1. General Information

School	School of Architecture Urban Planning Construction Engineering
Code Reference Law	1035
Name	Architectural Engineering
Reference Law	Ordinamento D.M. 1648-1649/23
Class of degree	LM-24 - Construction engineering
Degree level	Laurea Magistrale (Equivalent To Master Of Science)
First year of activation	2014/2015
Official length of the programme	2
Years of the programme already activated	1,2
Official language(s)	The Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) programme is offered in English but the degree programme meets the requirements of MIUR (Ministry of Education, Universities and Research) note of 11.07.2018 and the CUN opinion of 10.23.2018.
Campus	Lecco
Dean of the School	Andrea Campioli
Coordinator of the Study programme	Graziano Salvalai
Website of the School	http://www.auic.polimi.it
Website of the Study programme	https://www.ccsae.polimi.it

Central Student Office - Lecco

Address

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2. General presentation of the study programme

The programme in Architectural Engineering, entirely offered in English, prepares professionals ready to tackle the cultural and technical challenges of sustainability in the construction sector.

Our graduates can work in the field of new and refurbished buildings (and more in general of the built environment) with high performances, high energy efficiency and limited environmental impact. They are also able to transfer this ability outside Europe, in countries with different climate and construction practices, thanks to the experience gained in the world-leading European legislation about energy-efficient buildings (target 2050).

The structure of courses of the programme in Architectural Engineering considers the wide range of parameters influencing the design, performance modelling, construction and management of energy-efficient buildings, and their mutual dependence. The environmental performance of a building is in fact related, in a non-linear way, to the combination of various parameters acting at different scales: from the external microclimate, defined also by the urban morphology, to the single construction component, or the mechanical systems, or again users’ behaviour.

The Architectural Engineer is a strongly innovative professional, able to manage the complexity of the high-performance built environment: either because he/she masters the tools and the cultural aspects required to guide a design process integrating different disciplines (multi-disciplinary) at different scales (multi-scalar), which is the only route to cost-effective solutions; or because he/she acquired the ability and the tools to model in detail the components of buildings from the point of view of structural behaviour and building physics. The Architectural Engineer is then able to design efficient components of buildings, also with innovative features, and to predict the performances of buildings and their parts in time.

The educational offer is completed by a wide and articulated choice of elective courses, enhanced by the possibility of selecting them from other Study Programmes of the School, as specified more in detail below.

3. Learning objectives

The construction sector has been undergoing a major transformation and renewal process for several years in response to the growing demand for sustainability in the built environment, as part of the transition towards the decarbonisation of the economy and society.

The global challenges caused by climate and demographic changes, as well as by the rapid urbanisation in many countries, makes evident the need to train high-level professionals able to offer effective and qualified answers to an evolving framework in which environmental sustainability and people's well-being are among the priority objectives.

The training objective of the Program is to prepare a high-level professional figure able to work in the built environment sector, and in particular in low environmental impact and high energy efficiency systems, thanks to a multidisciplinary preparation and the acquisition of a specialised engineering method.

To this end, the educational offer has been structured with the aim of providing students with:

• knowledge in the disciplines of building systems engineering, such as further theoretical-scientific foundations in the physical and applied sciences for solving the problems of environmental comfort and habitability of built spaces, seismic engineering, structures in relation to the types of buildings and their intended use, their foundations and the other structures that interact with the soil;
• in-depth knowledge of practices, procedures and methodologies for expert technical support in construction litigation;
• knowledge of the cognitive foundations and application tools of infographic modelling, BIM and HBIM, virtual representation and reverse modelling, as well as of the technologies functional to the acquisition, management and interpretation of data and information flows related to design and construction processes;
• knowledge relating to the analysis of risks related to construction activities, safety in the design phase, on construction sites, in workplaces, procedures and technical-operational measures necessary for the mitigation/elimination of hazardous conditions;
• interdisciplinary knowledge aimed at the design and experimental validation of the theoretical formulations acquired.

Through the mastery of the method of analysis and design and its specific tools, the Architectural Engineering graduate is able to identify problems and search for the most appropriate solutions in environmental, cultural, technological, energy, structural and process terms.

More specifically, the Architectural Engineer is able to:

• design complex new building systems, particularly in terms of technological, energy, structural and environmental quality aspects;
• renovate and rehabilitate existing buildings, with particular attention to the technological, energy improvement and structural rehabilitation aspects;
• managing the multidisciplinary and multi-scalar building process, using specific design and modelling tools;
• develop technological innovation of components, particularly in the direction of industrialisation and reduction of carbon emissions in the life cycle, with related experimental activities;
• manage the multidisciplinary and multi-scalar building process;
• manage the overall performance with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of buildings.

In order to achieve the diversified educational objectives, the study program provides students with methods and scientific knowledge from the various disciplinary fields necessary to understand the complex correlations between architecture, decarbonisation objectives, energy efficiency and technical-constructive solutions, and to effectively manage design and construction processes in the built environment.

The possibility of choosing between different courses is therefore provided, in order to allow the training of a specific professionalism in the field of Architectural Engineering, immediately usable in the world of work, also according to the different types of training of students. 

The results described are achieved through various teaching methods, including innovative learning in the form of flipped and blended learning, multimedia, virtual exchange, seminars with external experts, guided exercises and design workshops. The latter constitute the main mode of application of the concepts and models explained in the lectures, and a fundamental opportunity for the practical implementation of multidisciplinary design principles through group work, applied to the analysis, interpretation and management of complex transformations.

