This inter-university program is offered in collaboration with Sapienza University of Rome and is conducted both at the Sapienza campus and the ELGS Premises in Rome
All ELGS academic programs will be conducted ON PREMISE unless there is a strong limitation for in situ presence. Online attendance is allowed under specific conditions.
The Program
This is a one-year Master Degree (M2 level degree) offering to its participants a full overview of the main topics of European and Comparative Public Law (ECPL). The Master’s course provides an in-depth knowledge of the Constitutional Law and Administrative Law of the European Union (EU), taking into account the different national traditions through a comparative approach. The course aims to address, in particular, issues related to the application of the Rule of Law, the constitutional order and the governance of the EU, also in relation to the forms of government of the Member States. Furthermore, the Master’s course provides a comprehensive and solid introduction to public policy, European and Comparative Public Law.
It is intended to enable participants to up to date their knowledge of the most recent regulations and policies governing the EU. Activities focus on issues relating to certain specific and fundamental sectors, which play an increasingly important role within the framework of European and national public policies. Among others: environmental protection, digital technologies, and public procurement.
The course enables participants to improve their knowledge both in EU and national law and policies, also with a view to issues concerning Global Public Law, such as the protection of human rights, due process, the fight against terrorism, and world trade law.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be able to master notions and tools useful to cope and work within national and supranational environments, as well as for integrating themselves into the current global one. The cross-cutting approach of the course, also concerning the main themes and issues affecting both European, Comparative Public Law, along with political and economic sciences, enables the acquisition of knowledge and skills that can be applied in various professional contexts, over and above each candidate’s different backgrounds (legal, socio-political, economic).
The course encourages a critical examination of current political and socio-economic trends and the major challenges shaping the contemporary world from a variety of perspectives, while also aiming to improve the understanding of the different roles and interests of governmental and non-governmental actors operating in the national, supranational, and global arenas.
To whom it is addressed:
• Students and scholars holding a bachelor or master level degree in legal sciences and/or related fields;
• Government, International Organizations and NGO officials, as well as lawyers, and practitioners interested in European and Comparative Law.
The Master is a wide-open program, addressing key issues in law, politics, democracy, and governance, and covering a broad spectrum of topics ranging from constitutional to administrative law.
The course will provide an in-depth view of issues concerning public law at a global level, such as the protection of human rights, due process, the fight against terrorism, and world trade law.
Program Content
The Inter-university Master in European Comparative and Public Law (ECPL) is a one-year 60-ECTS program combining taught courses with a final thesis or dissertation.
Each candidate shall submit a paper of no less than 40 to 50 typewritten pages on topics relating to one of the subjects taught during the course, which is to be discussed. Each candidate is free to choose the subject or topic of the thesis according to his or her interests and preferences. The supervisor of the relevant module, or another lecturer-reporter, supports the candidate in selecting the topic and title of the paper, which must be characterized by originality and practical-applicative relevance.
Courses are led by key theorists and practitioners in their fields and delivered through classic lectures and interactive tutorials. Some courses will also integrate other teaching methodologies where appropriate, such as moot courts, site visits to various public and private offices, as well as group presentations.
To obtain the degree, students must attend at least 75% of the classes and submit the final essay or dissertation.
Courses
The list of modules is as follows:
Module I – European Comparative Constitutional Law
A – Multilevel Governance and Adjudication in the EU
I.A.1 Constitutionalism across Member States and the EU
I.A.2 Courts and Interpretation
I.A.3 Economic Institutions and Policies
B – Comparative Constitutionalism
I.B.1 Forms of Government
I.B.2 Constitutionalism in Times of Crisis
I.B.3 Freedoms, Rights and Duties
Module II – European Comparative and Administrative Law
A – The Principles of European Administration
II.A.1 European Administrative Procedure
II.A.2 Organisational Models
II.A.3 Judicial Protection
B – Areas of European Union Law Relevant to Administrative Law
II.B.1 Ecological and Energy Transition in the Light of the Green New Deal
II.B.2 Competition Policy and Antitrust Law
II.B.3 Regulation of Public Contracts
II.B.4 Market Supervision
II.B.5 Digital Transition and New Technology Regulation
C – Comparison of Administrative Rights in Some Member States
II.C.1 Organisational Models
II.C.2 Administrative Proceedings
II.C.3 Judicial Review of Administrative Action
Module III – Rule of Law: Foundations, Challenges and Enforcement
A – Understanding the Rule of Law
III.A.1 The Rule of Law as a Legal and Political Ideal
III.A.2 Constitutionalism and Legal Certainty
III.A.3 Monitoring and Measuring the Rule of Law
B – Crisis and Decline: Dysfunctional Democracies and Constitutional Capture
III.B.1 Democratic Backsliding and Illiberal Constitutionalism
III.B.2 Democratic Backsliding and Autocratisation
III.B.3 The Role of Constitutional Courts
Module IV – European and Global Public Law
A – Global Public Law: Emergence and Foundations
IV.A.1 From International to Global Law: Concepts and Critiques
IV.A.2 Towards a Global Rule of Law
B – Human Rights and Due Process in a Plural Legal Order
IV.B.1 Human Rights and Legal Pluralism
IV.B.2 Due Process and Procedural Justice
C – Global Regulation, Security and Sectoral Emergencies
IV.C.1 Global Regulation: Trade, Investment and Other Sectors
IV.C.2 Security, Emergency and Global Threats
IV.C.3 Sectoral Emergencies: Health, Migration, Security
Admissions Requirements and Procedures
Academic Requirements
It is open to graduates of any age or nationality, holding a degree of any class, as well as those who have obtained an equivalent university degree from a foreign university. Teaching activities include seminars, tutorials and participation in meetings and conferences organized within the framework of the Master program.
