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International Development Office

Rome, December 15th 2014 Double Degree Programmes, Call for Applications 2015-16 Department of Political Science ► MGIMO - Double Degree with MGIMO, Moscow State Institute of International Relations ► KING’S - Double Degree with King’s College London

ONLY FOR LUISS APPLICANTS: Please note the APPLICATION needs to be completed

through Web Self-service – please also see HOW TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION

This call is open for:

LUISS students enrolled in their III year of the LUISS Bachelor Degrees in Political Science in the academic year 2014-15;

LUISS Graduates who have not graduated before the Summer Graduation Session a.y. 2013-2014 (July 2014) and have not enrolled yet in the LUISS Master program in Relazioni Internazionali;

III year students and graduates (not graduated before the Summer Graduation Session a.y. 2013-2014) both from other LUISS Departments or other Universities in compliance with the minimum curricular requirements indicated in the LUISS Admission Procedures1.

1 Once received the applications the previous academic background of this category of applicants will be evaluated on a case by case basis. For the Double Degree Programme with the King’s College a Bachelor Degree in Political Science is required and the final admission is submitted to King’s approval.

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Table of contents:

A. General rules B. Compatibility with other international programmes C. Available slots D(1). Pre-requirements for MGIMO D(2). Pre-requirements for KING’S E. Application Procedure F(1). Selection process for MGIMO F(2). Selection process for KING’S G. Publication of results H. Acceptance I. Bonus point added to Degree J. Further information K. Checklist and dates to remember L. Attachments requested in the online application

A. General rules LUISS has Double Degree Partnerships with the universities mentioned above in the field of International Relations at Master level. Participating students will have the possibility to attend courses and respective exams both at LUISS and at the partner university they have been selected for, obtaining two final degrees awarded by LUISS and by the partner university. Courses will be held in English both at LUISS and at the partner university. Selected students will spend the first year of their Master’s Degree in Relazioni Internazionali, majors in Global Studies or European Studies - Academic Year 2015-2016 - abroad. Students selected for these Double Degrees will be registered at LUISS during their stay at MGIMO or at KING’S. In the LUISS MGIMO double degree programme, students will not pay fees at the visited university, but they will continue paying fees to LUISS. The LUISS KING’S Double Degree is a tution-fee program (students will pay the tuition fee to King’s, apart from the normal tuition fee at LUISS). Students will cover by themselves all expenses related to their participation in both programmes, notably transport, accommodation and food, administrative expenses, expenses associated with securing a visa, medical/health/accident insurance, books and personal expenses.

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Selected students, in order to achieve a Double Degree, will have to be in compliance with both (Home and Host) universities' rules and conditions, as for credits envisaged, attendance, deadlines etc. B. Compatibility with other international programmes Students enrolled in the major in Global Studies can apply to both the MGIMO and the KING’s programmes, indicating their preference in the application form. Please see paragraph E. Application Procedure for further details. Participants to the Double degree programme with MGIMO or KING’S are not considered eligible for the participation to the Call for Erasmus and Non-EU Exchange Partnership Programme during the I year of their Master’s Degree in Relazioni Internazionali. C. Available slots ►MGIMO - The total number of available slots for A.Y. 2015-2016 is 5 ►KING’S - The total number of available slots for A.Y. 2015-2016 is 5 D(1). Pre-requirements for MGIMO The following will be considered eligible to participate to the MGIMO Double Degree Programme for A.Y. 2015-16: ● LUISS students (who will deliver the Degree application -Domanda di Laurea- to the Student Office by the established deadline) enrolled in the third year of the Bachelor Degrees in Political Science at LUISS in the academic year 2014-15:

1. holding a weighted average grade equal to or above 27/30 at the end of the official extra-ordinary Winter session A.Y. 2014-15 (December 2014 – February 2015). Only for LUISS students taking part in an international mobility programme (Erasmus, Exchange) during the 1st semester of the academic year 2014-15 for whom the grades have not yet been registered into their student careers2: the average grade considered for this selection procedure will be the one prior to their departure for the mobility program.

2. having registered at least 120 credits at the end of the official extra-ordinary Winter

session A.Y. 2014-15 (December 2014 – February 2015).

3. willing to enrol (immatricolarsi) in the Master’s Degree in Relazioni Internazionali (majors in Global Studies or European Studies) by July 23rd 2015 (completing the proper Student Office form and paying the first instalment);

2 The registration of the exams taken during the mobility period depends primarily on the Partner universities timing.

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1. graduating by the Summer session 2014/2015 (July 2015), with a final Degree grade equal to or higher than 100/110;

2. submitting one of the following proficiency certificates of English language:

TOEFL 79-80/120 (IBT version)

IELTS 6.5; The mentioned certificates should not be older than two years.

