School of Design
Degree Programme of:
Communication Design
Laurea Magistrale (Equivalent To Master Of Science)
Milano Campus
1. General Information
(¹) The degree course offers some tracks in Italian and others in English.
School School of Design Code Reference Law 1162 Name Communication Design Reference Law Ordinamento 270/04 Class of degree LM-12 - Design Degree level Laurea Magistrale (Equivalent To Master Of Science) First year of activation 2010/2011 Official length of the programme 2 Years of the programme already activated 1,2 Official language(s) (¹) Italian/English Campus Milano Dean of the School Luisa Maria Virginia Collina Coordinator of the Study programme Valeria Luisa Bucchetti Website of the School http://www.design.polimi.it Website of the Study programme
https://www.designdellacomunicazione.polimi.it/
Central Student Office - Milano Bovisa
Address VIA LAMBRUSCHINI, 15 (MI)
2. General presentation of the study programme
The rapid development of the media (internet and digital communication systems), the increase in the services governing their production/management, and the devices and occasions for communicating and interacting - all of this is making communication an increasingly large and complex sector.
The communication and information sectors are characterised by a generalised presence, an in depth dissemination, and a strong and powerful framework. The communication and information industry is one of the driving forces in modern society. The artefacts and systems designed by communication designers maintain a constant and cross disciplinary presence.
Communication design uses publishing to help spread cultural awareness. It is where media is computerised, and where new methods of the production and dissemination of information takes place.
Communication design works with the interfaces that are connected to products and services, which create a relationship with the user. It can also work with various people and their environment to promote conscious access and use. Some examples of this could be in a large scale distribution plant where consumers come in contact with goods, in the entertainment industry, in sports, in planning of the identity and the dynamics of events, and their dissemination on the various media.
Communication designers are cultural operators who contribute to building relations between subjects in society. These relations are always strictly connected to the contents being conveyed, which contains either persuasive or prescriptive type. Communication designers must take into account the idea of visual contamination, communication saturation and the information overload phenomena, symptoms of a system (where technologies require an overview and direction), conscious choices, and planned trajectories.
Communication designers should be at ease with all aspects of a communication project. These aspects include, but are not limited to: publishing graphics, TV, audio-visual and multimedia publishing, coordinated corporate image and brand identity, product packaging and communication, script character design, web design, data and information visualization, interactive communication artifacts, and service/complex communication design (social networks and joint platforms). All of this takes place with a vision which sets communication as the fundamental strategic linchpin in contemporary society. This design requires specific tools and methods, and an ability to work with the most modern visualization and communication technologies.
In particular the specific skills of communication designers relate to several subjects such as integrated two dimensional and three dimensional communication systems (static and dynamic), lettering, visual perception and variables. Their skills can also include designing sign information, static and dynamic representation techniques (photography, motion graphics, movie design), designing analogue communication products and digital devices, and off-line and on-line platforms (the web and other internet platforms including mobile platforms).
The course catalogue encompasses a Laurea (equivalent to Bachelor of Science) course and a Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) course in Communication Design. The Laurea courses are designed for students with a solid cultural background, a great deal of interest in the subject of design culture (generally and specifically in all aspects of communication), and an openness to learning techniques, methods and languages in their most innovative forms.
3. Learning objectives
The specific educational objectives of the Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) in Communications Design deal with creating design professionals capable of defining strategic and systematic concepts, and coordinating the various figures required to design complex communication systems. This should take place after having acquired technical and design skills in the media sector and in different artefact fields.
The Laurea Magistrale's educational objectives include design autonomy, increased theoretical and system skills, and the development of complex communication systems that integrate a range of artefacts and support. The educational objectives also includes coordination and monitoring forms of inter-media communication with specific reference to digital systems/environments.
The programme intends to train professionals capable of:
- generating complex concepts which supply innovative communication proposals;
- designing new connections among the different communication formats;
- connecting the various elements in a complex communication system originally and innovatively;
- acquiring a systemic vision;
- working and interacting in multi-disciplinary and multicultural groups taking on design-direction roles with a marked propensity for leadership, and an ability to lead a group around a design vision or scenario.
A further primary objective is acquiring skills to help facilitate the formation of a communications design culture of critique, so that communication designers can take on a self-aware and socially responsible, critical, pro-active role in relation to the contents of the communication message. As a whole, the educational programme thus intends to orient students towards the most important and complex real world developments. This orientation should come from a perspective conscious of production dynamics and communication products, and should take into consideration their impact on society.
The Laurea Magistrale in Communication Design programme is divided up into theory courses, project laboratories, work experience with companies, institutions and professional studios, and Laurea Magistrale graduation work.
The theoretical modules are grouped into the first semester of the first year of the 2-year course. The objective is to provide students with an opportunity for an in-depth study of the theoretical-critical dimension of communication and the semiotic, sociological and mass media disciplines. These are some of the foundation stones for communication design skills.
Theoretical courses and project laboratories are closely integrated according to a principle of complementarity. The project's laboratories focus on the diverse dimensions of communication design from two focal points. The first concentrates on the strategic aspects of the project, and aims to develop concept elaboration skills. The second focuses on the digital technology communication and interaction dimensions and its interaction with languages, signs, visual culture, and new socio-cultural practices.
The project themes, which are intense design opportunities and the focus of the school’s laboratories, are chosen for their relevance to modern research issues. These are opportunities of problem solving and spaces for students to develop an exploratory and experimental dimension in their studies. The students will be developing the methodological precision, tools, and techniques for project development in marked co-relation to vision, scenario, and solution building training for complex design projects.
The teaching model involves two different types of laboratory experience.
As well as project laboratories students will gain design experience with the workshop formula, which takes the form of intensive short duration courses (one week). In connection with contexts external to the university (companies, professionals, and organisations) and relevant to emerging social issues, students will take on a project theme where they must demonstrate the ability to activate the project concept to configure potential solutions.
The project laboratories within the Laurea Magistrale and the Final Synthesis Laboratory are the accumulation of all the skills acquired in the programme of study converge. These laboratories constitute a basis for the degree graduation work. The Final Synthesis Laboratory is a full-blown research-education platform, which gives students the opportunity to try their hand at strong inter-disciplinary projects with innovative objectives.
4. Organization of the study programme and further studies
4.1 Structure of the study programme and Qualifications
For every level I Laurea course the School also sets up a related continued study Laurea Magistrale.
Laurea I Level
Laurea II Level of the same class
- Industrial product design
Integrated Product Design
- Communication Design
Communication Design
- Fashion Design
Design for the Fashion System
- Interior Design
Interior and Spatial Design
Industrial product design
Design & Engineering of Industrial Product
Mechanical Engineering (Laurea programme activated at the School of Industrial and Information Engineering)
Material and Nanotechnology Engineering (Laurea programme activated at the School of Industrial and Information Engineering)
Industrial Product Design/Communication Design/Interior Design/Fashion Design
Product Service System Design
Industrial Product Design/Communication Design/Interior Design/Fashion Design
Digital and Interaction Design
Interior Design/Industrial Product Design (Product)
Naval and Ship Building Design - La Spezia campus
All LM study programmes of the School of Design are divided up into sections.
