Shape the Future of Public Policy—from Anywhere
The Online Master in Economic Policy and Governance for Development and Resilience, jointly offered by Università Telematica Universitas Mercatorum (Rome) and United Nations University – CRIS (Bruges), equips students with the interdisciplinary tools and global perspective needed to tackle today’s complex economic and social challenges. The program is fully online and designed for professionals, recent graduates, and international students seeking flexible yet rigorous training in public policy and development.
Degree and certificates awarded
Italian First Level Master’s Degree and UNU-CRIS Certificate of Completion
Assessment
Online assessments for each course throughout the program, with a final in-person presentation of a capstone project.
Optional visit
A limited number of students may spend up to three self-funded months at UNU-CRIS in Bruges (April–June) during their second semester. Participation is optional. Selection is based on first-semester performance, a motivation letter, and a brief project proposal
Curriculum overview
The program includes core training in economics, global governance, policy methods, and applied learning. You will complete four core courses, two optional research methods courses, and one specialisation track:
Core Courses:
- Governance of Global Challenges
- Topics in Economic Theory
- Core Skills for Professional Practice
- Policy Lab
Optional Methods: (Choose two)
- Statistical Foundations I
- Statistical Foundations II
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Experimental Design
Specialization Tracks
Data-Driven Analysis for Policy
Gain hands-on skills in Python, forecasting, causal inference, and AI. Understand how data informs ethical and effective public policy.
Economics and Governance of Innovation and New Technologies
Explore how innovation systems and digital technologies shape development. Learn to design inclusive, sustainable innovation policy.
Inclusive Economic and Human Development
Analyse political economy, institutions, poverty, and inequality through a development lens. Learn to design inclusive, rights-based policies.
Multi-level Governance of Global Challenges
Understand how global, regional, and local governance interact to address climate change, migration, and digital transformation.
Testimonials
Maria Laura Lanza (Student, Online Master 2025 Cohort)
This Master's degree is very engaging, the professors come from different parts of the world and they are expert in various fields related to economic policy and development, making group discussions very interesting and enriching. I would definitely recommend this Master's course, especially to someone willing to take up the challenge to expand their knowledge, even if it means stepping a little bit out of their comfort zone.
Jennifer Muglia (European Space Agency, student, Online Master 2025 Cohort)
A highly valuable learning experience, that is possible to integrate with a full-time job. The exceptional quality of teaching and the professionalism of the professors made it truly outstanding.
Kachi Enewally (International Organisation for Migration, student, Online Master 2025 Cohort)
This programme has changed the way I used to think about policy. My think was that policies were designed to drive just economic growth, but this course taught me that policies are also about building resilience, policy design, and institutions that support long-term sustainable development.
Udumbara Wickramasinghe (Student, Online Master 2025 Cohort)
Now, I have a holistic view of sustainable development and the programme helped me gain a broader perspective of the complexities about addressing today’s sustainability challenges. I got an opportunity to embark upon a transformative learning experience, with the help of supportive faculty.
How to Apply
Click here to access the application portal managed by our partner institution, Università Telematica Universitas Mercatorum.
The programme operates a rolling admissions process. Applications are evaluated as they are received, and offers are issued on an ongoing basis. Early application is strongly recommended, as admissions may close once capacity is reached, even if this occurs before the final deadline of June 30, 2026.
Contact
Please send your questions to info-mep@cris.unu.edu
Join Our Online Information Session
Want to learn more before applying? Join our live online information session to explore the program structure, specializations, career prospects, and meet members of the academic team.
Date: 28 April 2026
Time: 11.00 am CEST
Location: Online (Zoom)
Who Should Attend?
Prospective students, and working professionals considering application.
Registration is required.
Click here to join.