If you enrolled before the 2025/2026 academic year, consult the list of Programmes and Regulations available on your School website.
The information provided about the programme refers to the academic year 2025/26 and may be subject to change in the academic year 2026/27.
MSc in Aeronautical Engineering
The Master’s Degree Programme in Aeronautical Engineering aims to educate engineers capable of operating in environments characterised by a high degree of interdisciplinarity, advanced technological content, and stringent efficiency and safety requirements, within an international and continuously evolving labour market.
Graduates in Aeronautical Engineering are able to analyse, understand and manage not only issues specific to the aeronautical sector, but also those arising in related scientific and technological fields where expertise in the design and development of complex, high-technology systems, subject to constant innovation, is required.
From a technical and scientific perspective, the objective of the Master’s Degree Programme is to provide highly qualified professionals with a strong cultural and technical background, capable of undertaking and managing research and design activities in the fields of aerodynamics, structures and materials, aircraft systems and equipment, and aerospace propulsion.
The knowledge delivered through the various modules is embedded within an educational framework that, in addition to ensuring its acquisition, is designed to foster interdisciplinary integration skills and to develop the ability to address new and complex problems with scientific rigour.
The Bachelor’s Degree is a prerequisite for admission to the Master’s Degree Programme.
Admission to the Master’s Degree Programme in Aeronautical Engineering requires a solid background in mathematics, physics, and core engineering disciplines, consistent with the educational objectives of the programme. The reference qualification is a first-cycle degree in Aerospace Engineering or in closely related fields, providing adequate knowledge in mechanics, systems dynamics, materials science, aerodynamics, and the fundamentals of propulsion systems.
Admission is subject to an evaluation of the candidate’s academic record to verify the adequacy of their personal preparation. The Evaluation Committee, appointed by the Programme Board, assesses the applicant’s curriculum, grade point average, and final degree mark, taking into account the coherence of the prior studies with the educational objectives of the Master’s Degree Programme.
In the case of academic backgrounds not fully aligned with the reference pathway, the Committee may carry out an overall assessment of the knowledge and skills acquired, also considering any duly documented evidence of excellence.
With regard to the English language requirement, reference should be made to the University’s enrolment procedures.
For further details, please refer to the Programme Regulations, Section 6.
Holding a Bachelor’s Degree awarded abroad, equivalent to a first-cycle degree, constitutes a prerequisite for admission to the Master’s Degree Programme.
Admission is subject to verification of the comparability of the qualification and to an assessment of the consistency of the academic background with the objectives of the Master’s Degree Programme in Aeronautical Engineering. Applicants are required to demonstrate adequate preparation in mathematics and physics, as well as in the principal areas of aerospace or mechanical engineering.
The Evaluation Committee reviews the applicant’s academic curriculum, academic performance, and any additional elements deemed relevant to substantiate the robustness of the candidate’s personal preparation.
Proficiency in the English language is a fundamental requirement, as the programme is delivered entirely in English. For the assessment procedures, reference should be made to the University’s admission regulations.
For further details, please refer to the Programme Regulations, Section 6.
The Master’s Degree Programme in Aeronautical Engineering is a two-year course delivered predominantly in English, designed to train specialists in the design and management of complex aerospace systems.
In the first year, students consolidate their advanced foundations in aeronautical engineering through four compulsory modules covering atmospheric flight dynamics, aerodynamics, aerospace structures, and aeroelasticity. These modules constitute the core educational activities underpinning the knowledge and competences of the aeronautical engineer. The objective is to provide analytical tools for understanding and modelling the various aspects of aircraft behaviour and performance.
During the first year, students are also required to select three additional modules: one core (characterising) module, related to the distinctive disciplines of aeronautical engineering, and two complementary modules, drawn from subject areas closely related to aerospace engineering.
The second year offers a broad and diversified range of modules, enabling students to define their individual academic pathway in line with their interests and aptitudes. The selection of modules becomes a strongly motivating dimension of the programme, as students take an active role in shaping their professional profile, choosing to emphasise either discipline-specific (core) subjects or multidisciplinary (related) topics, thereby aligning their personal interests and skills with the competence profiles demanded by the labour market. The programme also includes modules aimed at developing and refining technical writing and presentation skills, as well as introducing students to research methodologies in the field of aeronautics.
The programme concludes with the Master’s Thesis, a design-oriented or research-based project of high technical and scientific content, which may also be carried out in collaboration with aerospace companies, research centres, or international institutions. The thesis represents a synthesis of the competences acquired and provides direct engagement with real-world challenges in the sector.
Graduates of the Master’s Degree Programme in Aeronautical Engineering are professionals capable of operating with autonomy and technical responsibility in highly complex technological environments.
Their academic preparation enables them to take up positions of autonomy and responsibility in sectors such as aeronautical and space industries; research centres; public and private bodies involved in design, production, testing, and certification in the aerospace field; air transport companies; air traffic management organisations; the Air Force; and aeronautical divisions of other branches of the armed forces.
This background also provides access to roles within industries engaged in the manufacture of machinery and equipment where advanced technology, aerodynamics, and lightweight structures are of primary importance. The breadth and depth of the training further enhance employment opportunities in non-aerospace companies that apply advanced methodologies and technologies, such as the automotive and motorcycle industries, renewable energy, advanced materials, and innovative manufacturing processes.
Graduates may also practise as chartered engineers, subject to passing the State Examination and registering in Section A of the Professional Register of the Order of Engineers.
It is also possible to pursue further academic development through a PhD programme in the aerospace field or in related disciplines.
Programme Coordinator/Chair: Prof. Pierluigi Di Lizia (pierluigi.dilizia@polimi.it)
Programme Secretary: Prof. Filippo Maggi (filippo.maggi@polimi.it)
Study Plan Coordinator: Prof. Alessandro Croce (alessandro.croce@polimi.it)
Admissions Coordinators: Prof. Giulio Gori (giulio.gori@polimi.it), Mauro Massari (mauro.massari@polimi.it)
Transfers and Internal Mobility Coordinator: Prof Stefano Cacciola (stefano.cacciola@polimi.it)
Academic Guidance Coordinator: Prof Paolo Bettini (paolo.bettini@polimi.it)
Student Representatives: rappresentantistudenti-ccsaerospaziale@polimi.it
Academic office - Aerospace engineering: didattica-daer@polimi.it