Laurea Magistrale in Integrated Product Design
Taught in Italian and English languages
Active sections during 1st and 2nd year of the LM
Section Integrated Product 1 - IP1
Section Integrated Product 2 - IP2
Laurea Magistrale in Communication Design
Taught in Italian and English languages
Active during both years, 1st and 2nd year of the LM
Communication Section 1 – C_1
Communication Section 2 – C_2
Communication Section 3 – C_3
Laurea Magistrale in Design for the Fashion System
Taught in English language
Active during both years, 1st and 2nd year of the LM
Fashion Section 1 – M_1
Fashion Section 2 – M_2
Laurea Magistrale in Interior and Spatial Design
Taught in Italian and English languages
Active sections during 1st and 2nd year of the LM
Section Interior and Spatial 1 - IS1
Section Interior and Spatial 2 - IS2
Section Interior and Spatial 3 - IS3
Laurea Magistrale in Design & Engineering
Taught in English language
Active sections during both years, 1st and 2nd year of the LM
Section D&E 1 – DE1
Section D&E2 – DE2
Section D&E3 – DE3
Laurea Magistrale in Product Service System Design
Taught in English language
Active sections during both years, 1st and 2nd year of the LM
Section Product Service System 1 - PS_1
Section Product Service System 2 - PS_2
From the 2nd year of the LM the following section will also be active
Section Product Service System 2 - PS_3
Only for students of the Double Degree with Management engineering
Laurea Magistrale in Digital and Interaction Design
Taught in English language
During 1st and 2nd year a single DID Section is active
Please note: the educational offer can be in both languages, Italian and English.
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 professional profile of the Master has a role as director of design, oriented in the design of strategies for business communication and art direction. These figures may be placed in companies or institutions with strong commitment to corporate communication or online presence through e-commerce, they also have opportunity in the market of multimedia and traditional publishing, in the advertising and communication agencies, and with consulting firms in the IT area, cultural institutions, museums and the promotion / service for cultural heritage.
The fast and continuous development of the media, web, and mobile device application systems makes communication a continuously expanding and articulate professional sector.
Career options opened up by this Laurea Magistrale are direction and management of design activities for the strategic planning of complex communication systems. These profiles find their place in companies and other organisations with strong identity building, communications, stakeholder interaction and web presence orientation. The multi-media and digital publishing sector, advertising and communication companies, strategic IT consultancy companies, cultural institutions, museums and cultural heritage promotion, and strategic service provision are also potential career opportunities. A career as an independent entrepreneur (freelance or setting up new business) is also an option.
The traditional and multi-media publishing sector is a potential career option. Within this the user can explore on-line and off-line services, the brand and product identity sphere, and web products and services. Prototype innovation and experimentation is another potential career option. This involves integrating traditional communication systems with digital and web environments and systems.
5.2 Careers options and profiles
The traditional profiles required by the communications industry have been supplemented by new profiles that arose with the digital revolution. In particular, privileged areas of integration of visual communication designers are the traditional and multimedia editorial sector, the professional structures that carry out consultancy activities within the project of communication, graphic, multimedia and digital. Other areas of integration are advertising and communications agencies, companies with a strong vocation to corporate and product communications, the tertiary sector, and the expanding design of visual interfaces for access to complex sets of data and information.
Surveys of University Assessment Commission
https://aunicalogin.polimi.it/aunicalogin/getservizio.xml?id_servizio=204&idApp=1&idLink=42205.3 Qualification profile
Communication designer
profile in a work context:
This designer profile, given his/her design skills in the field of different media and structures, is able to define strategic, systemic and complex concepts, and to coordinate the different figures involved in the communication project.
The Communication Designer has a direction and management role in the design activities for design of company communication and artistic direction strategies.
skills of this function:
Specific skills:
- generating complex concepts supplying innovative communication proposals;
- designing new connections among the different communication formats;
- connecting up the various elements in a complex communication system originally and innovatively;
- analysing the projects with a systemic vision and with the capacity to criticize the communication design, with awareness and social responsibility, in close relation with the contents of the communication;
- working and interacting in multi-disciplinary and multicultural groups taking on design-direction roles with a marked propensity for leadership and an ability to lead and bring together a group around a design vision or scenario.
Job opportunities:
Career options include both traditional and multi-media publishing sector, the brand and product identity sphere and web products and services; prototype innovation and experimentation integrating traditional communication systems and technologically advanced systems. The profiles from this Laurea Magistrale can work as director or manager of design activities for company communication and artistic direction strategies. With these skills they can find a place in companies or institutions or work as freelancer.
These profiles find their place in companies and institutions with strong attention to company communication or to the web presence through the e-commerce; they also have many opportunities in the multi-media and traditional publishing market, advertising and communication companies, IT consultancy companies, cultural institutions, museums and cultural heritage promotion and service provision.
They have many job opportunities to be employed in multimedia and traditional publishing market, in advertising and communication agencies and in consulting companies in the IT field, as well as in production companies.
The traditional professional figures required by the communication industries have been supplemented by new professions emerging from the information technology revolution. Specific sectors in which visual communication designers are in demand are: traditional and multi-media publishing companies; professional bodies providing graphics and multi-media design consultancy services; advertising and communications companies; strongly corporate and product communication-oriented companies; the tertiary sector.
6. Enrolment
6.1 Access requirements
First cycle degree (level 6 EQF) or comparable qualification
Candidate admission is dependent on assessments of merit and of the contents of previous courses of study. Students from other campuses or dissimilar study programmes will be required to undergo assessment of their educational background in order to identify any supplementary courses of study which may be required before admission to the Laurea Magistrale study programme.
Qualifications required for admission:
- Level I or II laurea;
- Appropriate English languages skills certification.
Updates to the “Guida all’ammissione alla Laurea Magistrale” are published every year on the School's site including detailed information on the material required for admission applications, how to register and deadlines, admission without assessment and reasons for non admission. Minimum laurea marks required for admission are also shown.
Students requiring supplementary studies prior to admission must fulfil these within one year of the date of assessment.
6.2 Requested knowledge
In order to be admitted to the LM study programme, you must have a First level Laurea (equivalent to Bachelor of Science) or equivalent qualification obtained abroad, in the class L-4 Industrial Design.
Candidates with foreign qualification will be evaluated only if the educational path allows admission without curricular supplements.
Enrolment is possible also for those with a Laurea (equivalent to Bachelor of Science) in one of the following classes:
- L-3 Disciplines of Figurative Arts, Music, Show Business and Fashion
- L-8 Information Engineering
- L-9 Industrial Engineering
- L 10 Letters
- L-17 Architecture Science
- L-20 Communication Sciences
- L-31 Computer Science and Technology
provided that they have specific curricular requirements as specified below:
at least 40 ECTS, all included in the Sectors ICAR/13, ICAR/17 Design, ING-INF/05 Information processing systems, SPS/08 Sociology of cultural and communication processes.
