Double Degree with Ca' Foscari, Venice
Combine your Liberal Arts and Sciences degree at University College Groningen with a PISE degree from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. This Double Degree is tailored for students with a focus on Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, offering a unique interdisciplinary perspective on global issues.
Academic director: Dr. Martijn Boot: m.g.j.boot@rug.nl
Programme profile
This unique Double Degree bachelor combines International Relations, (International) Political Economy, and Philosophy, with a strong focus on global economic integration and policy. It prepares students to become internationally oriented political economists with a broad, interdisciplinary perspective on today’s key global challenges.
Ideal for students interested in international public policy, the programme deepens understanding of global economic trends - especially within the European Community. In a world where major issues like sustainability, demographics, inequality, and environmental change cross disciplinary boundaries, this programme equips students with the tools to think critically and creatively across fields.
About Ca’ Foscari University
Founded in 1868, Ca’ Foscari is located in the heart of Venice, along the Grand Canal. Known for its strong academic reputation, it ranks among Italy’s top institutions for undergraduate study.
With eight departments and a focus on the humanities, Ca’ Foscari offers a rich international perspective, including courses in Asian, North African, and comparative cultural studies. Students in the Double Degree programme take part of their studies at Ca’ Foscari and attend English-taught courses at its International College, located on the island of San Servolo.
The Philosophy, International and Economic Studies (PISE) degree is fully taught in English.
Experience from Mika van Wijk
Why did you choose to apply for the Double Degree program and what do you think is its added value for you?
My eagerness to learn more about philosophy and economics led me to apply for the double degree programme. The courses taught in Venice seemed intriguing to me. Moreover, the programme would allow me to study these and related topics for an extra year.
The programme's added value has been much more than I expected. I did not only learn lots about topics like philosophy, economics, politics, international law, and sociology. I also learned about international and intercultural communication, met many kind and inspiring people, and learned about problems Italy and Venice face, to name a few examples.
Why should students consider doing a DD program like this?
Students should consider doing a double degree programme like this because Venice is a beautiful city with lovely people (and the weather is generally better than in Groningen!). The courses taught give many new insights into the topics studied. Spending two years in Venice, you will further learn a lot about Italy and the Italian culture as well as your own.
What is PPE - and where can it take you?
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at UCG is an interdisciplinary programme that equips students to critically address today’s global challenges - such as climate change, inequality, and political instability - through a broad intellectual lens.
Philosophy develops ethical reasoning and critical thinking, helping students navigate complex moral and societal questions. Politics explores governance, public institutions, and democratic processes, sharpening students’ understanding of power, policy, and responsible leadership. Economics provides tools to analyse markets, resource allocation, and public policy, with a focus on real-world issues like inequality and economic crises.
This Double Degree opens pathways to specialised master’s programmes and careers in national, international, and transnational policy environments. Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as:
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Economist or policy advisor in organisations like the IMF, World Bank, EU, or OECD
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Economic consultant in international agencies or government bodies
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Analyst or strategist in international business or public-sector institutions
Experience from Anna Sole Donatelli
Which skills have you trained in Groningen?
In Groningen, I definitely trained my human skills: I learnt how to work in groups with other students. Specifically, I learnt the importance of being able to listen to others and to find a compromise, and that a combination of ideas and different perspectives can lead to great results. I also trained my social and intercultural skills: this experience is definitely leading me to come in contact with a lot of students from different cultural backgrounds.
Would you recommend this programme to other people?
I would recommend this programme to students interested in understanding how contemporary societal problems can be solved through philosophical, political, and economic knowledge. In particular, I would suggest it to you if you are interested in the last two disciplines, or if you are thinking about a career in international institutions, as a politician or as an economist. Last but not least, I would recommend the Double Degree programme to students who like discovering new places and cultures and enrich their perspective on the world by meeting new people with different worldviews!
Key Facts
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Duration (in semesters): |
8 |
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Total credits: |
240 EC |
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Language: |
English
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Type of degree: |
• BA Liberal Arts and Sciences (from the University of Groningen), major specialization Philosophy, Politics and Economics • BA Philosophy, International and Economic Studies (PISE) from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice <https://www.unive.it/pag/19660/> |
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Application: |
Students can apply in their second semester of the first year. |
| Last modified: | 07 May 2025 11.41 a.m. |