Law and Finance

/ Overview

The Graduate Degree Programme in Law and Finance, at the Milan campus, prepares professionals to combine legal and financial expertise and work in financial markets, businesses and highly regulated environments.

Taught entirely in English, the programme combines a strong foundation in law with expertise in corporate finance, market regulation, corporate governance and the taxation of financial transactions. The programme provides an integrated understanding of economic and financial phenomena and the legal framework that governs them.

The programme is designed for students from different academic backgrounds: both students with a background in law who want to deepen their understanding of finance and students with a background in economics and finance who want to develop advanced legal expertise. An initial bridging semester helps students build a shared foundation and an integrated professional profile.

The programme covers the main legal, economic and financial dimensions of markets and business, from corporate and financial law to regulation and compliance, and from corporate finance and corporate governance to M&A transactions, debt restructuring and taxation.

The programme combines theoretical learning with practical application through simulations, group work, seminars with practitioners and internships as part of the curriculum at law firms, banks, financial intermediaries and regulatory authorities.

The graduate degree programme in Law and Finance is awaiting initial accreditation by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR).

Why choose Law and Finance at Università Cattolica?

Law and Finance brings together two areas of expertise that are essential for understanding and navigating the complexity of contemporary markets: law and finance.

The programme provides an interdisciplinary and international education, giving students the tools they need to analyse the dynamics shaping financial markets and the business world and equipping them to address strategic decisions, transactions and regulatory challenges in highly specialised and competitive professional settings.

Law and finance in one programme

A genuinely interdisciplinary approach to understanding how legal rules, markets and financial decisions interact in business management and financial transactions.

Focus on financial markets and business operations

The programme explores the tools and contexts where law and finance intersect: corporate and financial law, corporate finance, M&A transactions, debt restructuring, corporate governance and the taxation of financial transactions.

A semester to build a common foundation

The first semester includes a bridging programme designed to bring students from different backgrounds in law and economics/finance onto a shared foundation, from which they can develop more specialised skills.

Taught entirely in English

The entire programme is taught in English, in an international learning environment that reflects the global nature of financial markets, law firms, institutions and supervisory authorities.

Practical experience and engagement with professionals

Simulations, case studies, group work, seminars with practitioners and internships as part of the curriculum enable students to apply what they have learned and develop the skills needed to tackle real-world situations and decisions.

Skills for highly specialised professional settings

The interdisciplinary approach opens up career opportunities in banks and financial intermediaries, investment funds and investment companies, businesses, international law firms, audit and consultancy firms, supervisory authorities and European institutions, in Italy and abroad.

Taught entirely in English, the programme is designed for Italian and international students. Milan — a European hub for utilities, infrastructure, healthcare and innovation — is an integral part of the learning experience.

/ Study plan

Programme structure

The Graduate Degree Programme in Law and Finance is structured to make the different academic backgrounds students bring from the first semester a resource for the whole cohort. The first semester is designed to establish a common foundation: students with a degree in economics deepen their knowledge of corporate law, international contract law and European regulation, while those with a background in law, political science or the social sciences develop a foundation in accounting, market analysis and quantitative methods applied to finance.

From the second semester, all students follow a common curriculum, including co-taught courses delivered jointly by academic staff from law, economics and finance. This teaching approach is one of the programme’s distinctive features, providing a genuinely integrated understanding of financial phenomena. Alongside key topics in regulation, corporate finance and taxation, the curriculum also includes criminal law subjects applied to the business and economic sphere.

In the second year, a substantial choice of elective courses allows students to tailor their studies to their main areas of interest. A course dedicated to emerging issues in data protection, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity reflects the programme’s focus on digital transformation in the financial sector.

An internship as part of the curriculum and a final examination in English complete the programme. Rather than being stand-alone activities, they are the natural culmination of an integrated course of study designed to enable students to graduate with a clearly defined specialisation and solid practical experience.

Study pathways

Legal

Designed for students with a background in economics and finance, the Legal pathway provides the legal and regulatory knowledge needed to work effectively in regulated markets. Through courses in corporate law, international contract law and European financial markets law, students develop the skills required for careers in international law firms, the legal and compliance departments of banks and financial intermediaries, and national and European supervisory authorities.