Without these curricular requirements, integrations will be assigned.
Furthermore, the access to the Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) Study Programme is allowed to graduate students at ISIA and Academies: admission is allowed to Programmes with career related to the Design field.
Compliance with the required curriculum requirements is assessed by an appropriate CdS Commission.
Without these curricular requirements, integrations will be assigned.
It is possible to submit the application for the Master Degree both in the 1st and 2nd semester, respecting the periods indicated in the academic calendar and the detailed modalities written in the Guide for the Admission to Laurea Magistrale of the School of Design.
The right to enrollment acquired in the ranking for the 1st semester can be used exclusively during the enrollment period related to it.
Any remaining vacancies, after the enrollment period of the first semester, will be made available in the second semester.
If the number scheduled for the first semester is reached, the selection procedure will not be opened in the second semester: those who need to request curricular integrations must apply for individual courses; these will be assigned until the quota places are exhausted.
Admissions for candidates with a foreign degree will be possible only for the first semester.
English language knowledge, according to the standards indicated by the University, is a registration pre-requisite. Certificates must be submitted within the application submission deadline.
Candidates with a foreign degree who request admission to an Italian course will be required to have knowledge of the Italian language.
Students applying for admission to the Laurea Magistrale must fill in the appropriate online form and will be eligible for admission only if their previous studies, and the preparation of each candidate, fulfil course requirements as assessed by the appropriate board whose decision is unquestionable. In the event that students are rejected the board will provide reasons for its decision.
For the evaluation of preparation of each candidate, it will be taken into account the average (only for candidates with Italian degree), the choice of a programme with respect to the first level study programme and documents related to projects carried out in the three years, extra-curricular activities.
Students from L Study Programme of the Design School, with some parameters verified at the end of the 2nd year, can directly access without evaluation (these parameters called N/V take into account the number of credits obtained within the 2nd year and related average: for LM Study Programme of the Design School, the minimum parameters for direct access are 114/27 for all LM of the School of Design, except for Digital and Interaction Design and Product Service System Design with parameters 114/28. For Design & Engineering, InterScuola LM Study Programme, the 105/25 parameters are also taken into account for those coming from Mechanical Engineering and Materials Engineering).
Students can check the values of the N and V parameters set by the School according to specific criteria, by accessing the Online Services (www.polimi.it/onlineservices - Career) or finding detailed information in the Career Guides
(http://www.design.polimi.it/studiare-design/guide-alla-carriera/) and in the Educational Regulations.
The admission, for students fulfilling NV criteria, will be guaranteed to one of the Laurea Magistrale programmes selected, but not necessarily their first choice, depending on availability of places. Supplementary educational requirements can also be required where students are applying to transfer from one Laurea Magistrale course to another in different fields.
The accesses to LM Study Programmes from similar courses may imply the allocation of curricular integrations, that must be fulfilled before registration.
The following students are not eligible to access the Laurea Magistrale programme activated by the Design School:
- graduated/graduating candidates at Politecnico di Milano with average calculated below 23/30 (for accesses to the first semester, average calculated at 31 July - for accesses to the 2nd semester, average calculated at 31 January);
- graduated/graduating candidates from other Universities with average calculated below 25/30 (for accesses to the first semester, average calculated at 31 July - for accesses to the 2nd semester, average calculated at 31 January);
- Candidates that do not hold an appropriate English language certificate.
Students who fulfilled admission requirements in previous academic years but did not register for the programme will be required to conform to the new parameters when presenting new assessment applications.
Candidates will be assessed in accordance with the parameters set out in the “Laurea Magistrale Programme Admission Guide” document, available for consultation on the School Web site http://www.design.polimi.it/studiare-design/guide-alla-carriera/
Fulfilment of assessment requirements will be notified to candidates by the board in two forms: admission without supplementary educational requirements or it will notify the need to fulfil the curricular requirements before submitting again the admission application.
Supplementary requirements must be fulfilled within one year from the assessment application. Such students can supplement their studies by enrolling on Single courses and Magistrale courses up to a maximum of 32 ECTS.
For admissions to the 2nd semester for students with supplementary educational requirements relating to the 1st semester, candidates will be required to apply again in the following semester.
To check your supplementary educational requirements, consult the "Laurea Magistrale Programme Admission Guide" document, available on the School Web site http://www.design.polimi.it/studiare-design/guide-alla-carriera.
In addition to educational course assessments, candidates' curricula and other educational or extra educational activities will be subjected to comparative evaluation.
Guide to admission
http://www.design.polimi.it/it/studiare-design/guide-alla-carriera/
The educational offer at the Politecnico di Milano
https://aunicalogin.polimi.it/aunicalogin/getservizio.xml?id_servizio=204&idApp=1&idLink=49956.3 Deadlines for admission and number of places available
Places available for admissions:
- Communication Design LM(Milan campus): 120
of which 15 are reserved for non EU students including 3 Chinese students on the “Marco Polo” project.
For the Laurea Magistrale admission time frames check the Laurea Magistrale Programmes Admissions Guide and the 2017/18 academic calendar.
How to become a student at Politecnico di Milano
https://aunicalogin.polimi.it/aunicalogin/getservizio.xml?id_servizio=204&idApp=1&idLink=29686.4 Tutoring and students support
Under the name of in-course orientation and tutoring, there are all activities aimed at providing assistance to students before and during their university career, in order to carry out this activity within the time limits set by educational regulations and in a profitable way from the point of view of professional and human skill education. Therefore, tutoring activities are different from institutional educational activities, although they can integrate, or be complementary, of these last ones. Tutoring activities can be carried out by laurea magistrale students, by Ph.D. students, by professors and externals.
Tutoring activities are planned and managed by the School in close coordination with the Study Programme.
At University level, the Financial Aid and International Mobility Service is the connection point with the Schools for administrative aspects related to the assignment of tutoring tasks to students of the Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) Study Programme.
Tutoring activities are divided into the following services:
- didactic orientation for first-year students and for students of the following years;
- orientation and support for students for the activation of curricular or extra-curricular internships;
- didactic support meetings held by professors (to help students in their inclusion and learning choices);
- support/reception activities for first-year students of Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) Study Programmes, both at the counter and through the new communication channels activated by the School;
- support to foreign students enrolled in Laurea Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) Study Programme in English language and students in international mobility programmes;
- assistance for review and recovery seminars;
- assistance in computerized classrooms, libraries and laboratories;
- assistance in acquisition and development of didactic material.
For students who wish to enrol in the Design School's Study Programmes, Open Days are organized in which each Study Programme presents the educational offer through presentations and/or open lectures.
A Guidance service is available at the School with the purpose of providing information on the teaching and educational contents of its programmes of study and clarifying, to future first-year students, the educational objectives and potential career opportunities.
