School of Industrial and Information Engineering
Degree Programme of:
Space Engineering
Laurea Magistrale (Equivalent To Master Of Science)
Milano Campus
1. General Information
School School of Industrial and Information Engineering Code Reference Law 470 Name Space Engineering Reference Law Ordinamento 270/04 Class of degree LM-20 - Aerospatial and astronautic engineering 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) 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 Milano Dean of the School Lorenzo Dozio Coordinator of the Study programme Pierluigi Di Lizia Website of the School http://www.ingindinf.polimi.it Website of the Study programme
https://ccs-aerospaziale.polimi.it/en/homepage/
Central Student Office - Milano Bovisa
Address VIA LAMBRUSCHINI, 15 (MI)
2. General presentation of the study programme
Social/economic context
The Italian space sector has had a remarkable and continuous development, as testified by the presence of companies that have achieved excellence at the international level.
The national scene is extremely dynamic: the company Thales Alenia Space, the largest producer of satellites in Europe specialized in the space and defense sector, is flanked by realities such as OHB Italia (first CGS SpA Compagnia Generale per Spazio) and the Division Systemi Avionici and Spaziali of Leonardo SpA; another important company is Avio, leader in the field of launchers and propulsion applied to launch systems, missiles and satellites.There are also numerous smaller industrial companies and start-ups, characterized by a high technological content.
In recent years, a paradigm shift is in fact taking place thanks to new technologies and processes (robotisation, artificial intelligence, miniaturisation, ...), new commercial players modifying the classic cycles of the incumbents, and innovative uses of satellite and data links detached from the traditional space sector. Recently, in both the US and Europe, new private companies have entered the space sector, bringing a new source of innovation based on new business models and disruptive technologies, and the promotion and adoption of mass production methods and technologies and components typical of non-space industries. This is the phenomenon known as the 'New Space Economy'. This paradigm shift is further reinforced by the entry of commercial players from the internet economy into the space sector, which strongly promote the use of artificial intelligence software and techniques. As a result, the rate and rate of innovation in the sector have increased significantly and standard costs in many areas have been significantly reduced.
Evolution of the educational offer
Since the establishment of a course in Orbital Mechanics in the mid seventies, since 1994 education in the space sector has been characterized by a specific focus in the teaching proposal of the degree course in Aeronautical Engineering. Since 2004, the Specialized Degree in Space Engineering, which later became a Master's Degree in Space Engineering, has allowed us to give maximum emphasis to the sector with a teaching proposal optimized according to specific objectives.
The experience gained by professors in the various areas of research is reflected in the quality of the teaching provided. The continuous and numerous collaborations with industry and national and international research bodies feed basic and applied research activities, ensuring the continuous updating of the contents of the courses and teaching methods.
The aerospace offer at the Politecnico di Milano is today organised in three cycles: Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering and in Space Engineering as well as Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering.
The Programme Mission
The goal is to prepare engineers capable of successfully addressing a multi- and inter-disciplinary context in dynamic and highly international operating environments, combining solid scientific and engineering foundations with specific aerospace engineering concepts which, according to the education level, facilitate the engineer in analysing, understanding and managing problems typical of the sector as well as of related scientific and technological areas. From the technical-scientific point of view, the Mission implies pursuing improvement of knowledge and understanding of issues typical of aeronautical and space engineering.
3. Learning objectives
The aerospace sector requires highly professional engineers capable of working successfully in extremely interdisciplinary areas with a high level of technology, elevated efficiency and safety requisites and in a continually evolving and markedly international context:
The general educational objective of the Master of Science in Space Engineering is that of preparing highly qualified technicians from the cultural and professional standpoint, able to carry out and manage activities related to research and design in the space sector. Master of Science graduates in Space Engineering have the skills to develop, in a complete manner, activities related to the design, analysis and verification of a space mission. In these areas the skills for specialists in the following are highlighted: mission analysis, space system thermal-structural design, design of propulsive and energy subsystems, orbital and attitude control, operations and communication with the Earth station, integration of space systems and post-launch operations.