4. Organization of the study programme and further studies

4.1 Structure of the study programme and Qualifications

The educational program is divided into three subject areas: 

• Area of Construction Engineering, which includes the subjects that impart knowledge and skills on the functioning of the building organism and its parts, as a basis for dealing with the complex phenomena related to the design of building organisms with low environmental impact and high energy efficiency in established contexts;
• Area of interventions in the built environment, to which belong the subjects that provide the necessary skills to correctly interpret the built environment, with particular regard to historical Italian and European cities, and the tools useful to intervene in consolidated contexts rich in physical and cultural stratifications; 
• Area of multidisciplinary design, in which one acquires the theoretical and operational tools to understand the complex correlations between architecture, environmental impact, energy efficiency and technical/constructive solutions, and to effectively manage multidisciplinary design and implementation processes. 

The program provides the opportunity to explore innovative, integrated and multidisciplinary design approaches to re-think the future of our buildings and cities and encourage lasting change in their transition to a zero-emission society. Through lectures and design exercises, students will have the opportunity to learn a framework for understanding the discipline of architecture and sustainable design and the correlation with other disciplines. 

4.2 Further Studies

The qualification grants access to "Dottorato di Ricerca" (Research Doctorate), "Corso di Specializzazione di secondo livello" (2nd level Specialization Course) and "Master Universitario di secondo livello" (2nd level University Master)

5. Professional opportunities and work market

5.1 Professional status of the degree

The Architectural Engineer is a highly qualified professional who can work in the field of the built environment, and in particular of high energy performance, low environmental impact buildings, thanks to a multi-disciplinary training and to the acquisition of specialised engineering skills.

Graduates in Architectural Engineering can take the Professional Practice Exam to get licensed as senior engineers according to the Italian law (registration in the Albo degli Ingegneri, settore Civile – Ambientale, sezione A), and practice in Italy and / or in other countries according to the specific local regulations.

5.2 Careers options and profiles

Since the Architectural Engineer knows about design and analysis tools, he/she can master the complex series of technical, technological, organisational, legislative and regulatory aspects related to fields such as:

• the environmental sustainability of buildings, either new-build or refurbished;
• the multi-scale correlations originated by the quest for environmental quality of complex systems, either at the urban or building scale;
• the technological innovation of buildings and their components;
• the advanced performance modelling of construction components, building services and complex structures;
• the work in multi-disciplinary teams.

The Architectural Engineer can typically find a job as:

• consulting engineer,
• design engineer for buildings and their structures,
• project manager,
• and in general in all those positions requiring qualified skills about technological innovation for low-energy buildings.

5.3 Qualification profile

1) Profile in a work context

The Architectural Engineer professional is able to operate independently and effectively in the processes and activities of:

• design of complex new building systems, particularly in technological, energy, structural and environmental quality aspects;
• rehabilitation and transformation of existing buildings, with emphasis on technological, energy improvement and structural rehabilitation aspects;
• multidisciplinary and multi-scalar building process management, through specific design and modeling tools;
• technological innovation of components, particularly in the direction of industrialization and reduction of carbon emissions in the life cycle.

For these reasons, the graduate in Architectural Engineering can find work, for example, as:

• consulting engineer,
• construction engineer and structural engineer (design engineer),
• project manager,
• in general, in roles in which high-profile expertise is required in the field of technological innovation for buildings with low environmental impact.

2) Skills of this function

The Architectural Engineer is a highly professional figure capable of working in the field of the built environment, and in particular in the integrated design of buildings with low environmental impact and high energy efficiency, thanks to a multidisciplinary preparation and the acquisition of a specialized engineering method.

Through mastery of the method of analysis and design and its specific tools, the Architectural Engineering graduate is able to identify problems and search for the most appropriate design solutions in environmental, cultural, technological, energy, structural and process terms.

Thus, this is a professional engineering figure capable of operating independently and effectively within complex, multidisciplinary and multi-scalar projects. 

3) Job opportunities

The Architectural Engineer finds opportunities for professional placement in architectural and engineering firms and companies; in construction, management, and maintenance companies; in companies that design and implement systems in buildings; in insurance companies and service companies that offer consulting in the areas of energy, environment, safety, and quality, including expert opinion; in companies that manufacture and market construction products and systems; and in public administration and entities involved in international cooperation and owners: 

• in the functional, technological, structural, and MEP design and management of building systems and subsystems as well as the built environment;
• in the digital management of conceptual and implementation processes of new or existing building systems and subsystems;
• in the analytical assessment of technological-environmental, energy, and safety performance; 
• in the management and planning of construction processes of works and systems;
• in the management, maintenance and rehabilitation of building works, systems, facilities and services;
• in the management of structural and plant safety of buildings and their contexts;
• in expert technical support to litigation in construction;
• in the automation and management of construction procedures and the organization of temporary construction sites;
• in the assessment of environmental impacts. 

6. Enrolment

6.1 Access requirements

First cycle degree (level 6 EQF) or comparable qualification

Admission to the Program Architectural Engineering is subject for all candidates to the evaluation of their curriculum by a Commission. 

Students holding a Laurea (equivalent to Bachelor of Science), or comparable degree obtained outside Italy, in the different classes of Engineering (with priority given to Building, Architectural and Civil Engineering) and Architecture may apply. No curricular integrations are assigned to all admitted candidates.