Every year, for first-year students, a welcome day is organized to present the organization of the School, the offices and their skills, the international mobility programmes, the School and Politecnico communication tools: the Web site of the Design School, the Trouble Ticketing, the chat, the Beep portal, the library services, the instrumental laboratories and the Safety week (week in which the students obtain the qualification to access the Laboratories). During this meeting, the Joint Committee and Student representatives have their time for a wide presentation.
The Student Representatives of the School Board have prepared a Vademecum to present and summarise the services that students can access.
For students already enrolled, there are presentations of the optional courses and Synthesis Laboratories. In addition to the teaching sheets that provide detailed information about the course methods, the students can access the Web site of the School and see slides and videos prepared by professors in order to summarise the topics that will be covered during the programme.
The School organizes "Lectures 0" to give information about the University's facilities and services and to explain the organization of the study programmes; the coordinators can organize this Lecture as a collective event, with the other Study Programmes, or during the first day of lesson of one of the courses of the specific Laurea Magistrale Study Programme. The students of the 2nd year are provided with information on the educational offer and on specific initiatives of the year of their study programme.
The Topics of Lectures 0 are:
Organization of Study Programme and University Services (I LM);
Erasmus Placement (II LM);
post-graduate training: master and Ph.D. programme
world of work and Career service (II LM);
evaluation questionnaire about teaching (I and II LM);
questionnaire on services and on the overall training career (II LM);
final test: type of exam, choice of the supervisor and final score (II LM).
For students already enrolled, the School provides activities with the aim to:
- help students remove any obstacles to their attendance and learning with initiatives tailored to individual student needs, attitudes and requirements;
- encourage a more active participation by students in the educational process.
A reference professor/tutor has been selected for each study programme and s/he is the official reference point for any School guidance. The service is organized within the study programme and, in particular, it consists of:
- The service is programme of study specific and deals in particular with: support services for students who require help in solving problems or clarifying concepts;
- approval and possible drafting of texts concerning the presentation of the study programme of which the professor is the contact person;
- identification of student projects from each specific laurea course to be used as guidance tools at Open Days and on the School's official communication channels.
Tutoring
https://www.design.polimi.it/en/1/teaching/services/tutoring
Polinternational
https://aunicalogin.polimi.it/aunicalogin/getservizio.xml?id_servizio=204&idApp=1&idLink=2168
7. Contents of the study Program
7.1 Programme requirements
To be eligible for the final examination of Laurea Magistrale, students must:
- To have accomplished 120 credits required in Level II of the Master including the credits related to the Internship and the credits of the final examination.
- To have developed an individual thesis under the guidance of a tutor, which can be either a projectable work, a theoretical-methodological deepening, or a historical/critical analysis.
The final examination of the Laurea Magistrale consists in the discussion of the individual thesis which must be written under the direction of the official teacher, thesis supervisor.For more information on this subject refer to Regolamento Esame di Laurea Magsitrale published on the School website.
7.2 Mode of study
The Laurea Magistrale course is full time activity. It is characterized by many different didactical activities: Monodisciplinary Courses are characterized by theoretic contents communicated by means of ex cathedra lessons and verified throughout the year with tests and interviews.
Integrative Courses cover more than one discipline or specific context, and are taught by two teachers who supplement one another.
Experimental Workshops are taught in the workshops, where the students are given an opportunity to experiment and use the tools used in design professions.
Design Studios involve both a number of internal teachers employed by the Faculty and several external professionals and feature design activities where the students work under the guidance of a team of teachers, each contributing with his or her expertise as related to the subject of the design.
Design Seminars (workshop) are of a duration of one week during which the students develop a project under the guidance of an established and well-known professional or a company.
Erasmus Program and the other international mobility projects enable the students to spend six months studying abroad, at qualified European and non-European design universities.
Professional Apprenticeship enable the student to works with a company or design studio that collaborates with the Polytechnic, under the guidance of a tutor of the Faculty and a tutor appointed by the company.
Conclusive Design Studio represents a complete design experience, linking numerous disciplinary contributions and guiding the students in the choice and development of their Dissertation.Optional student courses
In the Laurea Magistrale programme 12 credits are awarded to optional courses (equivalent to one course per year).
Students are required to choose their optional courses on presentation of their first year study plans. Similarly when they present their second year study plans they will be required to choose a second course.
The optional courses take place in both 1st and 2nd semesters.
Internships - Laurea Magistrale
In Laurea Magistrale students carry out an internship at a company, professional studio, study centre, body, etc. with a partnership agreement with the Politecnico di Milano which fulfils the requirements of current legislation specifying that, on completion of the agreed internship period (minimum 250 hrs, maximum 1 year) a certificate will be issued. To obtain the certificate, the student, when coming back, must have an interview with his/her Study Programme tutor, with submission of a report.
Internship is an educational experience which gives students real experience of the world of work. The host company must be aware of and agree to the legal regulations and the need for educational support and the student must accept and show an ability to respect the company's rules and behaviours.
Guide to the Study Plan and allocations in sections and elective courses for the Degree and Master's Degree Courses
https://www.design.polimi.it/en/1/teaching/studying-design/career-guides
Internship
https://www.design.polimi.it/en/1/teaching/studying-design/curricolar-internships7.3 Detailed learning objectives
Students' ability to choose the courses and credits to be incorporated into their study plans is subordinate to a series of rules imposed by the School which makes available an educational programme worth 60 credits for each year of the course (nominal courses).
Each year students can choose courses for a different number of credits than that specified by the nominal courses (60 ECTS per year) to graduate their study programmes according to their needs.
The minimum number of credits a student can enrol on is 30 unless the number of credits needed for course completion are fewer than this.
The maximum number of credits a student can enrol on is 80, respecting exam priorities.
The current framework of the study plan requires the course exam sequence to be respected as shown in the Regulations.
Courses designed for later years of the programme cannot be inserted into an earlier year study plan (“advance study”) unless all previous and current year courses have also been integrated into it.
The School has also implemented an exam priority sequence on the basis of which certain courses can only be enrolled on if other, introductory courses have already been passed. Students may actually be able to enrol on fewer credits than is nominally the case as a result of this rule.
The System Regulations require a series of educational activities (specialist, elective or supplementary) which are present in the course of study in the form of single subject and integrated courses and Design studio in which the two-year Laurea Magistrale's educational content is conveyed.
Laurea Magistrale
In addition to these types of educational activities the System Regulations also require that a specific number of credits are attributed to types of activity which can be categorised as follows:
- educational activities chosen independently by students (Optional courses);
- educational activities relating to preparation for the final exams required for the qualification to be awarded (Final exam);
- activities designed to enable students to gain additional language skills, IT, telematic and relational skills which will help them in finding employment as well as educational activities designed to facilitate professional choices by giving students direct experience of working in the sector which the qualification can gain them access to including, in particular, educational work experience and guidance (Internships).