The knowledge gained in the various courses is taught in such a way as to not only ensure its acquisition but also to develop interdisciplinary skills and the aptitude to face new and complex problems in a scientifically rigorous manner.
The Programme, in all its levels, has the objective of maintaining and reinforcing the ability to translate one's knowledge into coherent behaviour in the employment world, pursuing the following learning results:
Knowledge and understanding
The educational programme of the Degree Programme in Aeronautical Engineering is oriented to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the main issues characterising the following contexts: aerodynamics, dynamics of flight, aerospace structures, structural dynamics and control and fundamentals of aero-elasticity. Such elements are considered to be essential to be able to satisfy the learning and professional objectives the student gives him/herself in choosing the courses to be taken, ensuring in addition consolidation of those tools which, with the support of advanced texts, facilitate study of new issues, continuous update of professional skills and alignment with operating conditions met along the way.
Applying knowledge and understanding
Graduates must be able to analyse and solve engineering problems suitable for their level of knowledge, autonomously elaborating their own skills, working in cooperation with engineers and non-engineers, using consolidated methodologies, from numerical modelling to experimentation, whilst recognising limitations and potential.
Making judgements
Graduates must acquire the skills needed to conduct complex studies on technical issues at their level of knowledge, using various and appropriate tools, from bibliographic research to consulting regulations and carrying out numerical and/or experimental investigations. These skills must lead to being able to formulate judgements whilst always being aware of the complexity of typical aerospace engineering problems and of the need for any in-depth analysis.
Communication skills
The Master of Science graduate in Space Engineering must acquire the necessary abilities to communicate in an effective manner in a national and international context, both orally and in writing, being able to draft reports and make oral presentations using state-of-the-art tools.
Learning skills
The educational project which the student can define, based on the basic structure, the teaching methods and continuous stimulus of problem analysis and critical evaluation skills, will put the graduate in a position to manage continuous and indispensable learning with a high degree of autonomy, in order to follow scientific-technical evolution in the aerospace field. A significant part of this objective is assigned to the thesis work.
The above objectives are pursued via lectures and specific exercise and laboratory teaching activities, carried out individually or in groups, within the individual or coordinated courses, also using verification procedures which foresee direct professor/student interaction aimed at stimulating and developing autonomy in managing issues faced.
4. Organization of the study programme and further studies
4.1 Structure of the study programme and Qualifications
The educational offer in the aerospace field at the Politecnico di Milano foresees three cycles, Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Master of Science in Aeronautical or Space Engineering and PhD in Aerospace Engineering.
The educational offer of the Master of Science in Space Engineering is illustrated in the following table.
As shown in the table, five compulsory courses common to all students are offered in the first year of the Programme (for a total of 48 credits), which include the training activities which are the basis of the knowledge and skills of the space engineer. In the first year it is also proposed the choice of two courses from a group of 6 credits courses of integrative activities.
The second year of the Programme is characterized by a wide and diversified educational offer of 40 credits, within which the student can identify, through the choice of courses, the educational path that best enhances his interests and attitudes. The choice must become a highly motivating dimension for the student who therefore acquires an active role in addressing their professionalization, favoring the disciplinary aspects (characterizing teachings) or the multidisciplinary aspects (related teachings), optimally reconciling their interests / attitudes with the needs for skills profiles required by the labor market. Some courses are also proposed aimed at the acquisition and improvement of personal writing skills and technical presentation and introductory knowledge and skills in space research. The training course ends with the holding of a degree thesis as a final exam, to which 20 credits are awarded.
In order to facilitate the students' choice in the context of the Study Program offer, coherent and well-characterized educational pathways are defined having specific training objectives. Detailed information on the educational profiles can be found on the Study Program website.
On concluding the Master of Science in Space Engineering the student acquires an M.Sc. in Space Engineering.
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
This qualification allows graduates to take the professional examination to register in the professional order of engineers, under Section B. Registration is accompanied by the wording: "Engineers section - industrial field".
