphasizing inclusive practices, strategic planning, and collaboration to create positive and lasting impacts within diverse communities.
The course is multidisciplinary and the curricular contents cover integrated knowledge in the fields of economic, sociological, statistical, historical-geographical, socio-pedagogical, and anthropological areas.
During the second year, the on-site traineeship will enable the students to carry out research that could be the starting point for the Master’s degree final exam.
Career Opportunities
Graduates work as professionals in local development and development cooperation within different social and territorial contexts, in governmental and non-governmental organizations at the local, national, and international level, trade, and citizenship associations, enterprises.
Program Outcome
Credits: 120 ECTS
Master of Arts in Local Development
Scholarships and Funding
Merit-based scholarships
Padua International Excellence Scholarship
The University of Padua offers 53 scholarships to highly talented prospective students wishing to pursue a Bachelor's or Master's degree completely held in English in Padua.
Fee-waivers
The University of Padua additionally offers 100 full tuition fee waivers to students enrolling in one of its degree programs held completely in English.
Departmental scholarships
Some Departments offer additional scholarships to more than 30 international students
Galilean School of Higher Education Scholarships
The Scuola Galileiana di Studi Superiori (Galilean School of Higher Education) is the University of Padua’s school of excellence. It combines traditional university education with a series of special in-house courses comprising seminars and lectures by renowned international visiting professors. Up to four highly talented international students are selected each year.
Scholarships awarded by other national or international organizations
Scholarships awarded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation MAECI
Every year, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation awards scholarships for studying in Italy to both international students and Italian students who are permanent residents in countries other than Italy (IRE).
These scholarships aim to foster international cultural cooperation, spread the knowledge of the Italian language, culture, and science, as well as promote the Italian economic and technological system throughout the world.
Grants are offered to pursue study, training, and/or research programs at Italian Higher Education Institutes, both public and legally recognized.
Loans for merit
The University of Padua has signed an agreement with the bank Banca Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A, the savings bank Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, and the Association ‘Friends of the University of Padua’. The agreement is aimed at providing EU students with a flexible borrowing option at advantageous interest rates, to be granted with no need for collateral, to bear expenses for education.
The loan will be granted following checks on the eligibility criteria of the student asking for the financing and prior approval of the lender.
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.