The art of buildings, bridges, and roads is the tip of the iceberg that anyone can see, adore the design, and enjoy its functionality. What is not seen is the tremendous part, under the surface, the knowledge, expertise, and creativity of engineers and architects. The way is long to earn that knowledge; Politecnico di Milano is the place where you can get it.
Over 45,000 students from Italy and abroad believe that the best education for architects and engineers is at Politecnico di Milano. The endless list of Master’s English-taught programs in these fields confirms their right choice. Being the first Italian university and highly ranked among other top-world universities speaks about the quality of the programs.
This article will give you a better perspective on why Politecnico di Milano is the first instance for a successful career in architecture and engineering. Keep reading and learn what makes this university outstanding.
About Politecnico di Milano
Politecnico di Milano (PoLiMi) is a public scientific-technological university that trains engineers, architects, and industrial designers. It was created in 1863 to fulfill the Italian needs of engineering professionals based on German and Swiss models. The roots of the university are based in Milan, while years after, the university spread to other locations:
- Lecco;
- Mantova;
- Cremona;
The university got its international reputation as a leader among technical universities thanks to the quality and innovation of teaching and research. Over the years, PoLiMi has built strong connections with the business environment and productive world by working on research and technological transfer.
PoLiMi is the No.1 university in Italy and holds 10th place worldwide in the Architecture/Built Environment field. High-quality engineering programs bring up PoLiMi to 20th place worldwide in Civil & Structural Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Mechanical, Aeronautical, and Manufacturing Engineering.
High ranking and excellent reputation attract over 45,000 students, 20% of them are architects and more than 2/3 engineers. Thanks to the introduction of English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs, over 8,000 students are international and give the university an international flavor. About 1,600 teaching staff members are devoted to delivering extraordinary programs. The result is 97% employability within the first year after graduation.
However, PoLiMi doesn’t stop here; it is transforming research, technology, and competence in correspondence to world challenges and maintaining its ranking among leading universities in this field.
Bachelor of Science: Architecture and Engineering
For those who want to become architects or engineers, PoLiMi is a great start.
Architectural Design – This 3-year program is available in English on two campuses, Milan Leonardo and Piazenca. The program offers fundamentals and operational tools that future architects need to design. At the same time, the program focuses on the complexity of the transformational processes of the built environment. The architectural design program covers topics such as:
- Architectural design and fundamentals;
- Heritage preservation fundamentals;
- History of Architecture;
- Urban planning;
- Mechanics of materials and structures;
- Architecture for smart cities.
The program also puts a significant effort into soft skills and critical thinking. However, the central role of the program is the design training based on the strong synergy between multidisciplinary studios and disciplinary courses. Students can upgrade their knowledge by attending national and international seminars, conferences, workshops, exhibitions, and study trips.
Civil Engineering – For those who want to become civil engineers, the POLIMI program might meet their expectations. This broad discipline covers planning, design, construction, assessment, monitoring, maintenance, and management of structures and infrastructures. It includes:
- Buildings;
- Bridges;
- Tunnels;
- Pipelines;
- Roads;
- Railways;
- Harbors;
- Airports;
You will learn the theoretical principles of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science, as well as the mechanisms of fluids, solids, soils, structures, hydraulic engineering works, and transportation infrastructures. With the knowledge and skills you will get, you can play a significant role in the economic growth and sustainable development of modern society and resilient communities.
Master of Science: Architecture, Design, and Engineering Programs
PoLiMi is known for its study program in architecture, even among those not very interested in this field. But have you asked yourself why that is? The answer is right away once you start diving into the master’s programs. The list is surprisingly long:
- Architectural Design and History;
- Architecture – Building Architecture;
- Architecture – Built Environment Interiors;
- Architecture and Urban Design;
- Building and Architectural Engineering;
- Landscape Architecture. Land Landscape Heritage;
- Sustainable Architecture and Landscape Design.
So, if you are close to graduating and wish for a new perspective in your postgraduate education, PoLiMi is the university to move on. Don’t waste your energy on further research, but contact the Educational Advising Center in Skopje, PoLiMi’s local partner, and find out when to apply.
Moreover, the Master’s program list is rich with design programs such as:
- Design & Engineering;
- Design for the Fashion System;
- Digital and Interaction Design;
- Integrated Product Design;
- Interior and Spatial Design;
- Product Service System Design;
- Urban Planning and Policy Design.
Yet, PoLiMi is not limited to architecture and design program; it offers a variety of English-taught engineering programs for international students:
- Aeronautical Engineering;
- Agricultural Engineering;
- Automation and Control Engineering;
- Biomedical Engineering;
- Chemical Engineering;
- Civil Engineering;
- Civil Engineering for Risk Mitigation;
- Communication Design;
- Computer Science and Engineering;
- Electrical Engineering;
- Electronics Engineering;
- Energy Engineering;
- Engineering Physics;
- Environmental and Land Planning Engineering;
- Food Engineering;
- Geoinformatics Engineering;
- High-Performance Computing Engineering;
- Management Engineering;
- Management of Built Environment;
- Materials Engineering and Nanotechnology;
- Mathematical Engineering;
- Mechanical Engineering;
- Mobility Engineering;
- Music and Acoustic Engineering;
- Nuclear Engineering;
- Space Engineering;
- Telecommunication Engineering.