The evaluation criteria are indicated in the Technical Attachment (point 14 of this document). 

In case of international students, in addition to the knowledge of the English language, knowledge of the Italian language is also required. 

General information relating to admission and enrolment is available on the Guidance and Counselling Office’s page https://www.polimi.it/en/prospective-students

Admission Regulations to Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) Programmes of the School of Architecture Urban Planning Construction Engineering are published on http://www.auic.polimi.it/en/

The admission requirements for accessing the Master of Science Course referred to in this Regulation are valid only for the Academic Year to which this document refers and may change in subsequent Academic Years.

6.2 Requested knowledge

The programme is primarily open to Architectural, Building and Civil Engineers and Architects wishing to improve their ability to be part of multidisciplinary design teams, manage a complex design process, and enhance their skills in construction engineering and energy and structural modelling.

From a general point of view, prospective students should have solid foundations in the areas of calculus, building physics, structural engineering and building technologies.

Prospective students should carefully consider the abilities requested to pass exams, be open-minded and ready to work in multidisciplinary teams.

6.3 Deadlines for admission and number of places available

Please find detailed information about the admission procedures at this page of the School of Architecture Urban Planning Construction Engineering:

https://www.auic.polimi.it/en/students/test-admission-changing-programme-and-transfer/admission-to-laurea-magistrale-degree-equivalent-to-master-of-science

and in the Polinternational website for prospective students: https://www.polimi.it/en/prospective-students

80 places are available in the Architectural Engineering Program, 15 of which reserved for Italian, EU and European Economic Area candidates.

The periods during which an application for admission to one of the Course of Study of the AUIC School may be submitted are specified in the academic calendar.

Any student in a good position in the ranking (as specified in the technical annex to these rules) may only enrol in the reference period for applications.

Any unassigned places at the start of the first term will be available at the start of the second term and, in the event that the programmed number is reached in the first term, it will not be possible to submit an application for admission in the second term.

Students with foreign educational qualifications must refer to the procedures posted on the Polinternational website https://www.polimi.it/en/prospective-students

6.4 Tutoring and students support

Please visit the Polinternational website:

http://www.polinternational.polimi.it

for information about the educational offer, the application procedures, the exchange opportunities and the practical aspects of life at Politecnico and in Italy.

Each September, Politecnico di Milano holds a Welcome Week for international students, introducing them to life in Italy and at Politecnico.

A presentation of the contents of the Architectural Engineering Program follows in the Lecco Campus.

The Lecco Campus also provides logistic support specifically for international students (Welcome Desk).

7. Contents of the study Program

7.1 Programme requirements

120 ECTS credits are required to earn the degree of Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) in Architectural Engineering.

Courses are broadly organised into four main areas:

• architectural and urban design;
• technological design and process management, analysing the integrated design process from the environmental point of view;
• refurbishment and conservation;
• structural design.

The programme spans four semesters:

• the first semester presents topics and tools required for the following courses, also taking into account the diversified backgrounds of students;
• the second semester presents specialised courses;
• the third semester revolves around the integrated design of a complex building, supported by courses providing tools for construction technologies and environmental quality: this project is the foundation of the degree thesis;
• the fourth semester concentrates on the preparation of the degree thesis, which will demonstrate the student’s skills in designing and managing a multi-scalar, multi-disciplinary process.

According to Law No. 33 of April 12, 2022, simultaneous enrollment in two programs is allowed. Enrollment in two programs is possible only if they are of different degree classes (classi di laurea) and differ in at least two-thirds of their educational activities regarding academic credits. 

Consistent with what is defined by Law No. 33, at the student's instance, the maximum number of CFUs already taken in the other program and validatable is 40 CFUs for MSc programmes.

Please note that courses belonging to programs of a different level or type from the program you are enrolled in cannot be validated.

Full details on when to apply for validation and the administrative fees to be paid are available on the Polimi website: https://www.polimi.it/contemporanea-iscrizione

7.2 Mode of study

The Course includes participation in training activities consisting of lectures and tutorials, design studio activities, workshops, seminars, study trips and internships. Attendance at Studios is mandatory.

In some instances, the educational offer includes innovative forms of teaching / learning.

In some cases, the educational offer includes innovative learning modules.

This course requires a full-time attendance and involves classroom and laboratory activities.

7.3 Detailed learning objectives

1 Year courses - Track: ARC - Architectural Engineering

Code	Educational activities	SSD	Course Title		Language	Sem	CFU	CFU Group
062466	--	ING-IND/11	BUILDING PHYSICS			1	12.0	12.0
062467	C	ICAR/18	HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE			1	6.0	6.0
063987	B	ICAR/19	CONSERVATION			1	6.0	6.0
062469	B,C	ICAR/10	SUSTAINABLE MULTIDISCIPLINARY DESIGN PROCESS STUDIO			1	9.0	9.0
062468	B,C	ICAR/09	STRUCTURAL DESIGN			2	9.0	9.0
062470	C	ING-IND/22	BUILDING MATERIALS			2	9.0	9.0
062472	--	ING-IND/11	BUILDING SERVICES			2	6.0	6.0
062474	B	ICAR/21	URBAN DESIGN + STUDIO			2	9.0	9.0