1 Year courses - Track: C_1 - C_2
Code Educational activities SSD Course Title Language Sem CFU CFU Group 089573 B ICAR/13
ING-INF/05LABORATORIO DI SISTEMI PER L'INTERAZIONE 2 12,0 12,0 052944 B ICAR/13 LABORATORIO DI PROGETTAZIONE DI ARTEFATTI E SISTEMI COMPLESSI 2 12,0 [12,0]
12,0 096643 B SPS/08 SOCIOLOGIA DEI MEDIA 1 6,0 6,0 054494 B ICAR/13 WORKSHOP 1 /
1 6,0 [6,06,0 1 Year courses - Track: C_3
Code Educational activities SSD Course Title Language Sem CFU CFU Group 050566 B ICAR/13
ING-INF/05INTERACTION DESIGN STUDIO 2 12,0 12,0 052943 B ICAR/13 COMPLEX ARTEFACTS AND SYSTEM DESIGN STUDIO 2 12,0 [12,012,0 053851 B SPS/08 SOCIOLOGY OF MEDIA 1 6,0 6,0 054668 B ICAR/13 WORKSHOP 1 1 6,0 [6,06,0 1 Year courses - Track: *** - non diversificato
Code Educational activities SSD Course Title Language Sem CFU CFU Group Semiotica/Semiotics 055124 B M-FIL/05 SEMIOTICA DEL PROGETTO 1 6,0 6,0
(Grp. Opz.)052826 B M-FIL/05 SEMIOTICS METHODS FOR DESIGN 1 6,0 Antropologia/Antropology 089560 C M-DEA/01 ANTROPOLOGIA DELLA COMUNICAZIONE 1 6,0 6,0
(Grp. Opz.)050564 C M-DEA/01 ANTHROPOLOGY OF COMMUNICATION 1 6,0 Cultura dell'immagine/Digital Culture 052827 C L-ART/06 CULTURA DELL'IMMAGINE DIGITALE 1 6,0 6,0
(Grp. Opz.)052829 C L-ART/06 DIGITAL CULTURE 2 6,0 Corsi a scelta 1° anno / Elective courses 1st year 053791 C SECS-S/01 APPLIED STATISTICS 1 6,0 [1,06,0
(Grp. Opz.)050538 B ICAR/13 CREATIVE CODING 1 6,0 054814 B ING-INF/05 CREATIVE PROGRAMMING FOR INTERACTIVE MEDIA 1 6,0 053669 B ING-INF/05 DATA MANAGEMENT FOR THE WEB 1 6,0 097808 B ICAR/13 HISTORY OF DESIGN 2 6,0 053529 -- ICAR/16 LUCE E CITTA' 1 6,0 056352 B ICAR/13 ERGONOMICS APPLIED TO THE DESIGN OF USABLE WEB PAGES AND APPS 1 6,0 053526 B ICAR/13 LUCE E COLORE TRA ARTE E DESIGN 1 6,0 097927 B ICAR/13 METODI DI RAPPRESENTAZIONE PARAMETRICA 1 6,0 098628 -- ING-IND/17 QUALITY MANAGEMENT 1 6,0 096777 -- ING-IND/15 REVERSE MODELING 1 6,0 096736 B ING-INF/05 VIDEOGAMES DESIGN AND PROGRAMMING 1 6,0 053670 B ING-INF/05 COMPUTER GRAPHICS 2 6,0 053734 B ICAR/13 HEALTH_BEAUTY NEW GENERATION 2 6,0 [6,0056380 -- M-FIL/04 FILOSOFIA DELLA CONOSCENZA 2 6,0 051998 B ICAR/13
ING-INF/05DESIGN AND ROBOTICS 2 6,0 056442 B ICAR/13 LIFE STYLE AND FASHION 2 6,0 092058 B ICAR/13 GAME DESIGN 2 6,0 056372 -- SPS/07 SOCIOLOGY OF CONTEMPORARY CITIES 1 6,0 052216 B ING-INF/05 ADVANCED USER INTERFACES 1 6,0 056445 B ICAR/13 LONGEVITÀ E INNOVAZIONE RESPONSABILE 2 6,0 053671 B ING-INF/05 HYPERMEDIA APPLICATIONS (WEB AND MULTIMEDIA) 2 6,0 056443 B ICAR/13 ITALIAN DESIGN WAY: AN INTRODUCTION 2 6,0 056343 B ICAR/13 TESTO FILMICO E MONDI NARRATIVI 1 6,0 [6,0098449 B ICAR/13 BRANDING & COMMUNICATION 2 6,0 091909 -- ING-IND/14 IL METODO DEGLI ELEMENTI FINITI PER L 'ANALISI DEI PRODOTTI INDUSTRIALI 2 6,0 056546 -- ING-IND/17
ING-IND/35HIGH-END AND LUXURY INDUSTRIES MANAGEMENT 1 6,0 054977 B ICAR/13 LICENSING E BRAND EXTENSION 2 6,0 [6,0055009 B ING-INF/05 MULTIDISCIPLINARY PROJECT 2 6,0 [1,0053477 -- ING-IND/22 NANOTECNOLOGIE E MATERIALI FUNZIONALI PER IL DESIGN 2 6,0 054813 C MAT/08 SHAPES AND ALGORITHMS: COMPUTATIONAL TOOLS FOR GENERATIVE DESIGN 2 6,0 [2,0054708 -- ING-IND/15 VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL PROTOTYPING 2 6,0 [2,0053459 B ICAR/13 ERASMUS EXPERIENCE 2 6,0 [2,0054966 B ICAR/13 DESIGN ALPINO 1 6,0 [2,0056344 B ICAR/13 IMAGINATION DESIGN 1 6,0 [6,0053428 -- ING-IND/35 DIGITAL USER INNOVATION 1 6,0 [2,0056369 -- ING-IND/35 ETICA DIGITALE 2 6,0 053519 B ICAR/13 INCLUSIVE DESIGN 2 6,0 [6,0055009 B ING-INF/05 MULTIDISCIPLINARY PROJECT 2 6,0 [1,0056340 B ICAR/13 DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND SOCIETY 1 6,0 055141 B SPS/08 TREND FORECASTING AND STRATEGIC INNOVATION 1 6,0 [4,0053430 B L-ART/03 ART DIRECTION & COPYWRITING - SENTIMENTO E COMUNICAZIONE NELL'ERA DELLA POST-PUBBLICITÀ 2 6,0 [4,0056434 -- SECS-P/08 DESIGN PER SERVIZI EVOLUTI 1 6,0 053481 B ICAR/13 CULTURA DEL PROGETTO PER IL DESIGN DEGLI EVENTI 2 6,0 054986 B L-ART/03 ARTE CONTEMPORANEA E SPAZI 2 6,0 [1,0056440 -- ICAR/16 TEMPORARY EXHIBITION DESIGN 2 6,0 053431 B ICAR/13 DESIGN DELLA COMUNICAZIONE E CULTURE DI GENERE 2 6,0 [4,0053434 B ICAR/13 DIGITAL STRATEGY 2 6,0 [6,0053611 C M-PSI/01 EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIPS II - IMPROVE YOUR NTS (NON-TECHNICAL-SKILLS) 2 6,0 [6,0056368 -- IUS/04 ISTITUZIONI DI DIRITTO D'AUTORE 2 6,0 [2,0055186 B ICAR/13 FONDAMENTI DI INVERSIONE CONCETTUALE 2 6,0 [2,0055105 C ICAR/15 LECTURES-LANDSCAPE 2 6,0 [1,0053440 B ICAR/13 TEMPORARY URBAN SOLUTIONS 2 6,0 [2,02 Year courses - Track: C_1 - C2