Economic

Designed for students with a background in law, political science or the social sciences, the Economics and finance pathway develops and strengthens the quantitative and financial skills needed to navigate contemporary markets. Through courses in financial accounting, market analysis and quantitative methods, students learn to interpret economic and financial phenomena and develop skills relevant to careers in banks, investment funds, audit firms and financial institutions.

View the study plan

Teaching approach

The Graduate Degree Programme in Law and Finance is based on a clear teaching principle: genuine interdisciplinary expertise is not developed simply by placing law and finance side by side, but by integrating them from the classroom onwards. This principle underpins the use of co-taught courses delivered jointly by academic staff from law, economics and finance. Rather than simply dividing teaching responsibilities, this approach reflects the real complexity of the phenomena students encounter.

The programme uses active learning methods, including the analysis of cases drawn from professional practice and case law, simulations of financial transactions, examination of contractual documentation and group work. These activities train students to analyse real-world problems, integrate different perspectives and develop independent judgement in highly regulated environments. Engagement with the professional world is not occasional but embedded throughout the programme: lawyers, bankers, officials from supervisory authorities and sector specialists regularly contribute to teaching, bringing first-hand experience of the issues shaping contemporary financial markets.

Assessment uses a range of methods, including written and oral examinations, individual and group papers, and presentations. These assess not only subject knowledge, but also students' ability to apply that knowledge rigorously and critically, integrating legal, economic and financial perspectives. The programme culminates in an internship as part of the curriculum and a final examination in English, giving students an opportunity to synthesise their learning and demonstrate their ability to work at the intersection of law and finance.

Types of learning activities

Lectures using case studies

Seminars with practitioners (lawyers, bankers and officials from supervisory authorities)

Group work on transaction simulations and analysis of contractual documentation

Internships as part of the curriculum

Final dissertation based on original research

/ Admission

The admission process

Find admission information based on whether you hold an Italian or international qualification*

To apply for the Graduate Degree Programme in Law and Finance, you must meet the academic entry requirements and follow the admission procedures and deadlines.

01

Check admission dates and procedures

Academic year 2027/28

The admission procedures for 2027/28 will be available soon, including information on how and when to apply.

02

Prepare the required documents

Make sure you have all the documents you need to submit your application.

More information: Required documents

Passport-style photograph – Accepted formats: JPG, JPEG. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
Identity document – Identity card, passport or driving licence. Accepted formats: PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, PDF. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
Italian fiscal code (codice fiscale) – Accepted formats: PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, PDF. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
English language certificate – Level B2 or above.
Residence permit (if required) – Accepted formats: PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, PDF. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
Self-certification of degree and examinations taken, including SSD and CFU.
Baptism certificate – If you do not have one, you will receive further information about the alternative documentation you can submit.

03

Register or log in to the Enrolment Portal

If you don't have an account yet, register on the Enrolment Portal. If you already have one, log in using your credentials.

04

Check whether you meet the academic entry requirements

For the verification of curricular requirements, enter the details of the undergraduate degree you have completed or are currently completing in the Enrolment Portal.

Include the courses/modules in your study plan, specifying the scientific-disciplinary sector (SSD) and credits (CFU) for each one. For exams you have passed, also provide your grades and exam dates.

The outcome will indicate whether you meet the academic requirements for admission to the programme and provide information on the next steps.

05

Reserve your place

If the check confirms that you meet the academic entry requirements, you can reserve your place by paying the first instalment of tuition fees through the Enrolment Portal.

You can do this even before you have completed your undergraduate degree.

06

Complete pre-enrolment or enrolment

If you have not yet completed your undergraduate degree, you must first pre-enrol. Once you have graduated, you can complete the enrolment process.

At this stage, you will need to provide a self-certification of your degree and examinations taken, along with a certificate of baptism. If you do not have a certificate of baptism, you can submit alternative documentation as specified in the Enrolment Portal.

You must enter your income details by the end of November using the "Income statement" (Compila Redditi) application, available on your personal iCatt page.

* The information provided is subject to the approval of the competent bodies and may be subject to change

Useful information

Practical information to help you enrol and get started at Università Cattolica.

Applicants with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) can access learning aids and adjustments to study and assessment arrangements. Full details are available in the University's Services for Inclusion section.