● LUISS Graduates in Political Science

1. holding a final BA Degree grade equal to or higher than 100/110, as a minimum requirement to access the Call, obtained not before the Summer Graduation Session A.Y. 2013-14 (July 2014);

2. holding a weighted average grade equal to or above 27/30, prior to the defence of the

Thesis. The weighted average grade (and not the final Degree grade) will be considered in the analysis of the students’ academic performance (please see paragraph F(1). Selection Process for MGIMO, Step 1);

3. willing to enrol (immatricolarsi) to the Master’s Degree in Relazioni Internazionali by July 23rd 2015 (completing the proper Student Office form and paying the first instalment of the University fee and the Regional Tax);

4. submitting one of the following proficiency certificates of English language:

TOEFL 79-80/120 (IBT version)

IELTS 6.5; The mentioned certificates should not be older than two years.

● Students and graduates from other universities or other LUISS Departments:

1. in compliance with the minimum curricular requirements indicated in the LUISS Admission test.

2. With the same pre-requirements indicated above for students and graduates from LUISS

BA Programmes in Political Science. D(2). Pre-requirements for KING’S The following will be considered eligible to participate to the KING’S Double Degree Programme for A.Y. 2015-16: ● LUISS students (who will deliver the Degree application -Domanda di Laurea- to the Student Office by the established deadline), enrolled in the third year of the Bachelor Degrees in Political Science at LUISS in the academic year 2014-15:

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1. holding a weighted average grade equal to or above 27.5/30 at the end of the official extra-ordinary Winter session A.Y. 2014-15 (December 2014 – February 2015). Only for LUISS students taking part in an international mobility programme (Erasmus, Exchange) during the 1st semester of the academic year 2014-15 for whom the grades have not yet been registered into their student careers3: the average grade considered for this selection procedure will be the one prior to their departure for the mobility program.

2. having registered at least 120 credits at the end of official extra-ordinary Winter

session A.Y. 2014-15 (December 2014 – February 2015);

3. willing to enrol (immatricolarsi) to the Master’s Degree in Relazioni Internazionali, major in Global Studies by July 23, 2015 (completing the proper Student Office form and paying the first instalment);

4. graduating by the Summer session a.y. 2014/2015 (July 2015), with a final Degree grade equal to or higher than 107/110;

5. submitting one of the following proficiency certificates of English language:

TOEFL - minimum 109 and 24 in all skills

IELTS - minimum 7.0 and 7.0 in all skills

Cambridge Proficiency - minimum A The mentioned certificates should not be older than two years.

● LUISS Graduates in Political Science

1. with a final BA Degree grade equal to or above 107/110, as a minimum requirement to access the Call, obtained not before the Summer Graduation Session a.y. 2013/2014 (July 2014);

2. holding a weighted average grade equal to or above 27.50/30, prior to the defence of the Thesis. The weighted average grade (and not the final Degree grade) will be considered in the analysis of the students’ academic performance (please see paragraph F(2). Selection Process for KING’S);

3. willing to enrol (immatricolarsi) to the Master’s Degree in Relazioni Internazionali, Major in Global studies by July 23rd 2015 (completing the proper Student Office form and paying the first instalment of the University fee and the Regional Tax);

4. submitting one of the following proficiency certificates of English language:

TOEFL - minimum 109 and 24 in all skills

IELTS - minimum 7.0 and 7.0 in all skills

Cambridge Proficiency - minimum A The mentioned certificates should not be older than two years.

3 The registration of the exams taken during the mobility period depends primarily on the Partner universities timing.

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● Students and graduates from other universities or other LUISS Departments

1. In compliance with the minimum curricular requirements indicated in the LUISS Admission test.

2. With the same pre-requirements indicated above for students and graduates from LUISS BA Programmes in Political Science.

Regarding all applicants: the Complete Dossier will be analysed by the Commission on a case by case basis. E. Application Procedure The application deadline for participating to the selection is February 27th at 13.00. LUISS Students must complete the application and attach the required documents in the web self service area of the LUISS website. Non-LUISS students must hand in the application form, duly filled out and signed, and the required documents at the International Development Office of LUISS Guido Carli4. Students who can and wish to apply to both MGIMO and KING’S double degree programmes (see paragraph ‘B. Compatibility with other international programs’) will rank the programmes according to their preferences at the moment of applying. Students selected for their first-choice programme will be automatically excluded from the selection procedure for the other programme. Students selected for their second-choice programme will be excluded from the other selection procedure upon formal receipt of their confirmation to take part on the programme in which they have been selected. Students selected for their second-choice programme and in waiting list in their first-choice programme, as well as students in waiting list in both programmes, will have the opportunity to opt for the preferred programme within one working day. Students will be able to participate only if they are in regular time frame and have no pending administrative issues with LUISS. Only applications accompanied by all documentation and received by the established deadline will be considered. F(1). Selection Process for MGIMO An Academic Commission nominated by the Dean of the Department of Political Science, will select students on the basis of a non-disputable evaluation. The selection follows a 2 step process:

4 Viale Romania, 32 – 00197 Rome

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Step 1: The eligible candidates will be ranked after the analysis of their academic performance (credits5; average grade6 and English language proficiency, each weighting 50%, 30% and 20%). The Academic Commission will rank eligible students and create the short list for the next step. Step 2: The interview, which will be held in English, will be carried out by a member/members of the Academic Commission and by the International Development Office Staff between March 9 and 13, 2015. The interview will focus on motivation and student background and is a key part of the selection process. In case a candidate is not considered suitable for the programme, he or she will not be selected regardless of the academic performance, their position in the ranking of Step 1 and the number of available slots. Moreover, proof of knowledge of other languages (e.g. Russian, etc.) and previous international experience are examples of information that will not provide additional points during the selection process, but could be considered as strength points in the students' profile. One recommendation letter in signed sealed envelope is required. F(2). Selection for KING’S An Academic Commission nominated by the Dean of the Department of Political Science, will select students on the basis of a non-disputable evaluation. The eligible candidates will be ranked after the analysis of their academic performance (credits7, average grade8 and English language proficiency, each weighting 50%, 30% and 20%). In case of ex aequo, previous international mobility experiences, motivation letter and curriculum vitae will be considered. G. Publication of results The selection results will be communicated by email to the applicants on March 19, 2015 (TBC).

5 Only for LUISS students taking part in an international mobility programme (Erasmus, Exchange) during the 1st

semester of the academic year 2014-15 for whom the grades have not yet been registered into their student careers: the number of credits considered will take into account those obtained during the 1st semester mobility period according to the documents provided in the online application (please see paragraph ‘L. Documents requested for the application’ for further details). 6 For further details about the average grade considered for the selection, please see paragraph D(1). Pre-

requirements for MGIMO 7 Please see note 5

8 For further details about the average grade considered for the selection, please see paragraph D(2). Pre-

requirements for KING’S

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The list of selected candidates for each programme is considered provisional until the obtainment of the Bachelor Degree by the selected candidates with a final Degree grade equal to or higher than 100/110 and the enrolment (immatricolazione) in the LUISS Master’s Degree in Relazioni Internazionali (Global Studies or European Studies for MGIMO, Global Studies for King’s) by July 23, 2014. H. Acceptance Selected students will be required to confirm their acceptance through written notification within one working day from the publication of results. In case of refusal or missing notification by the deadline, the following candidate in order of waiting list will be recalled. Moreover, in case of missing notification, the student will lose the possibility to participate to the selection of the other Double Degree programme for which he/she has applied. Recalled students for each destination will be requested to confirm their participation by written notice one working day. No students will be recalled after March 25th, 2015 (TBC). Every refusal received after the established deadline, will be transferred to the Dean of the Department for the relevant disciplinary measures, which can include the exclusion from the following examination session. I. Bonus point added to Degree The successful participation to this programme will provide, according to the LUISS rules, an additional point to the students’ final Degree score. J. Further information Students attending this Double Degree Programme are not allowed to request an official renounce of the registration in their LUISS career of converted grades of exams passed at the Partner University during their mobility period. Students can refer to the International Development Office (international@luiss.it – Ph. 0685225.511 – please, write to set up an individual appointment) for administrative issues and to the following Professors for academic issues: ►MGIMO - Prof. Elena Sciso (esciso@luiss.it) ►KING’S - Prof. Gianfranco Pellegrino (gpellegrino@luiss.it)

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K. Checklist and dates to remember

Deadline to apply February 27th at 13.00 pm

LUISS Admission Test March 5, 2015

Interviews for the short list of candidates (only for MGIMO)

March 9-13, 2015 (TBC)

Selection Results March 19th TBC

Confirmation of participation Within one working day

Deadline for recall from waiting list March 25th TBC

Orientation April-May (TBC)

L. Documents requested for the application

Most recent transcript of records, or Self Declaration in lieu of certification;

Certificate of proficiency of the English Language;

Copy of a passport, valid for the destination selected;

Motivation letter in English;

Curriculum Vitae in English;

Other certificates (optional);

One recommendation letter in signed sealed envelope (only for MGIMO);

Passport-size photo in JPG Format;

Only non-LUISS students and graduates: o Latest transcript with indication of all credits and grades obtained; o Official study plan sealed by the University of origin, with indications of all credits

obtainable o 3 passport sized pictures

Only for LUISS students taking part in an international mobility programme (Erasmus, Exchange) during the 1st semester of the academic year 2014-15 for whom the grades have not yet been registered into their student careers:

o A self-statement by the student indicating the exams passed at the Partner university and the proposed recognition in the LUISS student career;

o Print-out/Screenshot of exams passed at the Partner university during the mobility program, if available. These documents will only be used for this selection process. For the formal recognition of credits and grades into the LUISS student career please refer to the relevant procedure.