Code Educational activities SSD Course Title Language Sem CFU CFU Group 093602 B ICAR/13 WORKSHOP 2 1 6,0 6,0 2 Year courses - Track: C_3
Code Educational activities SSD Course Title Language Sem CFU CFU Group 051702 B ICAR/13 WORKSHOP 2 1 6,0 6,0 2 Year courses - Track: *** - non diversificato
Code Educational activities SSD Course Title Language Sem CFU CFU Group Laboratori di sintesi finale 052797 B ICAR/13 LABORATORIO DI SINTESI FINALE SEZ.1 1 18,0 18,0
(Grp. Opz.)052798 B ICAR/13 LABORATORIO DI SINTESI FINALE SEZ.2 1 18,0 052799 B ICAR/13 FINAL SYNTHESIS DESIGN STUDIO SECT.3 1 18,0 Corsi a scelta 2° anno /Elective courses 2st year 054966 B ICAR/13 DESIGN ALPINO 1 6,0 [2,06,0
(Grp. Opz.)056344 B ICAR/13 IMAGINATION DESIGN 1 6,0 [6,0053428 -- ING-IND/35 DIGITAL USER INNOVATION 1 6,0 [2,0053519 B ICAR/13 INCLUSIVE DESIGN 2 6,0 [6,0055141 B SPS/08 TREND FORECASTING AND STRATEGIC INNOVATION 1 6,0 [4,0053430 B L-ART/03 ART DIRECTION & COPYWRITING - SENTIMENTO E COMUNICAZIONE NELL'ERA DELLA POST-PUBBLICITÀ 2 6,0 [4,0054986 B L-ART/03 ARTE CONTEMPORANEA E SPAZI 2 6,0 [1,0053431 B ICAR/13 DESIGN DELLA COMUNICAZIONE E CULTURE DI GENERE 2 6,0 [4,0053434 B ICAR/13 DIGITAL STRATEGY 2 6,0 [6,0056368 -- IUS/04 ISTITUZIONI DI DIRITTO D'AUTORE 2 6,0 [2,0097927 B ICAR/13 METODI DI RAPPRESENTAZIONE PARAMETRICA 1 6,0 098449 B ICAR/13 BRANDING & COMMUNICATION 2 6,0 053670 B ING-INF/05 COMPUTER GRAPHICS 2 6,0 056352 B ICAR/13 ERGONOMICS APPLIED TO THE DESIGN OF USABLE WEB PAGES AND APPS 1 6,0 053611 C M-PSI/01 EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIPS II - IMPROVE YOUR NTS (NON-TECHNICAL-SKILLS) 2 6,0 [6,0056442 B ICAR/13 LIFE STYLE AND FASHION 2 6,0 055186 B ICAR/13 FONDAMENTI DI INVERSIONE CONCETTUALE 2 6,0 [2,0056546 -- ING-IND/17
ING-IND/35HIGH-END AND LUXURY INDUSTRIES MANAGEMENT 1 6,0 092058 B ICAR/13 GAME DESIGN 2 6,0 053669 B ING-INF/05 DATA MANAGEMENT FOR THE WEB 1 6,0 056340 B ICAR/13 DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND SOCIETY 1 6,0 053671 B ING-INF/05 HYPERMEDIA APPLICATIONS (WEB AND MULTIMEDIA) 2 6,0 056464 B ICAR/13 INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN RESEARCH 2 6,0 056343 B ICAR/13 TESTO FILMICO E MONDI NARRATIVI 1 6,0 [6,0054708 -- ING-IND/15 VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL PROTOTYPING 2 6,0 [2,0056463 B ICAR/13 LITERATURE REVIEW AND SCIENTIFIC WRITING 1 6,0 056380 -- M-FIL/04 FILOSOFIA DELLA CONOSCENZA 2 6,0 056524 B ICAR/13 DESIGN RESEARCH PLANNING 2 6,0 053791 C SECS-S/01 APPLIED STATISTICS 1 6,0 [1,0052216 B ING-INF/05 ADVANCED USER INTERFACES 1 6,0 056443 B ICAR/13 ITALIAN DESIGN WAY: AN INTRODUCTION 2 6,0 054813 C MAT/08 SHAPES AND ALGORITHMS: COMPUTATIONAL TOOLS FOR GENERATIVE DESIGN 2 6,0 [2,0056440 -- ICAR/16 TEMPORARY EXHIBITION DESIGN 2 6,0 098628 -- ING-IND/17 QUALITY MANAGEMENT 1 6,0 056369 -- ING-IND/35 ETICA DIGITALE 2 6,0 096777 -- ING-IND/15 REVERSE MODELING 1 6,0 054814 B ING-INF/05 CREATIVE PROGRAMMING FOR INTERACTIVE MEDIA 1 6,0 051998 B ICAR/13
ING-INF/05DESIGN AND ROBOTICS 2 6,0 056434 -- SECS-P/08 DESIGN PER SERVIZI EVOLUTI 1 6,0 050538 B ICAR/13 CREATIVE CODING 1 6,0 097808 B ICAR/13 HISTORY OF DESIGN 2 6,0 053526 B ICAR/13 LUCE E COLORE TRA ARTE E DESIGN 1 6,0 056372 -- SPS/07 SOCIOLOGY OF CONTEMPORARY CITIES 1 6,0 053481 B ICAR/13 CULTURA DEL PROGETTO PER IL DESIGN DEGLI EVENTI 2 6,0 054977 B ICAR/13 LICENSING E BRAND EXTENSION 2 6,0 [6,0055009 B ING-INF/05 MULTIDISCIPLINARY PROJECT 2 6,0 [1,0053529 -- ICAR/16 LUCE E CITTA' 1 6,0 053734 B ICAR/13 HEALTH_BEAUTY NEW GENERATION 2 6,0 [6,0096736 B ING-INF/05 VIDEOGAMES DESIGN AND PROGRAMMING 1 6,0 091909 -- ING-IND/14 IL METODO DEGLI ELEMENTI FINITI PER L 'ANALISI DEI PRODOTTI INDUSTRIALI 2 6,0 056445 B ICAR/13 LONGEVITÀ E INNOVAZIONE RESPONSABILE 2 6,0 055105 C ICAR/15 LECTURES-LANDSCAPE 2 6,0 [1,0053477 -- ING-IND/22 NANOTECNOLOGIE E MATERIALI FUNZIONALI PER IL DESIGN 2 6,0 053440 B ICAR/13 TEMPORARY URBAN SOLUTIONS 2 6,0 [2,0053749 B ICAR/13 ERASMUS EXPERIENCE 2 6,0 [2,0055259 -- -- FINAL DESIGN THESIS PREPARATION -- 1 12,0 12,0 055259 -- -- FINAL DESIGN THESIS PREPARATION -- 2 12,0 052744 -- -- INTERNSHIP -- 1 17,0 18,0 052625 -- -- INTERNSHIP FINAL INTERVIEW -- 1 1,0 052746 -- -- INTERNSHIP -- 2 17,0 052747 -- -- INTERNSHIP FINAL INTERVIEW -- 2 1,0 7.4 Foreign language
Foreign language assessment will be carried out in accordance with the university's methods as set out on the “Student Services/Guides and Regulations/Guide to the English Language”, web page: www.polimi.it.