2 Year courses - Track: ARC - Architectural Engineering

Code	Educational activities	SSD	Course Title		Language	Sem	CFU	CFU Group
063546	B	ICAR/14	ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIO			1	6.0	6.0
063547	B	ICAR/11	INTEGRATED PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND DESIGN TOOLS			1	6.0	6.0
063548	B	ICAR/11	SUSTAINABLE BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES + STUDIO			1	12.0	12.0
097626	B	ICAR/11	DESIGN OPTIONEERING			1	6.0	12.0
059524	B	ICAR/14	ENERGY + FORM (a)			1	6.0
089027	B,C	ICAR/09	BUILDING IN SEISMICAL AREAS			2	6.0
063474	--	ING-IND/11	ACOUSTICS IN BUILDINGS			2	6.0
097619	B,C	ICAR/10	ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS			2	6.0
097628	B,C	ICAR/10	INTEGRATED MODIFICATION METHODOLOGY FOR THE SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT			2	6.0
063332	B	ICAR/11	INGEGNERIA DELLA SICUREZZA ANTINCENDIO AVANZATA E FSE			1	6.0
059541	--	ING-IND/15	VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN			2	6.0
083575	B,C	ICAR/09	PROGETTO DI STRUTTURE			2	6.0
063867	B	ICAR/11	METHODS AND TOOLS FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT			1	6.0
063917	--	--	INTEGRATED FINAL DESIGN STUDIO			1	9.0 [1.0]	9.0
063917	--	--	INTEGRATED FINAL DESIGN STUDIO			2	9.0 [1.0]
063916	--	--	INTERNSHIP			1	3.0	3.0
063916	--	--	INTERNSHIP			2	3.0

^(a) Closed number subject

Glossary

Educational activities (Att Form) C Similar or integrative activities B Identifying activities

Semester (Sem) 1 First Semester 2 Second Semester A Annual course

7.3.1 POLIMI Ambassador in Green Technologies

The Master programme in  Architectural Engineering takes part in Politecnico di Milano’s Ambassador in Green Technologies programme, aimed at strengthening the skills related to Green Technologies in higher education.

The Ambassador in Green Technologies is a MSc graduate with forefront systemic skills, interdisciplinary vision, and specific aptitude to innovation in the fields of environmental sustainability and decarbonisation of the economy. The Ambassador in Green Technologies profile corresponds to a professional figure with both advanced, specialized skills in the green sector, and transversal skills, which allow graduates to broaden their knowledge in the field of Green Technologies and to adopt a systemic approach to the design, management, innovation, and study of the life cycle of green technologies.

The training programme is articulated within the MSc educational path, and sets at 130 credits (thus at least extra 10 credits in addition to the standard MSc requirements) the minimum number of credits needed to complete the selected MSc and, at the same time, to qualify for the certification of Ambassador in Green Technologies.

As part of the educational training, students must acquire at least 30 credits in courses related to the Ambassador in Green Technologies profile, which have to be chosen among those proposed in Tables A and B shown below.

Table A indicates compulsory specialized courses offered by the Master programme in Architectural Engineering and providing core skills in “green technologies”. 

Table B indicates transversal courses offered across different programmes. At least 22 credits must be selected from the table: out of these, 12 will count against the 120 credits required for graduation (credits for the elective course in year 2 of the program), while the other 10 (at least) will be extra credits. The latter will entitle students to be awarded the PoliMI Ambassador Green Technologies badge.

The Ambassador in Green Technologies certification will be reported in the Student’s Diploma Supplement and an electronic badge will be issued by Politecnico di Milano.

Students who will not obtain the required extra 10 credits and the 30 credits in training activities functional to the Ambassador in Green Technologies profile will not be precluded from obtaining a MSc degree.

Track: ARC - Table A

Track: * - Table B

7.4 Foreign language

Certified English language knowledge is necessary for admission. 

 

Please find information about the English language requirements here: https://www.polimi.it/en/current-students/language-requirements-english-and-italian

In particular, students with a University qualification obtained outside Italy should provide an English language proficiency certificate as explained here:

https://www.polimi.it/en/prospective-students/how-to-apply/admission-to-laurea-magistrale/foreign-qualification

7.5 Degree examination

The program ends with a degree examination, consisting in the presentation and discussion of a degree thesis. The development and successful submission of the final thesis work awards the number of credits specifically reserved for this. The final thesis work consists in the design of a complex building, either new or refurbished, and shall have a multidisciplinary nature to prove the ability of the candidate to manage the different areas of expertise; or it can treat one or more specific disciplinary aspects in detail (depending on the track).

Detailed information about the preparation of the thesis work is available in the Technical Attachment, referring to the Supplementary Graduation Rules in Architectural Engineering.

Information about the final Degree exam, concerning general rules and regulations, calendars, registration and submission of theses, are available at:

https://www.auic.polimi.it/en/students/bachelor-and-master-graduation-exams

https://www.polimi.it/en/current-students/didactic-activities-and-degree-examination/degree-examination/

8. Academic calendar

The Academic calendar is available here: 

https://www.auic.polimi.it/en/teaching/documents/academic-calendar

9. Faculty

The names of professors for each Course, together with their subject, are available in the Educational Rules which are published each year on the website of Politecnico di Milano in the course catalogue.

10. Infrastructures and laboratories

The Architectural Engineering Program takes place entirely in the Lecco Campus, in new buildings constructed in the area of the former hospital. Classrooms, studios and computer design rooms allow students to work in a comfortable environment, in line with the international university standards.