If you want to continue and upgrade your graduate education in architecture, design, or engineering, you can definitely find the program for you at PoLiMi.
Joint Venture Postgraduate Programs
At PoLiMi, you can also find programs rarely found at other universities. In collaboration with other schools, PoLiMi offers:
MEDTEC School – This 6-year program is a new single-cycle Master’s Degree that trains a new generation of professionals capable of integrating and enhancing the typical skills of the Surgeon with Biomedical Engineering basic skills and applications. The students will obtain the (three-year) Degree in Biomedical Engineering from the Politecnico di Milano immediately following Humanitas University awarding the Degree in Medicine and Surgery.
Bioinformatics for Computational Genomics – This Master’s program, introduced in collaboration with Università degli Studi di Milano, offers graduates knowledge of the structure and function of biological molecules and how they participate in cellular processes. The program includes:
- Technologies and platforms for the analysis of genomes;
- Tools for bioinformatics and genomic analysis, and
- Statistical and computational methodologies for the analysis of biomolecular data.
Cyber Risk Strategy and Governance – This program was created in collaboration with the prestigious university Bocconi to launch new prospective professionals in cyber risk. The program provides top-flight technological training and expertise on the strategic and economic fronts in several key knowledge areas:
- Technical competencies of computer science and technology;
- A review of managerial, legal, and economic principles to place cyber risk into context;
- Practical learning of soft skills required to communicate cyber challenges.
Transformative Sustainability – This program teaches about the most advanced technologies and engineering approaches to designing, innovating, and managing sustainable systems. At the same time, Bocconi’s expertise provides learning about strategic and economic aspects of sustainability. As such, these two universities prepare a new generation of sustainable specialists, sustainability analysts, and entrepreneurs.
Naval and Nautical Design – In collaboration with the University of Genova, students will master new designs and refit existing yachts and vessels. If you were a kid playing with boat toys, with this program, you can go into details of real mega-yachts, regatta boats, and ship interiors and build the career of your dreams in shipyards or design companies.
Tuition Fees and Financial Aids
Politecnico di Milano is a public university; therefore, the cost of studies is relatively cheaper than some public and private universities. However, there are still fees and administration costs that students have to contribute in the amount of neary 4,000 EUR. This amount can be reduced depending on the economic status, the weight of university credits, etc. Contact EAC or POLIMI’s local partner for more details about tuition fees. They will know to tell you more precisely.
In addition, there is a possibility to apply for discontinued accommodation and scholarships. While only the family income is considered for the first year, for the subsequent years, you will also need to achieve the minimum number of CFUs to be eligible again. How does it work in practice? Ask the advisor from EAC. In the past 20 years, they supported dozens of students to move and study in Italy. For sure, they know all the possibilities how to minimize the financial impact of your budget.
Accommodation and Living in Italy while You Study
Living three years or more in Italy while studying is a charming challenge. Italy has always been an attractive tourist destination. Now, you can study and explore this country’s beauties and heritage much more.
The university offers residential accommodation on the Milan, Lecco, and Como campuses. While Lecco and Como are smaller, and most of the points are reachable by foot, Milan is the opposite, a large and busy city. Yet, the campus in Milan is easily reachable with public transport.
There are single or double rooms with a private or shared bathroom. Rooms have an equipped kitchen with all the necessary staff: shared refrigerator, personal lockers, electric hobs, etc. Aside from comfortable and look-like-home accommodation, the university residences are created in a way for students to socialize, learn about others’ cultures and traditions, and grow as individuals while growing professionally.
The capacity of the eight residences is limited to 1,500 places, so not all international students can be accommodated. If you prefer residential accommodation, you must act as soon as you receive the acceptance letter. More details about the application process and tips to book your place can be found at EAC. Call them and find out the best approach to getting an affordable and pleasant place to stay in Milan.
Milan is growing into a headquarters for many international companies thanks to attractive taxes, fantastic lifestyle, and cultural events all over the year. So don’t be surprised if your first experience of Milan is more European and not much of an Italian city. Yet, Milan hides its history and cultural heritage all over the city. Therefore, you’ll need time to visit attractions other than the well-known Duomo, La Scala Theatre, or Galeria Vittorio Emanuele II.
It’s worth saying that Milan has excellent connections with other Italian cities by train or plane. So, studying in Milan can be transformed into studying in Italy and getting the best out of the time spent there. With 59 world heritage sites by UNESCO, Italy has much to offer; it’s up to you how much you’ll get from that.
Final Thoughts
There are many more things to say about the university that cannot stand in one article. The good news is that PoLiMi will be present at the Study in Italy 2024, an event organized by EAC scheduled for the 4th of February on Holiday Inn in Skopje. It’s an excellent opportunity to be there and get all the answers directly from the university representatives. Register today and secure your place for this annual event.
For those getting the info about Study in Italy 2024 later, there is still a way to learn more about PoLiMi. Call EAC and schedule a free advising session. Your dedicated advisor will tell you about study programs and the application process and help you choose a program that fits your aspirations.
It doesn’t look easy to decide to take the first and most crucial step of your career: study abroad. Yet, you are not the only one. Most of the students who are now studying abroad have passed the same pathway as you’re doing now. Some of them chose the easier way and got support from EAC.
Be one of them and make it less complicated and stressless.
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