School of Industrial and Information Engineering
Degree Programme of:
Process Engineering
Laurea (Equivalent To Bachelor Of Science)
Cremona Campus
1. General Information
School School of Industrial and Information Engineering Code Reference Law 573 Name Process Engineering Reference Law Ordinamento D.M. 1648-1649/23 Class of degree L-9 - Industrial Engineering Degree level Laurea (Equivalent To Bachelor Of Science) First year of activation 2026/2027 Official length of the programme 3 Years of the programme already activated 1 Official language(s) English Campus Cremona Dean of the School Lorenzo Dozio Coordinator of the Study programme -- Website of the School http://www.ingindinf.polimi.it Website of the Study programme
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Central Student Office - Cremona
Address VIA SESTO, 39 (CR)
2. General presentation of the study programme
The BSc Programme in Process Engineering is a three-year international programme delivered in English and designed to educate engineers capable of understanding, analysing, and contributing to the improvement of industrial processes, with particular emphasis on the integration of physical systems, digital technologies, data, automation, and sustainability.
The programme has been developed in response to the evolution of contemporary industrial environments, in which the transformation of materials and energy, increasingly supported by data and digital technologies, plays a central role across a wide range of sectors, including the chemical, pharmaceutical, agri-food, energy, materials, and advanced manufacturing industries. In these contexts, efficiency, safety, quality, and sustainability are closely integrated with modelling, simulation, control, and data analytics techniques.
The Degree Programme provides a systems-level understanding of industrial processes, with capability of operating in multidisciplinary and international environments and contributing to the analysis, monitoring, and optimisation of industrial plants and production systems. The graduate profile combines strong scientific foundations, core engineering knowledge, and introductory competences in industrial digitalisation.
The identity of the programme is built upon several distinctive features: the integration of the physical and digital dimensions of industrial processes, a process systems thinking perspective, a strong emphasis on laboratory-based and project-based learning, and close interaction with the industrial environment. From the first year onwards, the curriculum is designed to connect fundamental scientific disciplines with engineering applications, including through interdisciplinary activities that promote the integration of theoretical knowledge, experimentation, and problem-solving skills.
The educational pathway progressively guides students from the acquisition of scientific foundations in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science, through the development of the fundamental principles of process engineering, to their application in engineering contexts of increasing complexity. The programme culminates in a Final Project aimed at integrating the knowledge and competences acquired throughout the degree and applying them to a process engineering problem.
The Degree Programme adopts a student-centred educational model based on the integration of lectures, guided exercises, laboratory activities, and project work, including activities developed in collaboration with industry. This approach promotes active and progressive learning and aims to develop not only technical and scientific competences, but also transferable skills such as teamwork, technical communication, independent judgement, and lifelong learning.
The programme is delivered at the Politecnico di Milano – Cremona Campus, located in a territory characterised by a significant industrial presence. This setting reinforces the connection between academic education and real-world applications, consistently with the cultural and professional profile of the graduate.
3. Learning objectives
The BSc Programme in Process Engineering aims to educate graduates with a solid scientific and engineering foundation oriented towards the understanding, analysis, and improvement of industrial processes, with particular emphasis on the integration of physical phenomena, digital technologies, data, and automation systems.
The educational pathway is designed to develop engineers with interdisciplinary competences, capable of operating in industrial environments characterised by increasing technological, organisational, and digital complexity, and of contributing to the analysis, monitoring, and optimisation of industrial processes and production systems.
In particular, the Degree Programme aims to:
- provide a solid scientific foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science, supporting the modelling and understanding of phenomena relevant to industrial processes;
- develop knowledge of the fundamental principles of process engineering, including thermodynamics, transport phenomena, process plants, and industrial operations, within a systems-oriented perspective;
- provide fundamental competences in modelling, simulation, and data analysis, including the use of computational tools, while introducing the principles of automation and control of industrial processes;
- develop the ability to analyse and interpret process data and to contribute to the evaluation and improvement of the performance of systems and plants, with reference to efficiency, quality, and sustainability;
- promote the acquisition of practical and project-based competences through laboratory activities, guided exercises, and project work, in which theoretical knowledge is connected to engineering practice, including through interaction with industrial environments;
- develop transferable skills such as teamwork, technical communication in English, independent judgement, awareness of ethical, environmental, and social implications, and a lifelong learning mindset.