The preparation of the Master of Science graduate in Space Engineering allows occupation of roles of autonomy and responsibility in areas such as: space industries, research centres, public and private bodies for design, production and experimentation in the space field; industries producing equipment and components for the space sector in which operating autonomy and slim structures are significant.
The broad and in-depth preparation facilitates the possibility to work in industries which are not specifically space-oriented but in which advanced methodologies and techniques are applied.5.2 Careers options and profiles
Typical professional environments for Master of Science graduates in Space Engineering are those of innovation and development in production, advanced design, planning and programming, management of complex systems, both as self-employed professionals as well as in manufacturing or service industries and in public administration.
The Degree Programme prepares for the profession of (*):
- Aerospace Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
(*) according to the ISTAT classification of professions with possibility to register in section A of the Order of Engineers upon passing the professional exam.
5.3 Qualification profile
Space Engineer
profile in a work context:
Engineers able to successfully deal with a multi- and inter-disciplinary context in dynamic and highly internationalized operating environments, that, through the combination of a solid scientific and engineering basis with specific knowledge of aerospace engineering, they are able to analyse, understand and manage the problems of this sector, as well as from similar scientific-technological areas.
These are technicians with high cultural and professional preparation, qualified to carry out and manage, in autonomous positions and with responsibility, activities related to research and design for the space sector.
The qualification obtained gives the right to take the state examination for enrollment in the Professional Register of Engineers in section A. The registration will show the words: "Engineers Section - Industrial Sector".
The study programme trains students to the profession of:
- Aerospace engineer
- Mechanical engineer
according to the ISTAT classification of professions.
skills of this function:
Specific skills:
- fully develop the activities related to design, analysis and check of a space mission (mission analysis, thermo-structural project of space systems, project of the propulsive and energy subsystems, orbital and attitude control, operations and communications with the Earth Station, integration of space systems and post-launch operations);
- analyse and solve engineering problems, through an independent development of their skills, by working with engineers and other experts, and by the use of consolidated methodologies, from numerical modelling to experimentation, and through the knowledge of their limits and potentiality;
- carry out detailed studies on technical subjects that match their level of knowledge, through the use of different and specific tools, from bibliographic research to consultation of legislation and by carrying out numerical and/or experimental checks;
- manage a continuous and essential learning, with a high level of autonomy, in order to follow the technical-scientific evolution of the aerospace sector.
Job opportunities:
The professional fields for graduate students in Space Engineering are those of innovation and development of production, advanced design, planning and programming, management of complex systems, both as freelancer or in manufacturing or service companies, as well as in public administrations.
The wide and thorough preparation supports the possibilities of employment in companies not specifically from the space field, but where the following methods and advanced technologies can be used:
- space industries;
- research centres;
- public and private bodies for space design, production and experimentation;
- industries for the production of machines and equipment where the operational autonomy and the lightness of the structures are important.
6. Enrolment
6.1 Access requirements
First cycle degree (level 6 EQF) or comparable qualification
The admission to the Master of Science degree in Space Engineering undergoes an evaluation process aimed to determine the eligibility of the applicant. Such process, in compliance to the existing regulation (D.M. 22/10/2004 n. 270 art. 6 par. 2 and D.M. 16/3/2007, art.6 par. 1), is based upon curriculum requirements and an assessment of the preparation of the student.
The final decision about the admission to the Master of Science degree shall be taken by an Evaluation Commission set up by the Board of Studies, according to the academic career of the applicant. The Commission may take into account a valid documentation showing clear exceptional conditions, justifying the non-compliance of the below-mentioned criteria and showing that the student has an adequate background. Such a documentation shall be attached to the admission application.
If the applicant is admitted, compulsory additional subjects shall be communicated together with the admission and before enrolment, in order to provide students with the necessary information for a transparent and rational choice.
Requirements concerning the English language proficiency levels are presented in Paragraph 7.4.