In the Campus, study areas, library, printing center, models workshop, as well as research laboratories are also available.

 

Educational support facilities

• https://www.biblio.polimi.it/en/
• Laboratorio Modelli e Prototipazione (Campus di Lecco)
• BEELab - Building Energy Efficient Lab (Head: Prof. Graziano Salvalai) https://www.beelab.polimi.it/
• IndexLab – Creativity and Technology (Head: Prof. Pierpaolo Ruttico) https://www.indexlab.it/
• RE3_Lab – Recupero Edilizio ed Efficienza Energetica (Head: Prof.ssa Manuela Grecchi)

For more information, please visit the websites:

• https://www.polimi.it/en/scientific-research/research-at-the-politecnico/laboratories/ (AUIC School)
• http://www.polo-lecco.polimi.it/en/ (Lecco Campus).

11. International context

The Master of Science in Architectural Engineering can be compared with existing programs offered in many universities around the world under the names of Building Engineering or Architectural Engineering, either as independent programs or as specific tracks of larger programs.

The past experience at Politecnico di Milano with the program in Ingegneria dei Sistemi Edilizi (offered in Italian and also in English), the surveys among stakeholders, and the analysis of the most advanced programs in this field offered in Europe and around the world, allowed to identify a common thread linking Building Technology with multi-disciplinary and multi-scalar design, energy efficiency and economy of resources.

On this basis the program in Architectural Engineering was designed.

12. Internationalization

International Mobility 

The Politecnico di Milano offers the students various opportunities to spend periods studying abroad. The credits (ECTS) acquired, subject to the approval of a Learning Agreement, are recognized as an integral part of the curriculum.

International mobility may be for study (a) or a Double Degree (b): 

a) period of study at partner universities in EU countries (Erasmus) and non-EU countries (bilateral agreements); 

b) Double Degree projects with EU and non-EU universities. 

Aside from these opportunities, international mobility  periods of variable lengths and natures are also possible, within international networks which the Politecnico is part of (Alliance4Tech, Athens, Idea League, UniTech).

The mobility for study generally lasts one term. It is potentially extendable, if allowed by the agreement with the partner university, for a further term, subject to authorization from the School Bodies (the Politecnico Teachers who promote the mobility for the partner university).

During the mobility for study, it is possible to acquire credits (ECTS) and/or carry out part of the thesis at the partner university. This opportunity for some universities is specified in the call and is coordinated by the proposing professor; where it is not specified, students may nominate a co-supervisor in the partner university, as long as the objectives and content are agreed with the supervisor, who must be a professor of the Politecnico di Milano. The final discussion of the thesis must take place at the Politecnico di Milano.

Students who take part in the Double Degree programme will obtain the Degree title from the Politecnico di Milano as well as from the partner university, after having acquired a total of 150 or 180 ECTS credits - according to the agreement - across the two universities.  Following the discussion of the thesis - in the ways agreed with the partner university - students will be awarded with two degree with two separate marks. 

The conversion of the grades of the exams passed abroad is carried out, whenever possible, through the procedure reported in the "ECTS user guide". For further information: https://op.europa.eu/it/publication-detail/-/publication/da7467e6-8450-11e5-b8b7-01aa75ed71a1/language-en. If this conversion is not possible, the validations will be processed "without grade".

Students who have carried out a period of international mobility for study abroad during their Laurea (Bachelor of Science) can apply again during their Laurea Magistrale (Master of Science).

 

The universities available under the specific agreements for each Programme are posted on the Degree Programme  (Manifesto degli Studi) https://www4.ceda.polimi.it/manifesti/manifesti/controller/extra/ScambiInternazionaliPublic.do on the International Mobility Agreements Map https://www.polimi.it/en/campuses-and-services/international-mobility/international-mobility

Students are requested to read this information before submitting their application.

International mobility is supported by both the Politecnico and the European Union with the payment of a scholarship, the amount of which varies from year to year. 

In order to be able to participate in international mobility programmes, either for study or for Double Degrees, students must submit their applications via the call for International Mobility, posted periodically on the Politecnico website and on the AUIC School’s website

Students selected for mobility cannot carry out the exchange during the first term of their first year of their Master Programme.

The selected students must agree with the Professor of Politecnico, Promoter of the partnered university where they have been assigned, a Learning Agreement, i.e. a Study Plan equivalent to the teachings at the foreign university.

The Politecnico does not require a minimum number of ECTS credits, though this may depend on the partner university or on administrative restrictions to obtain a visa that may be necessary for non-EU countries.  

When returning from the mobility for study, a maximum of 48 credits of teachings obtained abroad can be validated.

For students with previous career, the total sum of the credits from previous career and from international mobilitry cannot overcome the number of 48 credits.

For students who have not been selected for international mobility but who nonetheless wish to work on their thesis abroad, financial support is available thanks to the “Tesi all’estero” scholarship posted on the Politecnico di Milano website and the AUIC School’s website 

https://www.polimi.it/en/studenti/tasse-borse-e-agevolazioni/borse-di-studio-non-dsu-e-premi-di-laurea/scholarships-tesi-estero

 International Mobility for Internships

The Erasmus+ for Traineeship Programme allows students to do an internship (which can replace the obligatory internship, or as an optional internship or post-graduate internship) in Europe of a minimum duration of 2 months thanks to a scholarship funded by the European Commission. https://cm.careerservice.polimi.it/career-program/erasmus-for-traineeship/

 

“FREE MOVER" mobility

Students who carry out an international mobility by organizing their own study period abroad are defined as "free movers".