The Degree Programme is designed both to prepare graduates for entry-level technical and operational roles in industry and to provide a solid foundation for further studies in master’s degree programmes in process engineering and, more broadly, in industrial and automation engineering.
4. Organization of the study programme and further studies
4.1 Structure of the study programme and Qualifications
The BSc Programme in Process Engineering is a three-year programme (180 ECTS credits) organised according to a progressive structure that guides students from the acquisition of scientific foundations to their application in engineering contexts. Courses are designed in an integrated manner, combining theoretical lectures with guided exercises, experimental and computational laboratory activities, and project-based work. This approach enables students to systematically connect theoretical models with their applications in industrial processes and to develop an operational understanding of the subjects studied.
The educational pathway follows a coherent progression.
First year. Students acquire the fundamental knowledge of the basic scientific disciplines (mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science) along with introductory concepts in economics and industrial systems management. These subjects are integrated through interdisciplinary activities known as Engineering Corners, which enable students to connect theoretical concepts with introductory engineering problems.
Second year. Students develop the fundamental knowledge of process engineering, with particular emphasis on thermodynamics and transport phenomena, electrical systems, probability and statistics, software systems, and the fundamentals of automatic control. At this stage, students develop the ability to model and analyse systems and processes of intermediate complexity, integrating both physical and digital aspects.
Third year. The programme focuses on the application and integration of the knowledge acquired throughout the degree. Courses address process modelling and simulation, automation of industrial systems, data analysis, materials processing, and the design and management of industrial operations. Students are required to tackle engineering problems in more complex contexts and progressively develop greater operational autonomy.
In the final stage of the programme, students undertake the Final Project, consisting of the development and presentation of a project- or application-based work in the field of process engineering, which may be carried out in collaboration with industrial companies, research organisations, or other external partners.
Upon successful completion of the programme requirements, including the acquisition of 180 ECTS credits and the successful completion of the Final Project, students are awarded the Bachelor’s Degree in Process Engineering.
4.2 Further Studies
The qualification grants access to "Laurea Magistrale" (2nd degree), "Corso di Specializzazione di primo livello" (1st level Specialization Course) and "Master Universitario di primo livello" (1st level University Master)
The BSc Programme in Process Engineering provides an appropriate foundation for further studies in MSc programmes across the main areas of industrial engineering. In particular, graduates may pursue MSc programmes in process and chemical engineering, automation and control engineering, management engineering, as well as other programmes consistent with the knowledge and competences acquired during the degree.
The interdisciplinary nature of the programme enables students to shape their subsequent academic pathway according to the interests and areas of specialisation developed throughout their studies.
5. Professional opportunities and work market
5.1 Professional status of the degree
The degree in Process Engineering grants access, upon passing the State Examination, to Section B of the Italian Register of Engineers (Junior Engineers), in accordance with current legislation.
5.2 Careers options and profiles
Graduates in Process Engineering are prepared to enter entry-level technical and operational roles within industrial environments characterized by the transformation of matter and energy and by the increasing integration of technologies, data, and automation systems.
In particular, graduates may contribute to activities in the following areas:
- analysis and monitoring of industrial processes, with reference to performance, efficiency, and quality;
- collection, processing, and interpretation of process data to support operational and decision-making activities;
- modelling and simulation of industrial processes and systems;
- implementation and management of process automation and control systems;
- collaboration in the preliminary design and improvement of plants and production systems;
- support for operational management, planning, and control of industrial activities, including economic and organisational aspects;
- support for quality, safety, and sustainability activities within industrial environments.