A Bachelor of Science Degree (Laurea) is required for the evaluation of the career, as well as an higher degree (MSc, Laurea Magistrale). The evaluation can be carried out also for students enrolled in Politecnico di Milano BSc, if they are candidates in the next Graduation session, and for students enrolled in BSc of other Italian Universities, if they shall graduate before enrolling to the MSc.
Admission requirements concerning the academic career considered by the Commission are as follows:
average graduation mark not below the “adjusted” admission threshold (see later);
certification of the English language proficiency (see Section 7.4);
training requirements that do not involve curricular integrations (see Section 6.2).
There is an additional requirement for applications for the second semester (see Section 6.1.6).
If the requirement stated at point 1. of the above list is not satisfied, the Commission will not admit the applicant to the Master of Science degree course, unless documentation testifying a proven exceptional case can be presented.
If the requirements stated at either point 2. or 3. of the above list are not satisfied, the applicant will be accepted to the Master of Science degree course and enrolled, after having satisfied these conditions.
6.1.1 Number of years for achieving the Bachelor
The number of years for achieving the Bachelor of Science, named in the following as “N”, is the half of the number of semesters occurring from the year of first enrolment in any University to the achievement of the BSc Graduation (semesters end at March 31st or October 31st).
For sake of clarification, N can assume the following values:
- for students who enrolled at the Bachelor of Science in September 2017 and will earn their BSc degree no later than October 2020 (6 semesters): N = 3
- for students who enrolled at the Bachelor of Science in September 2017 and will earn their BSc degree no later than March 2021 (7 semesters): N = 3,5
- for students who enrolled at the Bachelor of Science in September 2017 and will earn their BSc degree no later than October 2021 (8 semesters): N = 4
6.1.2 Admission threshold for candidates with a BSc issued by Politecnico di Milano
Students who earned their Bachelor of Science degree with a score lower than the “adjusted” admission threshold SC reported below will not be admitted to attend to the Master of Science in Space Engineering. The “adjusted” threshold is calculated according to this formula:
SC = S + k * (min (N1,N)-3)
where "N" is defined in Section 6.1.1. and "S" is the average of the exams’ scores, weighted by the number CFU of each exam.
The values of S, k and N1 are reported in the following different tables, according to the different BSc degree.
For students with a BSc degree issued by Politecnico di Milano in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (track "Propedeutico") or Energy Engineering (track "Propedeutico), the values of S, k and N1 are the following:
S = 23.0, k = 0.5, N = 5
For students with other BSc degrees issued by Politecnico di Milano, the values of S, k and N1 are the following:
S = 24.0, k = 0.5, N1 = 5
Students interested in more informations can visit the website of the Study Programme.6.1.3 Admission threshold for candidates with a BSc issued by other Universities
Starting from the academic year 2021/2022, candidates with a Bachelor of Science issued by any University other than Politecnico di Milano are required to have a finale average of the exams’ scores, weighted by the number CFU of each exam, higher or equal to 25/30 for candidates with a BSc in Aerospace Enginerring, or higher or equal to 26/30 for other candidates.
6.1.4 English Proficiency
For a list of the recognized certificates and their respective minimum requirements, please see Paragraph 7.4.
6.1.5 Admission without compulsory prerequisites
6.2 Requested knowledge
In order to be admitted to the Master of Science in Space Engineering, applicants should have a BSc degree in Engineering and they have acquired a minimum number of credits (CFU) in some scientific areas (Solid Mechanics, Theoretical/Applied Mechanics, Numerical Analysis, and Energy Systems) as reported in the following table.
If the minimum threshold is not reached in each area, some compulsory additional subjects are assigned to the candidate in the related field.
Applicants who do not have a BSc degree in Engineering are normally not admitted. However, the Evaluation Commission will evaluate each application to check the adequacy of the preparation of the candidate.
For more informations applicants are invited to visit the website of the Study Programme.
