Location: Palazzo Giusso
Coordinator: Prof. Francesca Bellino
Admission: Open.
Language of instruction: Italian/English
How to apply: Requirements and admission procedures
> Notices from the coordinator: visit the notices section on Unifind
To report organizational issues, please write to mri-segnalazioni@unior.it
Course Overview
The Master’s Degree in Asian and African Relations and Institutions (LM-52 – International Relations) prepares specialists capable of analysing the political, economic, and social dynamics of countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa. The program combines the study of political and social sciences with an area-based and linguistic approach, in line with the long-standing tradition of the University of Naples L’Orientale.
For detailed information, please consult Course Catalogue.
The program prepares students to:
- manage complex international contexts, with particular attention to non-Western regions;
- understand processes of development, political change, and global interdependence;
- integrate economic, legal, and political science skills with area-specific and language knowledge, for a comparative perspective;
- analyse relationships between regional areas, with a focus on North-South and South-South dynamics.
The program is organized into three main areas:
- International Studies (typical of the LM-52 degree class)
focuses on international relations, international law, economics, and social sciences. - Area Studies: Africa, Asia, and the Middle East & North Africa
offers in-depth historical, political, and socio-economic analyses of the diverse regions of Asia and Africa - Study of a Non-European Language and Culture
- advanced two-year program: Languages such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or Arabic
- basic two-year program: Languages of Asia and Africa
The program is complemented by elective courses, workshops, internships, and professional experiences both in Italy and abroad, culminating in the completion of a final degree thesis.
The course is structured around three distinct curricula, allowing students to focus on their area of interest:
- Africa
- Asia
- Middle East and North Africa
Our program offers three curricula—1. Asia, 2. Africa, 3. Middle East and North Africa—designed to provide in-depth regional expertise. Students explore historical, political, and social dynamics while studying one or more regional languages and cultures.
- Asia: Japan, China, Korea, Indonesia and Southeast Asia, India, Central Asia. Languages: Japanese, Chinese, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Tibetan, Hindi, Urdu, Persian, Turkish.
- Africa: Sub-Saharan Africa and international relations. Languages: Arabic, Berber, Somali, Amharic, Swahili, Hausa; optional advanced English and French.
- Middle East and North Africa: Languages: Arabic, Hebrew, Berber, Turkish, Persian.
The Master’s in Asian and African Relations and Institutions prepares graduates for international careers with a focus on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East and North Africa.
Key career paths include:
- Diplomacy, international organisations, and supranational bodies
- International offices of regional and local authorities
- International cooperation, development, peace-building, human rights, and democracy promotion
- Foreign trade, investment promotion, and multinational companies operating in Asia and Africa
The program equips professionals to address complex challenges in multicultural contexts, developing skills in political and social analysis, intercultural mediation, and sustainable development.
Requirements and access procedures
To join the Degree Course in Asian and African Relations and Institutions, applicants must hold a degree consistent with the international relations field, under the old or new system, or an equivalent qualification obtained abroad. A dedicated committee evaluates each candidate’s curriculum, considering their degree, certified educational and language experience, and preparation in relevant fields such as law, economics, history, politics, and social studies.
For further information, please refer to the Access Methods page.
Study plans and course organization
Everything you need to know about the course structure, rules, and study plans.
Teaching and Training Activities
This section helps you organize your university career in the best possible way. Here you can consult class schedules, exam dates, and practical course activities. You will also find information on other educational activities, workshops, internships, and tutoring services designed to accompany you step by step throughout your studies and help you build a well-rounded experience, both in the classroom and in the working world.
Study support and guidance
Services to support learning and active participation
Mobility
Expand your horizons with the Master's Degree in Asian and African Relations and Institutions: participate in international mobility programs and take advantage of double degree opportunities with prestigious partner universities specializing in international relations in Asia and Africa.
Contatti e assistenza
Quality and transparency
Tools for learning about how the course works and how it is assessed.