Students are encouraged to read this document carefully and respect the norms set out in it.
Specifically, note that: "Pursuant to Ministerial Decree 270/04 the Politecnico di Milano has adopted the English language as the European Union language which students must speak in addition to Italian".
English language knowledge, according to the standards indicated by the University, is a registration pre-requisite. For admission to the School of Design LM Study Programme, certificates must be submitted by candidates within the time frames for admission applications. This deadline must be respected by all students (from similar or different courses)
Information on English language fluency https://aunicalogin.polimi.it/aunicalogin/getservizio.xml?id_servizio=204&idApp=1&idLink=3860
Language courses
https://aunicalogin.polimi.it/aunicalogin/getservizio.xml?id_servizio=204&idApp=1&idLink=30487.5 Degree examination
The exam consists in the discussion of a Final work, written under the guidance of the Supervisor.
The Final work will be discussed in one of the Operational Commissions (CO) established by the reference Study Programme of the student.
For presentation of final work, the candidate can use the digital, audio/video and paper tools, necessary to effectively present the work performed.
The Final work is strictly individual. It is possible to present a group of final work, with an introduction in common, and different core of the work.
There is only one Supervisor, and s/he must be a member of the Single Commission and related to the Disciplinary Scientific Sectors (SSD), elective or supplementary SSD of the Study Programmes to which the Commission is referred or to other SSD explicitly specified in the Regulation of the School. It can be supported by one or more Co-supervisors, even those not belonging to the CU or by experts on specific subjects, even not from the School.
The student can present to the Laura Commission a Final Work that may consists:
- in an Innovative research thesis ( experimental, project, theoretical or historic kind) - that comprehends a text contribution equal to 100 pages - consists in a statement that emerges from a detailed research proposition of scientific interest.
The Thesis has to:
- study in detail the project in its technical-specific and/or system-related aspects, according to the educational objectives of the Study Programme. The discussion must include a detailed theoretical/critical, methodological and/or historical presentation and/or an experimental study;
- provide a substantial propaedeutic part dedicated to research conducted with appropriate scientific and bibliographic references;
- propose to broaden the knowledge related to a less consolidated topic and its potential applications; or a greater contribution in the advancement of knowledge compared to a specific research area;
it entitles to the assignment of a maximum score of 8 points during the evaluation of the thesis and its presentation.
OR
- a Consolidation Thesis to refine the knowledge already acquired.
it consists of an experimental paper of 50/60 folders (minimum) and has a goal of application-design and/or systematization and organization of documental or bibliographic contents starting from pre-existing analytical grids. The final work must:
- show in detail the project, by improving its technical-specific and/or system-related aspects, according to the educational objectives of the Study Programme.
The discussion must provide a detailed methodological explanation, historical aspects, theoretical/critical elements;
- focus on well-known topics of scientific research and project applications;
- provide a part of the research that is functional to project development and to a simple explanation of the basic assumptions and
main hypotheses on which the proposed project application is based;
- be primarily focused on potential design applications;
- require a minimum time of 2 months; it entitles to a maximum score of 4 points, for the evaluation of final work and its presentation.
Students can request the assignment of one of them, the innovative research or the final work to improve knowledge.
The work must show the preparation and critical skills developed by the graduating student in the areas of project in relation to the contents of the Study Programme. The Final works are usually made up of a report that contains the steps of the work, the objectives, the bibliography and the documentary sources; the technical project tables, the physical and/or virtual model where required.
The Final work is usually written in Italian or English. With a justified reason of the Graduating student, it is also possible to accept a written Final work in other languages, with the approval of the CU President. Even in this case, presentation and discussion is carried out in Italian or English. Regardless of the writing language of the final work (Italian, English or other
foreign language), it must, in any case, contain a copy in Italian and English.
The final evaluation takes into account of the student's career in the two-year LM study Programme, as well as of the final work. The score is expressed in hundred-tenths. (/110). It consists of the sum of:
- the average obtained by the graduating student in the courses, weighted on credits, expressed as hundred-tenths and hundredths of hundred-tenths (without considering any as extra activity and cum laude)
2. and the increase awarded by the Operational Commission expressed as hundred-tenths and hundredths of hundred-tenths. This sum must be rounded to the closer whole number (0.50 is rounded to 1.00) and limited to 110. The Operational Commission can also award the “honours”.
The "honours" has the meaning of a particular appreciation by the Operational Commission for the preparation and skills reached by the Graduating student, for his excellent curriculum studiorum and the quality and originality of the Graduation work.
In particular, for this study programme the graduation work must have original characteristics and may consist in development of a theoretical, design, experimental or innovative research final work, or development of a final work to strengthen and improve knowledge already acquired. In both cases, graduation work must contain a methodological foreword illustrating its disciplinary foundations, arguments and the knowledge framework within which the research in it has been carried out and show which elements constitute original contributions.
The thesis must complete the student's educational course of study. It must be an individual work which can, however, be based on structured activities carried out together with other students. The individual candidate's contribution must, however, be clearly recognisable in the final outcome.
Further information can be found in the Graduation exam regulations available on the School Web site.
Guide to the Final Examination of Laurea Magistrale
http://www.design.polimi.it/it/studiare-design/guide-alla-carriera/
Information concerning general rules and regulations, session calendars, registration and consignment of theses is available at
https://aunicalogin.polimi.it/aunicalogin/getservizio.xml?id_servizio=204&idApp=1&idLink=3128
8. Academic calendar
The Laurea Magistrale programme calendar is structured into two semesters and students can enrol at the beginning of either semester. Thus studies can begin in either the first or the second semester of each academic year. The course is structured in order to enable students to complete the programme in four semesters whether first year Laurea Magistrale enrolment takes place in the first or second semesters.
An exam period takes place at the end of each semester (exam).
Information on Schedules and Deadlines
https://www.design.polimi.it/en/didattica/translate-to-english-documenti/translate-to-english-calendario-accademico
Academic calendar
https://aunicalogin.polimi.it/aunicalogin/getservizio.xml?id_servizio=204&idApp=1&idLink=3208
9. Faculty
The names of professors for each Course, together with their subject, will be available on the degree programme starting from the month of September.