Procedures for the application of prerequisites
An applicant who has been assigned any prerequisites may attend “Individual Courses”, in the period before the enrolment to the Master of Science. The following three opportunities exist:
- earn credits by passing courses at the Master of Science level, by means of the “Individual Courses” program; these credits will be accepted to part of the 120 credits necessary for the Master of Science degree.
- earn the ‘right to attend’ of courses at the Master of Science level. The same as before if the exam was not passed.
- earn credits related to the additional compulsory modules, as requested by the Evaluation Commission for the Master of Science. These credits shall be not accounted within the 120 credits required for the Master of Science degree.
Furthermore, the following restrictions are in force:
- the total amount of credits (by passing exams or only attending courses) that can be accounted under the 120 credits required for the Master of Science degree cannot exceed 32. Credits in excess of 32 could be only accepted as ‘over-limit exams’ (soprannumero).
- in any case, the total amount of credits earned by passing “individual courses” cannot exceed 80, including credits of compulsory prerequisites.
If an applicant does not pass the exams assigned as compulsory prerequisites within 15 months, he or she forfeits his/her right to admission totally and completely.
6.3 Deadlines for admission and number of places available
The Degree Programme in Space Engineering belongs to the School of Industrial and Information Engineering which establishes the programmed number of places each year.
6.4 Tutoring and students support
At the School of Industrial and Information Engineering are active mentoring services with the objective of assisting students during their course of study. This activity involves students and teachers-tutors-tutors. Further information can be found on the School Website.
7. Contents of the study Program
7.1 Programme requirements
Achievement of 120 credits by passing an exam for each of the courses foreseen in the Programme and a final exam consisting of the discussion of a thesis prepared by the student.
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 Programme is organised according to full-time attendance and foresees participation in lectures and laboratory activities. Attendance, whilst not compulsory, is highly recommended.
7.3 Detailed learning objectives
The educational offer is aimed at acquisition of skills useful in developing, in a complete manner, activities related to the design, analysis and verification of a space mission. In these areas the skills for specialists in the following are highlighted: mission analysis, thermal-structural analysis and design of space systems, design of propulsive and energy subsystems, orbital and attitude determination and control, operations and communication with the Earth station, integration of space systems and post-launch operations.
For more details, refer to the website of the Study Programme.
1 Year courses - Track: NDE - Space Engineering
Code Educational activities SSD Course Title Language Sem CFU CFU Group 083794 B ING-IND/03 ORBITAL MECHANICS 1 10,0 10,0 055750 B ING-IND/05 SPACECRAFT ATTITUDE DYNAMICS 1 10,0 10,0 055753 B ING-IND/04 SPACE STRUCTURES 1 10,0 10,0 099259 B ING-IND/07 SPACE PROPULSION 2 10,0 10,0 055754 B ING-IND/05 SPACE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND OPERATIONS 2 8,0 8,0 -- -- -- Courses to be chosen from Group SPA6 -- -- -- 12,0 Courses of the Group SPA6
Code Educational activities SSD Course Title Language Sem CFU 057075 C ING-INF/02
ING-INF/03ELECTROMAGNETICS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING FOR SPACEBORNE APPLICATIONS 2 6,0 091222 C ING-IND/35 GESTIONE DEI PROGETTI AEROSPAZIALI 2 6,0 083903 C ING-IND/10 HEAT TRANSFER AND THERMAL ANALYSIS 2 6,0 051177 C MAT/09 OPERATION RESEARCH 2 6,0 057074 C FIS/01 SPACE PHYSICS 2 6,0 2 Year courses - Track: NDE - Space Engineering