Graduates typically work in collaboration with specialist professionals, contributing to the integration of technological, digital, and managerial components.
5.3 Qualification profile
6. Enrolment
6.1 Access requirements
Italian secondary school leaving qualification or other comparable foreign qualification (level 4 EQF)
Admission to Bachelor of Science programmes requires a five-year or four-year upper secondary school diploma, or an equivalent qualification obtained abroad (EQF level 4), recognised as suitable.
Students already enrolled in other degree programmes at Politecnico di Milano or at other universities may apply for transfer to Process Engineering, with possible recognition of previously acquired credits. The Admissions Committee will evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis. Applications positively evaluated may be accepted only if places are available.
6.2 Requested knowledge
Admission requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Process Engineering consist of taking an admission test and possessing specific language competences.
The following admission tests are accepted:
- TOL – Test on Line (provided by Politecnico di Milano): test in Italian;
- TOLC-I (provided by CISIA – Interuniversity Consortium for Integrated Access Systems – www.cisiaonline.it): test in Italian;
- CEnT-S (provided by CISIA – Interuniversity Consortium for Integrated Access Systems – www.cisiaonline.it): test in English;
- SAT (provided by The College Board – www.collegeboard.org): test in English.
The language requirement consists of knowledge of English prior to enrolment. This requirement is considered fulfilled in one of the following three cases:
- citizenship of a country in which English is the official language;
- possession of an educational qualification, at least at upper secondary school level, obtained in English;
- possession of an appropriate English language certification as specified on the webpage dedicated to students enrolled in English-taught Bachelor of Science programmes.
Knowledge of Italian is not an admission requirement. However, before obtaining the degree, students must provide certification of Italian language proficiency at B2 level.
This requirement is automatically fulfilled in one of the following three cases:
- completion of the TOL or TOLC-I test with a score of at least 30/100;
- possession of Italian citizenship or citizenship of the Republic of San Marino or the Swiss Canton of Ticino;
- possession of an educational qualification, at least at upper secondary school level, obtained in Italian.
6.3 Deadlines for admission and number of places available
The number of available places is published on the webpage:
https://www.polimi.it/futuri-studenti/test-e-ammissione/laurea/posti-disponibili.
6.4 Tutoring and students support
Tutoring services are available within the School of Industrial and Information Engineering to support students throughout their studies. These activities involve both student tutors and faculty tutors. Further information is available on the website:
https://www.ingindinf.polimi.it/it/studenti/servizi/tutorato.
The Degree Programme also provides students with an academic tutor selected among the programme faculty, with functions of guidance and support throughout the educational pathway. The academic tutor assists students in understanding the programme structure, monitoring academic progress, and making educational choices, fostering the development of autonomy and awareness.
7. Contents of the study Program
7.1 Programme requirements
To obtain the degree in Process Engineering, students must acquire 180 ECTS credits, in compliance with the constraints established by the programme regulations. The pathway includes passing examinations related to basic, core, complementary, and integrative educational activities, as well as completion of the final examination.
Pursuant to Italian Law no. 33 of 12 April 2022, simultaneous enrolment in two degree programmes is permitted. Enrolment in two programmes is allowed if they belong to different degree classes and differ by at least two-thirds of their educational activities in terms of academic credits. In accordance with Law no. 33, upon student request, the maximum number of credits already acquired in the other degree programme and eligible for recognition is 60 ECTS credits for Bachelor programmes. Courses belonging to programmes of a different level or type from the enrolled programme cannot be recognised. Full details regarding deadlines for recognition requests and related administrative fees are available on the university website:
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.Â
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 60 CFUs for BSc 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:Â https://www.polimi.it/contemporanea-iscrizione
7.2 Mode of study
The Degree Programme adopts a student-centred teaching model based on the integration between traditional teaching and active learning activities and founded on the conception of learning as a progressive, continuous, and guided process (continuous learning environment).