This international mobility is not linked to an exchange program organized by Politecnico di Milano.

The freemover mobility must be approved, for the purpose of the recognition of credits and further constraints, by a referent of your course of study and will be recognized only the activities of:

- teaching attendance

- performance of thesis work

For information, students can contact the International Mobility Unit – Via Golgi 42, Milan.

13. Quantitative data

A University Assessment Commission regularly reports on the final results of programmes, including the quality of teaching activities and the graduates’ employability.

14. Further information

Each year the Course organizes various events and initiatives to extend learning outside the university. In particular, student work exhibitions are organized, along with workshops, competitions, and study trips in Italy and abroad.

1. Admission to the Programme - Students with Italian Degrees

All candidates for admission to Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of  Science) Programmes at the School of Architecture Urban Planning Construction Engineering are required to submit an application for career assessment using the specific function available on the University website, in the Online Services section (www.polimi.it/servizionline). 

1.1. Programme Requirements and Specifications

The requirements are those previously described in paragraph 6.1 of the Educational Rules.

It is specified that admission to the Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) in Architectural Engineering is subject to the assessment of the previous career and is permitted without educational debits.

In addition to first-level graduate students in the Programs from the classes L-23, L-7 and L-17, graduate students with a Laurea (equivalent to Bachelor of Science) or a three-year university degree different from the ones listed above, but deemed eligible, may also be admitted without educational debits. 

General University information on admission and enrolment procedures is available on the University website: http://www.polinternational.polimi.it.

1.2. Procedures for Submission of Admission Applications for AUIC School Candidates 

1.2.1. Programme and Previously Approved Study Plan Options

When submitting an application for assessment, candidates must choose their Program together with their course options which, in the online system, are referred to as the Previously Approved Study Plan (PSPA).

The University rules establish a maximum of three options for application for admission to Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) Programs. It is therefore possible to indicate up to three Program preferences.

For each Program, it is possible to specify the available Previously Approved Study Plans in order of preference.

For AUIC School Programs, the various Previously Approved Study Plan options within the same Program are only counted once towards the maximum of three preferences that may be expressed.

Example:

1. Program B - (non-AUIC program)
2. Program A - (AUIC program) ITA Track
3. Program A - (AUIC program) ENG Track
4. Program C - (AUIC program) X Track
5. Program C - (AUIC program) Y Track 

 

5 Program-Previously Approved Study Plan options entered / 3 Program preferences counted.

Students may, within the established deadline, change/overwrite their choices.

1.2.2. Establishment of the Ranking List

The Commission, having assessed the candidate’s previous career, will admit him/her to one or more of the Previously Approved Study Plans indicated, until the maximum allowable number of students for that specific Academic Year is reached.

If the student is not admitted to the PSPA (track) expressed as first choice because of unavailability of places, he/she will be considered for the second choice, with regard to the position in the ranking and to the places available. 

1.3. Assessment Parameters 

1.3.1. Graduate Students from the Politecnico di Milano Automatically Entitled to Admission

There is no automatic entitlement to admission.

1.3.2. Students Admitted with Assessment of Merit

This assessment is performed by the relevant Programme, which may award up to 100 points:

1.      Average at the end of the student’s 3-year course apportioned on a score of 50: up to 50 points
2.      Suitability/coherence of previous curriculum, i.e. Laurea (equivalent to Bachelor of Science) of origin: up to 30 points
3.      Duration of the student’s Laurea Triennale (three-year degree) career: up to 10 points
4.      Order of the preferences expressed at the time of the student’s application for admission: up to 10 points.

The minimum score for admission is 65/100.

1.4. Documents Required for Students Admitted with Assessment of Merit

1.4.1. Students of the Politecnico di Milano

Certificate of English language. The previous career will be supplied to the Assessment Commissions by the Registrar's Office.

1.4.2. Students from Other Universities

• Certificate of English language
• Self-certification of the degree held (graduate students only)
• Self-certification of examinations passed for at least 145 credits. Other certifications of any university degrees held: Masters, PhDs, and Postgraduate Schools.

The documentation may be self-certified in accordance with the statutory provisions governing Substitute Declarations (Dichiarazioni sostitutive) (see example). It must contain the exact titles of the examinations taken, the Disciplinary Scientific Sectors, the number of credits per scientific sector, the score and the examination recording date. The applicant must sign the documents, otherwise they are not legally binding and cannot be accepted by the Selection Committee.

 

1.5. Results and Publication of the Ranking List of Students Admitted

With regard to the points above, at the end of the evaluation sessions, a merit-based ranking will be published, in order to the determine the number of admitted students in relation to the places available.

In order to guarantee the foreseen number of places, a student that has been positively evaluated for admission (green check) might not be able to enrol. Enrolment will be enabled to students who appear in the merit-based ranking as “admitted to enrolment”.

It is not possible to re-assign places in the ranking, in case not all admitted students proceed with enrolment. Vacant places will be added to those foreseen for the second semester.

Admitted students should proceed with enrolment following the procedures and deadlines set by the University. 

