Master’s degree programme “Global Peace, Justice and Well-Being”
Join an innovative international master’s programme that equips future professionals with the legal, interdisciplinary, and practical skills needed to address today’s most pressing global challenges.
The Master’s Degree Programme in Global Peace, Justice and Well-Being combines legal studies with perspectives from peace and conflict studies, sustainability, human rights, welfare, and economics. It prepares graduates for careers in international organisations, public institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), businesses, and academia.
Developed within EUniWell, the programme offers a distinctive international learning environment co-designed by the University of Florence and Linnaeus University in Sweden, in collaboration with the University of Murcia in Spain and the Global Governance Institute in Brussels.
Important application information
Please note: The Master’s Degree Programme in Global Peace, Justice and Well-Being is offered through two partner universities within the EUniWell Alliance, each with a distinct academic emphasis.
Applications to Linnaeus University (Sweden) are now closed. The Linnaeus pathway places greater emphasis on peace studies, global governance, and the social sciences.
Applications to the University of Florence (Italy) are currently open. The Florence pathway has a stronger focus on legal studies.
Apply now: https://www.dirittosostenibilitasicurezza.unifi.it/vp-39-enrolment-and-registration.html
Programme at a glance
- Degree: “Master in Global Peace, Justice and Well-Being”
- Format: Hybrid, with online and on-campus learning
- Language: English
- Location: Florence, Italy
- Duration: 2 years (120 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits)
- Online learning: 42 ECTS credits delivered through international collaborative teaching
- Application: According to the admission procedures published by the University of Florence
https://www.dirittosostenibilitasicurezza.unifi.it/vp-39-enrolment-and-registration.html - Admission: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with at least 18 ECTS in legal subjects
- Partners: Linnaeus University (Sweden), University of Murcia (Spain), and Global Governance Institute (Belgium)
Contact
- Prof. Dr. Veronica Federico, Associate Professor in Comparative Public Law, University of Florence: veronica.federico[at]unifi.it
- Prof. Daniel Silander, Associate Professor of Political Science and Research Leader of European Studies, Linnaeus University: daniel.silander[at]lnu.se
Why this programme?
Today’s global challenges, such as armed conflicts, climate change, migration, technological transformation, inequality, and threats to democracy, require professionals who can understand the complex relationships between law, peace, justice, and human well-being.
This programme places these interconnected concepts at the centre of its educational vision. Rather than considering them separately, it provides students with an integrated understanding of how legal systems can contribute to peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable societies.
The curriculum combines legal education with perspectives from the social sciences, economics, and peace studies. This enables students to analyse global issues from multiple viewpoints while developing practical solutions for governments, international organisations, businesses, and civil society.
Developed within the EUniWell Alliance, the programme also offers an international learning experience in which students collaborate with peers and academics across Europe through both virtual and face-to-face activities.
What makes this programme unique?
The programme has several distinctive features.
An interdisciplinary curriculum
Students explore global peace, justice, well-being, and sustainability through an innovative curriculum that connects European Union law, human rights, environmental law, labour and welfare law, mediation, economics, and peace and conflict studies.
International learning experience
Many courses are taught jointly with Linnaeus University in Sweden through an international virtual classroom. Students work with peers from different countries, developing intercultural competence and international professional networks.
Flexible hybrid learning
The programme combines the flexibility of online international teaching with the benefits of face-to-face learning at the University of Florence. Comprehensive digital learning materials support independent study throughout the programme.
Practice-oriented education
Teaching is based on real-world case studies and problem-solving activities. Students work on contemporary legal and societal challenges while interacting with academics, practitioners, and professionals from different sectors.
Research and academic skills
A dedicated course in research methods and academic writing helps students develop advanced analytical, research, and communication skills that are essential for both professional careers and doctoral studies.
Personalised study pathway
Students can tailor part of their curriculum through elective courses offered by the University of Florence and its partner universities, allowing them to specialise according to their interests and career goals.
Who is it for?
The programme welcomes students from a wide range of academic backgrounds who are interested in understanding how law can contribute to peace, justice, and sustainable development.
Applicants do not need to hold a bachelor’s degree in law.
Admission is open to graduates from different disciplines, provided they meet the admission requirements established by the University of Florence, including at least 18 ECTS credits in legal subjects.
The programme is particularly suited to students interested in careers in:
- International organisations
- European institutions
- Public administration
- Human rights organisations
- NGOs
- Sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG)
- International business
- Conflict prevention and mediation
- Public policy
- Research and academia
What will I study?
The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical learning to help students understand how legal systems respond to today’s global challenges.
Students study topics including:
- International and European Union law
- Human rights
- Environmental and climate law
- Peace and conflict studies
- Mediation and alternative dispute resolution
- Labour and welfare law
- Sustainability and global governance
- Economics
- Research methods and academic writing
Teaching uses active learning methods, collaborative projects, continuous feedback, and reflective practice. These approaches encourage students to develop legal reasoning alongside practical problem-solving skills.
International experience
Internationalisation is one of the programme’s defining characteristics.
Students participate in international collaborative teaching delivered together with Linnaeus University. In shared virtual classrooms, they work alongside students from across Europe.
The programme also encourages physical mobility through Erasmus+ and other international exchange opportunities. Students can spend a semester abroad and experience different legal traditions, academic cultures, and professional environments.
How will it shape my career?
Graduates acquire advanced legal knowledge together with transferable professional skills, including legal drafting, analytical reasoning, negotiation, contextual decision-making, and the effective use of digital tools.
The programme prepares students for careers in:
- International organisations
- European institutions
- Public administration
- International NGOs
- Human rights organisations
- Sustainability and ESG consulting
- Conflict prevention and mediation
- International business
- Public policy
- Research and doctoral studies
Graduates will be equipped to address complex societal challenges through innovative legal approaches that promote peace, justice, and well-being in national, European, and global contexts.
How do I apply?
Admission follows the procedures established by the University of Florence.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification that satisfies the University of Florence’s admission requirements.
A previous degree in law is not required. Applicants from different academic backgrounds are eligible, provided they have acquired at least 18 ECTS credits in legal subjects.
Applicants should consult the University of Florence’s admissions information for application deadlines, required documentation, and enrolment procedures.
Apply here: https://www.dirittosostenibilitasicurezza.unifi.it/vp-39-enrolment-and-registration.html
In case of questions, reach out to the programme management.
