Maria Rita Testa is a professor specializing in Demography who teaches at Luiss Guido Carli University. She has been a researcher at the Vienna Institute of Demography and a lecturer at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. She earned her PhD in Demography and Statistics from the University of Vienna. Her scientific work has been published in prestigious international journals.
Demography studies population, economy, and society by interpreting facts, figures, and trends.
Political Science is the study of political reality using a scientific method. It trains us to understand the connections between different events and to seek explanations for even the most complex political phenomena.
My approach to the Sociology of Communication is critical. As Stuart Hall once said, the University is a critical institution, or it is nothing.
The Course at a Glance
The Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of global political dynamics, combining advanced quantitative and qualitative methods to analyse and solve complex problems in the contemporary political environment. It is a programme designed to develop informed and responsible leaders capable of interpreting and influencing political processes at local, national and international levels. The programme explores topics such as political theory, comparative politics, international relations and public policy, providing an in-depth understanding of the power structures, ideologies and policies that shape global scenarios. The course also places a strong emphasis on critical analysis and strategic thinking, promoting a broad understanding of fundamental political and social issues.
Useful information:
- Programme Director: Prof. Maria Rita Testa
- Degree Programme Class: L-36
Course programme and curriculum
The programme of the Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science is spread over three years, with a curriculum that addresses specific areas, offering a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education.
Study Plan
Year I 2025-2026
| COURSE | CFU |
|---|---|
Filosofia politica | 8 |
Sociologia generale e politica | 8 |
Statistica | 8 |
Elementi di analisi matematica | 0 |
Coding Lab | 4 |
Istituzioni di diritto pubblico | 8 |
Microeconomia | 8 |
Storia delle dottrine politiche | 8 |
Storia Contemporanea | 8 |
Year II 2026-2027
| COURSE | CFU |
|---|---|
Laboratorio di analisi dei dati per le scienze politiche, economiche, sociali | 2 |
Macroeconomia | 8 |
Relazioni Internazionali | 8 |
Teoria e storia dei movimenti e dei partiti politici | 8 |
Diritto dell’Unione Europea | 8 |
Diritto Internazionale | 8 |
Sociologia della comunicazione | 8 |
Scienza politica | 8 |
Laboratorio di scrittura | 0 |
Year III 2027-2028
| INSEGNAMENTO | CFU |
|---|---|
Diritto dell’economia | 6 |
Metodologia delle scienze sociali | 6 |
Politica economica | 6 |
| Grand Challenge | 2 |
| 3 Elective Courses | 18 |
|---|---|
| Additional Credits | CFU |
| Mandatory English Language course | 8 |
| Mandatory second foreign language course | 6 |
| Other Activites | 4 |
| Final test | 4 |
| Total CFU | 180 |
The Luiss/CFAU Double Degree enriched my academic journey by showing me International Relations from a Chinese perspective, allowing me to discover China not only through books.
Welcoming, stimulating, special—this is Luiss, the university that helps us students every day to express our potential and build the world of tomorrow.
Admission procedures and requirements
Admission to the Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science is a unique opportunity to join an academic environment of excellence. The selection process is designed to identify the best profiles, assessing both academic potential and transversal skills, ensuring that students can get the most out of their education.
The call for applications for admission to the Undergraduate School for the academic year 2025/2026 has been published and provides all the necessary details: admission requirements, deadlines and how to apply. To find out more, you can consult the page dedicated to the admission procedures for the Luiss Undergraduate Courses.
Luiss Guido Carli selects its students with the goal of providing them with efficient services and offering the best conditions to support their university journey, leading to both personal and professional growth.
Students are the heart of our University, and each one is guided with professionalism and care.
Check all the information to apply for the next admission test.
Get information on scholarships and financial aid offered by Luiss.
Luiss residences are available, as well as other types of accommodation.
Luiss collaborates with the most prestigious universities worldwide to offer students exchange programs and double degree opportunities, providing exclusive education and career opportunities abroad.
Study in United States
Study in France
Study in Rome
International experiences and opportunities
The International Development Office offers a number of programmes for students, accessible according to their current or future degree course.
- Luiss Bachelor students enrolled in the first or second year
- Bachelor students enrolled in their final year or recent graduates
- International Exchange Program (Erasmus)
- Free Mover Semester
- Summer Schools
Discover all the international programmes and opportunities for experience abroad offered by Luiss, to enrich your academic and professional career.
After the Degree
The Bachelor's Degree in Political Science opens the door to many opportunities for further study. Students can access all the Master's degree courses offered by the University or choose to specialise through first-level Master's degrees to gain specific skills for the world of work. Career Services can help students navigate the different options available.
Tuition fees, scholarships and benefits
The single annual fee for the academic year 2025/2026 envisaged for enrolment in the Three-year and Single-Cycle Degree Courses in Law is €12,600.00 (divided into 3 instalments*) and regional tax.
Luiss offers scholarships and partial or total exemptions from university fees, also thanks to the support of public and private partners. Both male and female students have access to concrete support during their academic career. In addition, the University has entered into agreements with Italian banking institutions to offer flexible financing without collateral.
Check out all the opportunities related to Scholarships and Financing.
*The amount of the regional fee will be decided by the Lazio Region in June/July 2025.
Luiss welcomes you in a dynamic and stimulating context, with many cultural, sporting, and leisure activities. Live a unique experience, immersed in an international community. Find out more by visiting the dedicated pages.
With 17 facilities in Rome and Milan, Luiss stands out for its unique architectural spaces and large green study areas.
Luiss supports students in their search for accommodation with three solutions: Luiss residences, affiliated facilities and private accommodation.
AS Luiss encourages an active lifestyle by offering sports activities, such as yoga and tennis, and the possibility of using agreements with gyms and sports centres near the Luiss premises.
Through the Luiss Buddy Programme, experienced students mentor new students, helping them with orientation and integration.
The Luiss model promotes the development of students not only through a solid academic education, but also through activities aimed at personal improvement and the development of transversal skills. The Luiss student development offer proposes learning by doing and innovative learning experiences to prepare versatile students ready for the needs of the labour market.
Luiss integrates technical learning with cultural activities, promoting students’ expression and creativity.
Luiss protects the health of its students through its medical centre: annual check-ups, home care, accident insurance and much more.
The Luiss Catering Service completes the university experience by supporting students with a focus on well-being.
Luiss Welcome Desk: support for international students on legal and health issues and orientation in the Italian context.