Graduating students can enrol with reserve by following the instructions published on the website: https://www.poliorientami.polimi.it/info-per/futuri-studenti-lauree-magistrali/ 

1.6. Examination Validation 

Following enrolment on one of the Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) Programs, examinations taken during the previous career (not used as required credits) may be assessed and recognised as validation or attendance validation, if compatible with the course catalogue of the Laurea Magistrale Program enrolled upon.

Validations will be indicated in the career assessment and automatically uploaded to the Study Plan.

1.7     Single Courses

 Enrollment in Single Courses is incompatible with enrollment in Bachelor Degree Courses, Specialist/Master Degree Courses and the Master Degree Single Cycle of the Politecnico di Milano.

Any recognition by the Commissions responsible for evaluating the Degree Programs, of acquired credits cannot exceed 32 credits in order to guarantee the overall adequacy of the study plan, and is subject to 

• being found suitable in the rankings for access to the specific Degree Program
• the possession of all the pre-requisites required for access to the specific Degree Program

2. Admission to the Programme - Students with Foreign Degrees

International students from foreign universities are selected according to the times and methods indicated at Application Procedures: polimi

Assessment is performed by the relevant Programme, which may award up to 100 points:

1.      Suitability/coherence of previous Curriculum Vitae, i.e. Laurea (equivalent to Bachelor of Science) of origin: up to 60 points
2.      Geographical area of origin: up to 10 points
3.      Duration of university education: up to 10 points
4.      Order of the preferences expressed at the time of application for admission: up to 10 points
5.      Other documents in support of the application: up to 10 points 

The score resulting from the evaluation by the Admissions Committee of the Master program is then weighed with the grade defined by the International Projects Office (SPI), which is based on previous academic performance and on the quality of the institution. The weights are as follows: study programme 50%, SPI 50%.

The minimum score for admission is 65/100.

The Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) programs in the School of Architecture, Urban Planning and Construction Engineering will only accept new admissions of students with non-Italian qualifications in the first semester (September). 

The School will consider requests for admission deferment to the second semester (defer). Obtaining a deferment is subject to the availability of planned places. Students may apply for deferment from June to August. 

Students will be informed of the outcome of their request at the beginning of October:  

• students who have been granted the deferment will be asked to confirm it by paying the non-refundable administrative fee of €172.20 by a provided deadline; 
• students who have not been granted the deferment may reapply for the following academic year. 

3. Transfers and Changes

Transfer from other Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) Programs or other universities is only permitted through submission of an admission application.

Transferred students’ previous examinations may be validated if deemed compatible with the course catalogue of the degree program applied for. As per University regulations, students transferred from other universities are required to take examinations at the Politecnico di Milano for at least 60 credits, plus the traineeship and final test.

Enrolment on a Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) is not a guarantee of transfer without educational debits: the Commission will always take into account the first-level Laurea (equivalent to Bachelor of Science) gained, applying current regulations.

Transfer to the Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) in Architectural Engineering is not permitted for candidates enrolled at Italian universities on single-cycle Laurea Magistrale Programs. Students from foreign universities in countries with educational systems that do not include Laurea Triennale (equivalent to three-year Bachelor’s Degree) Programs must guarantee enrolment on the 4th year of the program, passing of examinations worth at least 180 ECTS credits and meeting of the minimum curricular requirements for category L-23.

Neither transfers nor changes are allowed during Semester Two.

4. Deadlines for First-Year Enrolment Administrative Procedures

All deadlines concerning the submission of the admissions request, the presentation of English language certificates, the enrolment process and the submission of the Study Plan are specified each year on Politecnico’s website.

 

5. Study Plan

Students are required, under their own responsibility, to submit their individual Study Plan through their personal page on the Online Services.

The study plan submitted in September, according to the deadlines set by the School, must include the teachings for the entire academic year.

The Plan is taken by the School as a supporting document for all intents and purposes. Its compilation also attests to the compliance of the choices made by the student with the rules specified by law and the provisions of the Programme Rules.

The Study Plan for the Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) in Architectural Engineering consists of 120 ECTS, to be included in the Plan as required credits, subdivided as follows:

•        single-subject or integrated courses;
•        design studios;
•        traineeship;
•        final project.

The maximum number of credits that students may enrol for each year is 80, which corresponds to a maximum recommended load per semester of 40.

Plan alteration requests will not be accepted. Submission of the Study Plan is definitive and must be performed within the deadlines and according to the procedures established by the School.

 

5.1. Deadlines for Annual Study Plan Submission

Study Plan submission is performed through the Online Services, exclusively during the specific periods established by the academic calendar and indicated on Politecnico’s website.

 

5.2. Half-year Change of Study Plan

It is possible to change the Study Plan submitted during the academic year in progress only in a specific period before the start of the spring semester, as specified in the Academic Calendar and on Politecnico’s website.

The following operations will be possible for courses offered in the second semester: add or remove optional and compulsory courses, final test and traineeship.

 

5.3. Additional Payment

Through resolution of the Board of Governors, an additional payment of 100.00 euros is applicable for failure to submit the Study Plan within the deadlines established by the academic calendar.

The payment will be required with the second instalment.

 

5.4. Attendance

Once included in the study plan, teachings are listed as acquired attendance in the following years, giving the possibility to take the examination with the original professor as long as the latter remains active. If the student wishes to attend the teaching again, when filling the study plan for the following academic year (September), they can delete the previously acquired attendance and insert the same teachings (according to the active educational offer) as new attendance.

The final test and traineeship are entered one time only during the entire university career.

