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University of Padua
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University of Padua

Local Development

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Award Attendance Study Duration Start Domestic fees International fees
MSc On-Campus Full-time 2 October find out €2642 per year
Course fee notes

Our tuition fees will not exceed 2700 euros per year. Scholarship and fee waivers are available for international students, for more information visit our website.

About Local Development, MSc - at University of Padua

The Master’s degree provides a thorough understanding of the specific social, organisational, economic, territorial and institutional forms and dynamics that characterise 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 programmes for local development and promotes the implementation of sustainability
process. Its intrinsic multicultural and multilingual dimension is reinforced by international partnerships and mobility agreements.

Programme structure

The course is multidisciplinary and the curricular contents covers integrated knowledge in the fields of economic, sociological, statistical, historical-geographical, socio-pedagogical and anthropological areas.
During the second year, an internship will enable the students to carry out researches 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.


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Entry requirements

Contact University of Padua to find course entry requirements.


Why study at University of Padua

1) A diverse portfolio of study programmes – a multidisciplinary university offering a cutting-edge portfolio of study programmes.

2) High-quality education – top-250 Times Higher Education university, top-160 QS Employability Ranking 2020, first in Italy for the quality of its teaching. A qualification from the University of Padua means the achievement of an ambitious objective and a recognised education.

3) World-leading research university – best Italian university for the quality of research results (ANVUR). Among the best European universities for the number of the top 10% most frequently cited publications.

4) Quality support services – 90% students satisfied with their academic career and their student life (AlmaLaurea).

5) One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe – established in 1222, the University has a glorious history and boasts among its scholars and professors Galileo Galilei and Elena L. Cornaro-Piscopia, the first ever woman to receive an academic degree from a university in 1678.

6) An international community – 2.100 international students welcomed in 2021 and a long tradition of international cooperation, participation in international networks of excellence as well as in research and education projects, welcoming students and scholars from all over the world.

7) Competitive tuition fees and scholarships – the University offers competitive tuition fees in comparison to other top-ranked European universities, plus a vast array of scholarships for students with an excellent study record.

8) A univer- city! – a unique learning environment in a university which is deeply connected to its city and urban pattern. University students represent 30% of the city population.

9) A city, unlike any otherPadua blends historical tradition, art and culture with flourishing business and service industries.

10) Strategic location – easy connections to main Italian and international cities allow you to travel for tourism or visiting home.