Learn more about Services for Inclusion

Transfers, programme changes, second degrees and resuming studies

Applicants wishing to change programmes within Università Cattolica, transfer from another university, pursue a second degree or resume their university studies must meet the entry requirements.

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English Test

More information: English Test

/ Fees and funding

Tuition fees and financial support

Tuition fees and scholarships

Starting university often involves questions about fees, deadlines and the support available. Clear information about financial support and accommodation options helps students plan their studies with confidence, allowing them to focus on their academic progress and personal development.

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, through EDUCatt, offers income- and merit-based scholarships and graduation awards, providing financial support to help students continue their studies.

Visit the dedicated section for information on tuition fees and other costs, use the online fee simulator, and find out about available financial support.

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Student accommodation

Università Cattolica offers a range of housing options to support students throughout their studies.

On campus residences

Nine residences are located on or near Università Cattolica campuses. They offer an educational experience that goes beyond accommodation, with cultural activities, meetings and workshops that complement university study. Residence life also provides opportunities to be part of an active community, exchange ideas and share experiences.

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Residences in the city

Residences located across the city are well connected to Università Cattolica campuses. They offer students greater independence in their day-to-day life, while providing comfortable accommodation and the flexibility to balance study, social life and personal time.

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/ International experiences

Study, internships and volunteering abroad

During your studies at Università Cattolica, you can gain international experience as part of your academic journey. Studying, doing an internship or volunteering abroad gives you the chance to experience new academic, professional and cultural environments, improve your language skills and develop an international perspective that can enrich your studies and support your future career.

Discover the opportunities to study, undertake an internship or volunteer abroad:

Semester abroad

Double degrees

Language courses and certifications

Summer programmes

Internships abroad

International volunteering

Thesis abroad

Short programmes

Virtual programmes

You can include an experience abroad as part of your studies. For programmes involving exams abroad, you can check in advance whether they can be recognised, following the guidance provided by your Faculty and discussing this with the relevant academic staff.

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/ Internships and careers

Internships and career opportunities

The Faculty of Law and the School of Banking, Finance and Insurance also offer opportunities for internships and professional training, enabling students to apply their knowledge in a range of professional settings.

Internships and professional training

The internship is an integral part of the Graduate Degree Programme in Law and Finance and takes place in the fourth semester. It is not an optional addition to the study plan, but a core component of the programme, giving students the opportunity to engage directly with the complex dynamics of professional settings where law and finance intersect, through both observation and active participation.

Internship opportunities reflect the career paths for which the programme prepares students, including international law firms, banks and financial intermediaries, investment funds, consultancy and audit firms, and national and European supervisory authorities. The internship plan is agreed in advance with each student to ensure that the experience is consistent with their studies and supports the development of practical professional skills.

A distinctive feature of the programme is the opportunity to develop the final thesis in close connection with the internship. Experience gained at the host organisation can provide the basis for identifying a research topic, collecting data and relevant case material, and developing the thesis under the joint supervision of an academic supervisor and a host-organisation supervisor. The programme explicitly encourages this approach, viewing the internship not only as a route into professional practice, but also as a genuine opportunity for applied research.

The Career Service supports students and graduates as they prepare to enter the job market, providing career guidance and resources to help them navigate different professional and organisational contexts. It supports the development of transversal skills, creates opportunities to meet employers and helps students develop an informed and coherent career path.

Every year, more than 20,000 students take part in events organised with over 100 partner companies, and more than 9,500 undertake an internship with support from the Career Service and internship tutors.

Find out more

Learning outcomes

By the end of the Graduate Degree Programme in Law and Finance, students will have developed advanced, integrated skills to interpret, analyse and manage complex phenomena at the intersection of law and finance.

The ability to integrate different disciplinary perspectives — legal and financial — in a coherent rather than merely additive way is one of the programme's most distinctive learning outcomes. This ability is increasingly valuable as markets, institutions and professions seek professionals able to bridge fields that have traditionally remained separate.

Corporate and financial markets law

Advanced knowledge of corporate law, corporate governance and extraordinary transactions, with the ability to analyse corporate structures from a legal perspective and understand how capital markets operate.