The objective is to place students in a position to:
- attend teaching activities regularly and continuously;
- progressively monitor their learning process and workload;
- develop awareness of their level of preparation;
- progressively develop autonomy and responsibility within a structured educational environment;
- encourage active engagement in teaching activities and in the life of the academic community.
Teaching activities include:
- lectures aimed at the transmission of theoretical and methodological contents;
- guided exercises dedicated to problem solving and the application of models;
- laboratory activities, both experimental and computational, also in connection with industrial partners;
- project activities and group work aimed at the integration of knowledge, also in connection with industrial partners.
These curricular activities are complemented by co-curricular activities designed as structured support for learning (review and consolidation sessions, self-assessment activities, disciplinary and thematic in-depth activities).
Attendance at curricular and co-curricular activities is not compulsory; however, participation in specific laboratory activities may be required in order to achieve the expected learning outcomes. Any attendance requirements are specified in the course syllabus. In all cases, attendance is strongly recommended.
The Degree Programme adopts the assessment procedures defined by the School of Industrial and Information Engineering, available at:
7.3 Detailed learning objectives
The programme is designed to ensure a coherent progression from the acquisition of fundamental scientific knowledge to the development of engineering competences and their application to industrial processes.
The educational activities include compulsory courses, elective courses, and activities aimed at the development of transversal skills. Consistent with the educational philosophy of the programme, these activities are designed in an integrated manner, with continuous attention to the connection between theory and application.
In the third year, the programme is completed through activities focused on the application of acquired knowledge in engineering contexts, including a project-based final activity and the opportunity to select elective courses aligned with the student’s interests and with possible pathways for further studies.
Study Plan AY 2026/2027
The Study Plan for the first year of the programme in Academic Year 2026/2027 includes the following courses:
1 Year courses - Track: PRS - Process Engineering
Code Educational activities SSD SM 639/24 Course Title Language Period CFU CFU Group 064314 A MATH-03/A MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS I 1st sem 9.0 9.0 064316 A CHEM-05/A
CHEM-06/AGENERAL AND ORGANIC CHEMISTRY 1st sem 9.0 9.0 064312 A,C IINF-05/A FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE 1st sem 9.0 9.0 064320 -- -- ENGINEERING CORNERS 1 1st sem 3.0 3.0 064321 A MATH-02/B LINEAR ALGEBRA 2nd sem 9.0 9.0 064322 A PHYS-03/A MECHANICS AND THERMAL PHYSICS 2nd sem 9.0 9.0 064323 B IEGE-01/A
IIND-05/ABUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS 2nd sem 9.0 9.0 064324 -- -- ENGINEERING CORNERS 2 2nd sem 3.0 3.0 The planned structure for the second and third academic years includes the following courses:
Course Title
MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS II
FUNDAMENTALS OF ELECTROMAGNETISM
THERMODYNAMICS AND TRANSPORT PHENOMENA
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND DATA MANAGEMENT
PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS
CIRCUIT THEORY
FUNDAMENTALS OF AUTOMATIC CONTROL
PLANTS AND PROCESS ENGINEERING
AUTOMATION OF PROCESS AND PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
INDUSTRIAL PROCESS DIGITAL TWINS
MODEL IDENTIFICATION, DATA ANALYSIS AND LEARNING
DESIGN AND INNOVATION OF INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS
METALS PROCESSING AND COMPONENT ENGINEERING
Autonomous Study Plans
Students may submit an autonomous study plan by selecting courses that are not included in the official Process Engineering Study Plan. Autonomous study plans are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the dedicated Committee appointed by the Programme Board. Approval is based on the consistency of the proposed study plan with the educational objectives and learning outcomes of the degree programme.
Prerequisites
The existence of prerequisites, namely constraints on the possibility of accessing the delivery or assessment phase of courses, prevents students from attending certain courses without having acquired the curricular requirements deriving from the correct sequential acquisition of knowledge.
With reference to the first year of the programme, prerequisites are indicated in the following table.