 

5.5. Elective Courses

The elective courses (12 ECTS credits in total) can be selected among those offered by the Program in Architectural Engineering and by other programs offered at Politecnico in the same educational class (LM-24 according to the Italian Ministry for Education, University and Research).

5.6. Extra Courses

It is possible to add courses/educational activities to the Study Plan as extras. These courses will not count towards the overall credits required for admission to the final test and will not be used in calculation of the score average.

It is possible to change the status of a course from required to extra, and vice versa, during the annual Study Plan submission period.

For all regulations, reference should be made to the specific University guide.

5.7. Course Priorities

The Architectural Engineering Program does not impose priorities on the sequence of exams. The optimal sequence to be followed for the Program is the one suggested by the course sequence established in the Degree Program.

 

6. Traineeship

Students can carry out their traineeship from the first semester of the first year or at a later time, provided that it has been inserted in the Study Plan during the submission and change periods.

The School cooperates with professional associations, public administrations, local authorities and companies, to organize external traineeship activities, in order to guarantee the student the opportunity to acquire the credits required by the educational system. In addition, students may carry out a practical activity (traineeship) within the Departments of the Politecnico di Milano.

Traineeship activities, both internal and external, are regulated by the School’s obligatory Rules on traineeship activities. The rules on traineeship duration are established by the Programmes, in accordance with the directives of the School.

All further information is available at the Traineeship Office of the School of Architecture Urban Planning Construction Engineering and in the dedicated section of the School’s Website 

https://www.auic.polimi.it/en/students/students-university-career/internships

The University also organises Erasmus scholarships for traineeships abroad. For further information: https://cm.careerservice.polimi.it/en/

Each year, the AUIC School offers several workshop activities. Some of these workshops, characterised by a markedly operative / practical content, can be recognised as internship activities (3 ECTS credits), as long as they have been classified as “workshop accredited as internship” by the School Board. Moreover:

•  in relation to degree sessions, workshops can be accredited only if they end at least a month before graduation day;

•  Laurea Magistrale students cannot request the accreditation of a workshop attended while being enrolled in a Laurea (equivalent to Bachelor of Science) programme; if the workshop has been carried out as an “excess course” during the Laurea (equivalent to Bachelor of Science) programme, it cannot be validated within the Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) programme.

 

7. Examinations

 

7.1. Procedures

The uniformity of procedures for checking of learning across all sections of the same course and planning of these procedures is ensured through appropriate forms of coordination, in line with the directives of the Laurea Magistrale(equivalent to Master of Science) Program.

At the start of the academic year, each Professor will communicate the procedures for checking of learning, the content of the examination and the assessment criteria.

For each course (individual courses and studio) there are three exam sessions. Each exam session involves one or more exam session date as established by the School’s academic calendar.

To be able to sit an exam session, you must register within the deadlines provided through the https://aunicalogin.polimi.it/aunicalogin. At the end of the exam registration procedure, the system issues a receipt, to be saved and stored, that confirms the enrollment.

You can register to an exam only if:

• you paid all university tuition fees
• that course is included in your Study Plan
• you passed all propaedeutic exams related to the one to which you want to be registered
• you attended the course, in case the attendance is compulsory.

You may also register after the deadline set by the School. In fact, you may register up until midnight of the actual exam date. In this case, your registration will be accepted as conditional, and it will be up to the teacher’s unappealable decision whether or not you may be admitted to the exam in question.

In any case, you cannot register to an exam session after the deadline as listed above. Similarly, students who are not registered cannot sit the exam.

Graduating students must observe the specific deadlines established by the academic calendar in order to permit completion, within the established deadlines, of the procedures for registration for the degree exam session.

 

8. International Mobility

All students duly enrolled in the Program in Architectural Engineering, and complying with the academic performance indicated below, are entitled to submit an application to access the international exchange programs offered by the Politecnico di Milano. 

Minimum academic requirement to be able to apply for mobility calls (both Double Degree programme and Short Mobility): Total average greater than or equal to 24. In the absence of data on the Total Average, the Degree value will be adopted, as defined in the University call for tenders, which must be greater than or equal to 27.

The formula for calculation of the Total Average is clearly defined each year in the University call for international mobility and takes into account the average of the exams of three-year Laurea and Laurea Magistrale, and the number of ECTS acquired.

 

9. Final Test

The Final Test of the Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) in Architectural Engineering consists of presentation and discussion of a final work (graduation work). This work must be original in terms of its scientific (theoretical, numerical or experimental, design or technological) content or due to the complexity and interrelationship of a variety of knowledge in order to achieve a finished result.

 

Detailed information can be found in the AUIC School’s Rules on the Final Test for the Laurea (equivalent to Bachelor of Science) and Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) and in the Additional Regulations for the Laurea Magistrale in Architectural Engineering, both available at: https://www.auic.polimi.it/en/students/bachelor-and-master-graduation-exams

As specified in the document, since thesis projects in Architectural Engineering are markedly design-oriented or experimentation-oriented, they can be developed by teams of up to three students.

9.1 Final work topic selection

Students who wish to start working on the final work (Tesi) can check the list of thesis topics offered by faculty members. The list of available theses can be accessed through the WEBEEP platform of the Master of Science in Architectural Engineering. The list will be updated annually and it will be available to students enrolled in the fourth semester of the study programme.
Only the original in Italian is valid.

15. Errata corrige