Corporate finance and valuation

Strong command of corporate finance tools, capital structure and valuation methods for companies and complex financial instruments.

European regulation and compliance

Ability to analyse the impact of European and domestic regulation on banks, financial intermediaries and markets, and to manage regulatory compliance in highly complex regulatory environments.

Extraordinary transactions and debt restructuring

Expertise in structuring and conducting legal and economic analysis of M&A transactions, debt restructurings and corporate crisis situations, with a strong command of tools for resolving insolvency in an international context.

Taxation of financial transactions

Knowledge of the tax treatment of financial instruments, M&A transactions, securitisations and group structures, together with tax planning skills in national and international contexts.

Business criminal law and corporate criminal compliance

Understanding of the regulatory framework governing corporate and banking offences, market abuse and corporate criminal liability, with the ability to manage criminal compliance programmes within organisations.

Accounting, quantitative methods and financial analysis

Strong command of financial statement analysis, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and quantitative and statistical methods applied to finance.

Data protection, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity

Ability to navigate the regulatory framework governing data governance, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, with an understanding of the legal and operational implications for organisations operating in the financial sector.

Independent judgement and international professional communication

Ability to formulate original, well-reasoned assessments at the intersection of law and finance and to communicate analyses and solutions in written and spoken English to specialist and non-specialist audiences in international professional settings.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Graduate Degree Programme in Law and Finance develop advanced specialist expertise for roles in which law and finance are not separate disciplines but integrated dimensions of the same problem. Their ability to interpret financial transactions from both legal and economic perspectives and work confidently in regulated, international and highly complex environments prepares them for a wide range of organisations in Italy and abroad.

The main areas of employment include:

Banks and financial intermediaries: commercial and investment banks, asset management companies (SGRs), investment firms (SIMs) and listed companies, in legal, compliance, risk management and transaction structuring roles.
Insurance companies and insurance groups: in legal, regulatory and internal control functions, with a focus on regulatory compliance and risk management.
International law firms: in departments specialising in structured finance, M&A, capital markets and banking law, where financial expertise is now an essential complement to legal expertise.
Private equity and venture capital funds and M&A boutiques: in legal and financial roles supporting acquisitions, restructuring and portfolio management.
National and European supervisory authorities: Bank of Italy, CONSOB, IVASS, ECB, EBA and ESMA, in regulatory analysis, supervision and policy-making roles.
European institutions and international organisations: European Commission, European Parliament, think tanks and bodies specialising in financial market regulation.
Audit and consultancy firms: leading audit and strategic consultancy firms, as well as specialised boutiques, in teams providing legal, tax and compliance advice to financial and institutional clients.
Legal and financial departments of large industrial companies: in roles involving governance, international taxation, extraordinary transactions and debt restructuring.

The main roles held by Law and Finance graduates include highly specialised positions at the intersection of regulation and financial markets, requiring legal rigour, economic understanding and strong practical skills in international contexts.

Legal, Compliance and Regulatory Specialist

Capital Markets Lawyer

M&A and Debt Restructuring Adviser

Corporate Finance and Structured Finance Specialist

Tax and Structured Finance Specialist

Regulatory Affairs Manager

Risk and Compliance Officer

In-house Counsel for Banking and Industrial Groups

Due Diligence Specialist

Wealth Management and Succession Planning Adviser

Data Protection Officer and AI Governance Specialist

Policy Analyst at European Supervisory Authorities and Institutions

Continuing your studies

The Graduate Degree Programme in Law and Finance is designed to prepare graduates for highly qualified professional roles while also providing a strong theoretical, methodological and interdisciplinary foundation for those wishing to pursue further specialised study or research.

Graduates can pursue second level Specialising Master Programmes and executive programmes in areas such as:

banking and financial markets law;
international taxation and tax planning for financial transactions;
corporate crisis management and debt restructuring;
compliance, risk management and European regulation;
artificial intelligence, fintech and data governance in the financial sector;
wealth management and wealth planning.

Some graduates go on to Doctoral Programmes in law, economics and finance, or in law and economics, particularly after gaining research experience through the internship undertaken as part of the curriculum or their final dissertation/project. These pathways enable graduates to develop skills for academic or applied research at universities, research centres, supervisory authorities, and European and international institutions.

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