Code Educational activities SSD Course Title Language Sem CFU CFU Group -- -- -- Courses to be chosen from Group SPA8 (b) -- -- -- 42,0(a) -- -- -- Courses to be chosen from Group SPA6-II (c) -- -- -- -- -- -- Courses to be chosen from Group OTHER -- -- -- 056077 -- -- THESIS AND FINAL EXAM 1 20,0 20,0 (a) You can select a minimum of 40 CFUs and a maximum of 42 CFUs from these groups
(b) Withing the SPA8 Group, the student can eventually select only one between the following courses: Payload Design, cod. 057080, Applied Space Mission Analysis and Design, cod. 057081
(c) Human Spaceflight and Operations 056621: limited number course (max 42 students) and attendance requiredCourses of the Group SPA8
Code Educational activities SSD Course Title Language Sem CFU 054225 B ING-IND/04 AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES AND MATERIALS 1 8,0 057079 B ING-IND/06 AEROTHERMODYNAMICS 1 8,0 057251 B ING-IND/03
ING-IND/05APPLIED SPACE MISSION ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 1 8,0 [4,0]
055749 B ING-IND/03
ING-IND/05ESTIMATION AND LEARNING IN AEROSPACE 1 8,0 052782 B ING-IND/07 LAUNCH SYSTEMS 1 8,0 [1,5097487 B ING-IND/05 MODELING AND SIMULATION OF AEROSPACE SYSTEMS 1 8,0 057080 B ING-IND/05 PAYLOAD DESIGN 1 8,0 054224 C ING-INF/03 REMOTE SENSING FOR EARTH OBSERVATION AND SURVEILLANCE 1 8,0 057082 B ING-IND/05 SPACECRAFT GUIDANCE AND NAVIGATION 1 8,0 091263 C ING-INF/04 TECNOLOGIE DEI SISTEMI DI CONTROLLO PER L'AERONAUTICA 1 8,0 Courses of the Group SPA6-II
Code Educational activities SSD Course Title Language Sem CFU 057076 B ING-IND/04 ANALYSIS AND TESTING OF SPACE STRUCTURES 1 6,0 059768 B ING-IND/04 BUCKLING OF AEROSPACE STRUCTURES 1 6,0 053584 C ING-IND/35 HIGH-TECH STARTUPS: CREATING AND SCALING UP I 1 6,0 [6,0057078 C ING-INF/02 SATELLITE COMMUNICATION AND POSITIONING SYSTEMS 1 6,0 057908 C ING-IND/14 STRUCTURAL RELIABILITY OF AEROSPACE COMPONENTS 1 6,0 057077 B ING-IND/07 COMBUSTION IN THERMOCHEMICAL PROPULSION B 2 6,0 091222 C ING-IND/35 GESTIONE DEI PROGETTI AEROSPAZIALI 2 6,0 056621 B ING-IND/05 HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT AND OPERATIONS(a) 2 6,0 [4,0054236 B ING-IND/04 METODI AVANZATI PER LA PROGETTAZIONE DI STRUTTURE AEROSPAZIALI 2 6,0 [3,0054232 B ING-IND/04 MULTIBODY SYSTEM DYNAMICS 2 6,0 051177 C MAT/09 OPERATION RESEARCH 2 6,0 057074 C FIS/01 SPACE PHYSICS 2 6,0 (a) Closed number subjectCourses of the Group OTHER
Code Educational activities SSD Course Title Language Sem CFU 057087 B ING-IND/05 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH 2 2,0 [2,0056238 -- M-PED/03 COMMUNICATION AND ARGUMENTATION B(a) 2 3,0 [3,0055809 C M-FIL/02 CRITICAL THINKING(b) 2 3,0 [3,0057875 -- SPS/09 DIVERSITY AWARE DESIGN OF TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS B 2 3,0 [3,0055808 -- SPS/07 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND SOCIETAL CHALLENGES(c) 2 3,0 [3,0062089 -- M-FIL/03 ETHICAL ISSUES OF TECHNOLOGY AND PUBLIC REGULATION 2 3,0 056235 C M-FIL/02 ETHICS FOR TECHNOLOGY B(d) 2 3,0 [3,0059580 -- SPS/08 SOCIAL HISTORY OF TECHNOLOGY 2 3,0 [3,0057083 B ING-IND/03 TECHNICAL AND SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION 2 2,0 [2,0056830 -- SPS/08 THE SOCIAL SHAPING OF TECHNOLOGY(e) 2 3,0 [3,0(a) Closed number subject
(b) Closed number subject
(c) Closed number subject
(d) Closed number subject
(e) Closed number subjectPre-requisitesIn order to prevent students from approaching subjects lacking the curricular requirements resulting from a proper progression in the acquisition of content, it is strongly recommended that they attend the compulsory common courses in the first semester of the first year before undertaking the subjects offered in the second semester of the first year.
