First Year
- 1 compulsory course to be chosen from:
- 1 compulsory course to be chosen from:
- 2 elective courses
Requirements for Electives
- At least 1 from list A) Core
- At least 1 from list B) Field
- At least 1 from list C) Topics and Other Social Sciences and Mathematical and Quantitative Methods
- At least 1 from lists A) + B) + C)
- 2 other electives, which may include Graduate School electives (available to most MSc students at Bocconi), PhD-level courses and In-Depth Studies
The exams relating to electives can be taken at universities abroad as part of the programs offered by the International Relations Service. The criteria and credit approval procedure is specified in "Credit for Exams Passed at Universities Abroad".
In-Depth Studies
In-depth studies involve students carrying out individual research on topics decided upon with the Course Director:
- Of a compulsory or elective provided for in the program structure and passed
- Of a PhD course entered in the study plan
Student evaluation is based on a written assignment for each in-depth study, which is marked out of 30.
One in-depth study can be allocated to each course, worth a maximum of 3 credit points. Thus, ONLY one elective can be replaced by 2 in-depth studies, keeping other requirements in mind.
To have an in-depth study recorded in their study plan, students must contact the secretary's office of the Department of reference of the course chosen.
Higher Level Courses (PhD)
Some highly-motivated and deserving students will be allowed to obtain academic credit from "higher level courses", i.e. courses held as part of the following Bocconi PhD Programs:
- PhD in Economics and Finance
- PhD in Business Administration and Management
- PhD in Social and Political Science
- PhD in Statistics and Computer Science
Students enrolled in ESS programs can choose up to 3 PhD courses. Of these, they can request recognition of 2 courses in place of MSc electives and 1 course as an additional course.
Selection Requirements:
- Graduation grade of undergraduate program of at least 105/110
- Students enrolled in the first or second year (as regular students 'in corso') for 2025-2026
- Applications from "reiscritti" and/or "fuori corso" will not be considered
- Cannot apply for PhD courses in the same semester as Exchange or Free-mover programs
- Students admitted to a Double Degree program are excluded
Selection Criteria:
- Percentage of credit points earned (by end of February exam session)
- GPA (weighted on credit points)
- Letter of motivation
- CV
- Any GMAT or GRE certification
- Graduation grade of undergraduate degree
⚠️ The recording is automatic and students cannot refuse the grade. Assessment of the PhD exam is made fairly without special regard for MSc students. Each course is worth 6 credit points.
Enhancing Experiences
Individual program structures include 2 compulsory credit points dedicated to curricular supplementary activities in the second year.
Activities may be completed in advance during the first year if spots are available. Examples include:
- IT courses (IT Education Center)
- Introductory Language courses (Language Center)
- Course on thesis writing
- Workshops in collaboration with ISPI
- Broaden Your Frame Seminars
- Media Experience
- Skills and self-empowerment courses