Linguistic Requirements
All lectures are delivered in English. Applicants from non-English-speaking countries must demonstrate an English language proficiency at least equivalent to Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
More details here (Art. 7, Call for Applications, page 4) and below:
By January 31, 2026, under penalty of exclusion, the candidate must send the following documents to masterecpl.dsg@uniroma1.it:
Application form (Annex 2), duly completed and signed
Photocopy of a valid identity document (ID card, driving license, or passport)
CV
Copy of the receipt of payment of the € 51.00 admission test/qualification assessment fee, made in accordance with the procedures indicated in Art. 6 of the Call for Applications
To this documentation, which is compulsory for all applicants, the following additional documents must also be submitted if applicable:
1) Applicants with an international qualification must provide one of the following documents and must submit them in addition to the documents mentioned above:
Declaration of Value (Dichiarazione di valore in loco) issued by the Italian Consular Authority in the country of study (with a transcript of records and a copy of the final diploma); or
CIMEA Statement of Comparability together with a CIMEA Statement of Verification (available on CIMEA platform: https://www.cimea.it/EN/pagina-attestati-di-
comparabilita-e-verifica-dei-titoli); or
Diploma Supplement (for European qualifications) issued by the home university and legalized at the Italian Embassy in the country of study.
Candidates submitting incomplete documentation will be provisionally admitted and will not be able to complete enrolment until missing documents are provided, no later than the deadline for payment of the first instalment (see Art. 10 of the Call).
Non-EU citizens and citizens residing abroad must comply with the inter-ministerial provisions contained in the circular “Procedures for the entry, stay and enrolment of foreign/international students in higher education courses in Italy academic year 2025- 2026, available at the link: https://www.studiare-in-italia.it/studentistranieri/.
Applicants requiring a Study Visa must submit an online pre-enrollment via //www.universitaly.it/ and send proof of submission to settoremaster@uniroma1.it
2) Applicants with recognized disabilities (pursuant to Art. 3(1) and (3) of Law No. 104/1992 and/or a disability of 66% or more) must also submit a copy of the relevant disability certificate, issued according to law. The same certificate must also be sent to the Students with Disabilities and SLD Unit at: servizio.disabilita@uniroma1.it
3) Applicants simultaneously enrolled in another Sapienza program during the academic year 2025–2026, and who have verified the compatibility between the two courses, must also submit the concurrent enrolment form (Annex 3 of the Call)
4) Applicants employed in Italian public administrations intending to benefit from the “PA 110 e lode” agreement must also submit the substitutive declaration form (Annex 4 of the Call for Applications).
Applications submitted after the deadline, incomplete, or sent to a different email address will not be considered.
Application
Call for applications is published on Sapienza’s dedicated website: https://www.uniroma1.it/sites/default/files/field_file_allegati/call_for_applications_25-26.pdf
Information on the advanced professional courses here: https://www.uniroma1.it/en/pagina/advanced-professional-courses
Information on the call for applications and tuition fees here: https://www.uniroma1.it/en/documento/bando-di-concorso-lammissione-ai-master-di-i-e-ii-livello-anno-accademico-2025-2026
The deadline for applications is set for 31 January 2026.
Tuition and FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Tuition for both EU and International students enrolled in the Inter-University Second Level Master in European and Comparative Public Law (ECPL) is €6500, payable in two equal installments.
Please be advised that there are other direct and indirect costs related to attendance, in addition to tuition fees, such as books, supplies, accommodation and living expenses, which must be taken into consideration by students when planning their participation in the program.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The first, second, and third classified in the final short-list will obtain a reduction of the fee. The first will be granted a reduction equal to half of the fee; the second and third, respectively, will be granted a reduction equal to one-third of the fee. The final shortlist may also be considered for the allocation of additional grants financed by public or private entities.
Information on the call for applications and tuition fees is here.
Payment Terms
Candidates admitted to the Master’s must pay the first instalment (or the total amount, if opting for a single payment) no later than 28 February 2026.
Payment must be made exclusively through the Infostud platform:
- Access Infostud0
- Select: Advanced Professional Courses à First year
- Enter the course identification code indicated in Annex 1 of the official Call for Applications (33141) and generate the payment slip
- Use the PagoPA system to complete the payment, following the instructions available on Sapienza’s website (How to Pay page).
A late payment surcharge of €65.00 applies to payments made after the deadline. If payment is delayed by more than 60 days, the surcharge will be doubled.
Failure to pay by the set deadline will result in withdrawal from the final shortlist and loss of the right to enrolment.
The second instalment must be paid by 30 May 2026, following the same procedure. Late payments are subject to the same surcharges.
Students who are not up to date with payments cannot attend classes, sit exams, or obtain any official certificates.
After the payment deadlines, it will no longer be possible to generate the payment slips directly via Infostud, and authorisation for late payment must be requested from the Course Director at settoremaster@uniroma1.it