Supplementary activities
Students might graduate with more than the number of 120 credits required by the system. Educational proposals that will be acknowledged and certified in students’ personal curricula are:
- additional courses;
- company internships.
Additional courses
To complete his/her education, students may insert additional courses, e.g. proposed by the University or by the Programme and PhD courses, according to that published in the documents of the reference Boards.
Remember that:
- courses proposed within the scope of the teaching offer of the Programme inserted as additional courses cannot be used for the purpose of obtaining the Master of Science, other than by applying for their transformation in effective courses;
- additional activities are not compulsory for the student who may graduate without having gained such credits.
Company internships
An experience in a working environment can play a significant role in the training of an engineer. The current proposal does not foresee a compulsory period of time spent in a company. However, students can insert an internship as a supplementary activity in their study programme. Time spent in a company will be managed by a specific structure so as to guarantee:
- quality of the activity carried out;
- respect of commitments in terms of time required;
- adequacy of assistance and tutoring in the company;
- correspondence between educational needs of students and work carried out in the company.
Autonomous study plans
Autonomous study plans, that is plans which do not comply with the rules adopted by the School and summarised in the Programme Teaching Regulations, will be examined individually.
7.4 Foreign language
For the admission to the Master programme, an essential prerequisite is an adequate knowledge of the English language. The level of knowledge of the English language must be certified at the time of application for admission, through the achievement of minimum levels of test scores recognized by the University. These are available at the website of the University and of the School.
7.5 Degree examination
The final exam has the main objective of verifying knowledge and skills gained thorugh the thesis work and consists of a presentation and subsequent discussion of the activity carried out and the results achieved. It also has the secondary objective of verifying acquisition of adequate oral and written communication skills.
The ability to correctly present results of one's work and to face a technical cross-examination will be evaluated by the commission and will contribute to the final score.
The types of document and procedures for compiling the final score can be found in the regulation approved by the School of Industrial and Information Engineering and available on its Website.
8. Academic calendar
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
Space Engineering students will have access to all of the Politecnico di Milano facilities (computer-equipped rooms, libraries, studios, canteens, sports facilities). Some courses include laboratory activities that will be carried out in computer-equipped rooms or experimental laboratories. The laboratory activities, computer based or experimental ones, aim at integrating the knowledge acquired in the lectures and allow the students to apply them in solving specific problems of space engineering.
Further information concerning this topic is available on the degree programme, which is annually published on the website of Politecnico di Milano.
11. International context
Research in the Politecnico di Milano proceeds alongside the extensive network of cooperative relationships and connections with other Italian and foreign universities, with public and private research centres and with the industrial system. The quality and effect of research carried out at the Politecnico have been confirmed in recent years by the increase in connections with the international scientific community. Testimony to this is the large number of research projects and programmes that have recently been undertaken with the best European and worldwide universities, from North America to South-East Asia.
12. Internationalization
Students on the Space Engineering programme can access international study programmes, based on the agreements held with numerous foreign institutions. Every year various students, both Italian and foreign, take part in international exchanges. Students chosen for a specific programme can enrich their profiles by studying abroad and earning credits that are fully acknowledged by the Politecnico di Milano.
There are multiple opportunities on offer. Amongst them are the following:
- study periods abroad with the Erasmus programme, or other non-EU special programmes;
- double degree programmes (that foresee awarding of a double master of science degree over a 3 year period, of which two are spent in a partner institution abroad);
- traineeship in companies or foreign university laboratories;
- writing the final thesis abroad.
13. Quantitative data
The Evaluation 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.