Course
Mandatory Prerequisite
ENGINEERING CORNERS 1
MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS I
GENERAL AND ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
ENGINEERING CORNERS 2
LINEAR ALGEBRA
MECHANICS AND THERMAL PHYSICS
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS
A mandatory prerequisite implies that it is not possible to include a given course in the study plan without also including all the required prerequisite courses.
7.4 Foreign language
See Section 6.2.
7.5 Degree examination
The Final Examination consists of the presentation and discussion of a report describing the activities carried out by the student at the conclusion of the degree programme. The report is prepared under the supervision of a faculty advisor and is based on a project-oriented or application-oriented activity in the field of Process Engineering. Such activity may involve collaboration with companies, public or private organisations, or research institutions. The presentation and discussion of the report are conducted in English.
The procedures for the assignment of the final degree mark and the related assessment criteria are defined in the Regulations for BSc and MSc Degree Examinations of the School of Industrial and Information Engineering.
8. Academic calendar
The academic calendar is available on the website of the School of Industrial and Information Engineering:
https://www.ingindinf.polimi.it/studenti/calendario-accademico.
9. Faculty
The names of the faculty members responsible for the courses are made available annually on the Study Plan webpages of the Politecnico di Milano website.
10. Infrastructures and laboratories
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Process Engineering have access to all Politecnico di Milano facilities (computer rooms, libraries, study rooms, cafeterias, sports facilities). Some courses include laboratory activities that may be carried out in computer classrooms or experimental laboratories.
11. International context
At the international level, a number of undergraduate programmes can be associated with Process Engineering or related fields, often positioned within Chemical Engineering or more traditional industrial engineering pathways. In Europe, examples can be found at institutions such as the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and the Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola, as well as at other European universities. However, these programmes are frequently delivered in the national language or focused on specific disciplinary domains, without an explicit integration of process engineering, digitalisation, and sustainability within a multidomain perspective.
Against this background, the present Degree Programme occupies a distinctive position by offering an international, English-taught curriculum that organically integrates the physical dimensions of industrial processes with advanced digital tools, data analysis, automation, and sustainability-oriented approaches. This educational model reflects the most recent developments in engineering worldwide, where understanding and improving industrial processes increasingly requires the ability to combine modelling, simulation, control, and data-driven engineering.
The present Programme is further distinguished by its strong emphasis on the educational model and on its close integration with the industrial environment, both of which are characteristic features of the most innovative international experiences. Its interdisciplinary and student-centred approach, combined with structured interaction with companies and real-world engineering contexts, helps align the educational experience with the emerging needs of global industrial systems.
Within this framework, the BSc in Process Engineering at Politecnico di Milano represents an innovative educational offering that is fully aligned with the main international developments in the field. It contributes to addressing a gap in undergraduate education while preparing engineers capable of operating effectively in global, digitalised, and continuously evolving industrial environments.
12. Internationalization
The BSc in Process Engineering is characterised by a strong international dimension, reflected both in the design of the curriculum and in the teaching methods and opportunities offered to students. Within this perspective, internationalisation extends beyond physical mobility and represents a structural component of the educational experience, contributing to the development of graduates capable of operating effectively in global industrial and professional environments, with particular reference to process systems and their technological evolution.
This international dimension is further supported by the opportunity to participate in international mobility programmes, both incoming and outgoing, within the framework of the collaboration agreements established by Politecnico di Milano with partner universities across Europe and worldwide. Students may undertake study periods abroad that are consistent with their educational pathway, with full recognition of the activities completed.
13. Quantitative data
The University Evaluation Unit (Nucleo di Valutazione), also supported by the Joint Faculty-Student Committees of the Schools, periodically carries out analyses of the overall results and qualitative level of the teaching activities of Degree Programmes, monitoring educational activities and graduate placement within the labour market. Reports and studies are available on the Politecnico di Milano website.
14. Further information
Only the original in Italian is valid.