The degree programme is annually published on the website of Politecnico di Milano.
10. Infrastructures and laboratories
The School of Design is based at Campus Bovisa-Candiani where the educational activities are held and where there are services for students (Experimental laboratories, Library, Study room, Press Service,...)
https://maps.polimi.it/maps/
Design Laboratories
The creation of big experimental laboratories supporting design education is in line with the Politecnico di Milano School of Design's experimental tradition, its inductive teaching model, in which 'knowledge' and 'know-how' are mutually supportive.
The purpose of these laboratories is the practice of activities which allow students to verify their design hypotheses and learn how to use the technical tools required for experimentation, representation and design communication.
The laboratories managed by the Design Department occupy an approximately 10,000 square metre space in the Milan Bovisa campus.http://www.dipartimentodesign.polimi.it/laboratori/i-laboratori
11. International context
Building an international dimension for the School of Design and its Study Programmes has been one of its priority objectives since it was founded in the year 2000.
There are many reasons for this purpose: the nature of design which inherently draws its very lifeblood from its multicultural and multi-local character, its proximity to both the world of manufacturing - which has now taken on a global dimension - and the sphere of consumption whose dynamics and tendencies are visible in a range of local specific contexts; the very DNA of the design community which has always been international; Milan's acknowledged status as design capital, a crucible for designers from all over the world who have come here to study or open a studio; the desire to make educational trajectories increasingly permeable to impulses deriving from this stimulating context as in other dynamic foreign contexts, with the aim to teach to international professors and designers.
To these should be added more highly structured activities which aim to strengthen collaborative relations, in the didactic and research fields, with selected universities: this is the case of the MEDes_Master of European Design educational programme (with 6 partner universities), the LM Double Degree Programmes with Universities in China, Brazil, Colombia, France, more are under preparation or cross-programmes with American universities, as well as the many ongoing international research projects.
The School of Design is a member of Cumulus, a network of European design schools, and of the main international design associations. http://www.cumulusassociation.org/
12. Internationalization
For the School of Design, internationalisation has a double meaning: supporting student (and teaching and technical staff) mobility outwards and, on the opposite direction, attracting students, researchers, professors and visiting professors from abroad.
In relation to these two internalisation channels (dealt with separately, the first in this chapter and the second in the subsequent chapter), in recent years, the School of Design has committed itself to widen its international contact network and it now works with 200 design universities from all over the world in Erasmus exchange programmes (with 150 European universities), in bilateral exchange projects (with 60 non European universities), joint workshops with other schools, international internships and so on.
To encourage the internalisation most of the Master programmes are offer in English or have at least an English section.
International exchanges
The School of Design takes part in international student exchange programmes which offer students the opportunity to go abroad for a period, both during L and LM study programme, at one of the Politecnico's partner universities. A list of the School's partner universities is available on the Politecnico's web site and on the School of Design web site in the International Area.
The Erasmus Programme
The Erasmus programme was set up in 1987 by the European Community in order to give students the possibility to carry out a period of study at a foreign university within the European Union, from 3 to 12 months, legally recognised by their university.
In 2014 the European Union's Erasmus+ programme was set up for education, training, youth and sport, for the 2014-2020 period.
In particular, Erasmus for study enables university students to carry out a period of study at a university with a partnership agreement with their university. This mobility can entitle students for an economic contribution (under the conditions set out in the international mobility Call) and free registration at the host university. Students can thus follow courses and take exams at the partner university and have the exams recognised by their universities. The mobility can be carried out one time for each level of study.
Bilateral exchanges
The School of Design has also activated some bilateral agreements with non-EU universities. These are mainly intended for the use of Laurea Magistrale students and application can be submitted also by those who have already carried out an Erasmus experience abroad during their three-year study programme.
The procedures for admission to such exchanges are the same as those for Erasmus exchanges with the exception for the economic contribution for mobility, that in this case it is not guaranteed.
The bilateral agreement, in fact, enables students to attend a period of study abroad at a partner university without incurring registration fees at such universities. In some cases, however, a management fee for exchange students must be paid (e.g.: Orientation fee).
The MEDes Programme (Master of European Design (MEDes) From the a.y. 2002/2003, the School of Design activated the MEDes, as five-year international educational programme, in collaboration with six other famous European design universities and formalised through an agreement that relies on the Erasmus+ mobility programme since 2014.
6 students are selected for this excellence programme among all those enrolled on the 2nd year of the laurea study programmes in Industrial Product Design, Interior Design and Communication Design, that at the time of application are in order with the curricular exams and that have successfully attended at least one semester at Politecnico di Milano. The students apply immediately for two years of mobility (and for a total of five years of study including Laurea and Laurea Magistrale) and therefore they guarantee the continuation to LM at Politecnico di Milano, always by following the normal career planned by the university that provides the degree examination at the end of the 3rd year. In order to complete the full career, students can only graduate in their university of origin, for both Laurea and Laurea Magistrale.
In addition to Politecnico di Milano, the universities taking part in this programme are:
The Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow, Scotland
Aalto University, School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Helsinki, Finland
Konstfack University College of Arts, Stockholm, Sweden
Ensci Les Ateliers, Paris, France
KiSD - Köln International School of Design, Cologne, Germany
Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
Candidates, admitted to the MEDes programme, have two study experiences abroad, in two partner universities: the first one during the 3rd year of I level Laurea, and the other one during the 1st year of Laurea Magistrale. The universities of destination will be chosen according to the aptitude shown by candidates during the selection process, to the selection made by the responsible professors during the workshops (organized every year in March, in one of the partner schools and with compulsory participation by the exchange students of 1st and 2nd year) and taking into account the preferences stated by the student.
Guide to the international mobility of Corsi di Laurea e Laurea Magistrale Scuola del Design
https://www.design.polimi.it/en/1/teaching/studying-design/career-guides
Faculty
https://www4.ceda.polimi.it/manifesti/manifesti/controller/ricerche/RicercaPerDocentiPublic.do?tab_ricerca=2&k_cf=19&__pj0=0&__pj1=9ecc24961246e5b7e801848d93f75565
Information on exchange programmes, double degree projects and international internships, European research and international relations projects are available at
https://aunicalogin.polimi.it/aunicalogin/getservizio.xml?id_servizio=204&idApp=1&idLink=4709
13. Quantitative data
The University Assessment Commission Nucleus perform periodic analysis on the overall results analysing the teaching activities and the integration of graduates into the work world. Reports and studies are available on the website of the Politecnico di Milano.
Data
https://www.polimi.it/il-politecnico/organi/nucleo-di-valutazione/dati-a-cura-dellufficio-di-supporto/
14. Further information
Students are encouraged to consult the School of Design site and in particular the Guides which regulate access, changing degree programme, courses and laurea exams for any other information they may need.