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BSc in Energy Engineering
Energy lies at the core of almost everything we use in our daily lives: from the light that illuminates our homes to heating, from transport systems to the internet, and throughout the entire industrial sector. Yet it is much more than this. Energy drives the development of societies and people’s quality of life, and is at the same time intrinsically linked to the challenges of sustainability and environmental impact. Ensuring that energy is produced and used efficiently and responsibly is therefore one of the most crucial issues of our time.
It is precisely in this context that the energy engineer plays a crucial role. This professional is a specialist in the conversion and rational use of energy, with skills ranging from thermodynamics to mechanics, from chemistry to electrical engineering. Energy engineers are able to tackle problems using state-of-the-art methods in order to:
• Design, test, operate and maintain plants for the production, distribution and use of energy. For example, an energy engineer may work on the design of a photovoltaic system, ensuring that the panels are positioned optimally to maximise energy production.
• Manage and improve existing energy technologies, such as overseeing the operation of a district heating network to reduce associated energy consumption.
• Contribute to effective energy planning, taking part in projects aimed at strengthening energy production in remote areas to support their development.
• Assess the environmental impact and safety of energy plants, for instance when developing new power stations or waste-to-energy plants, ensuring that they are efficient and compliant with environmental regulations.
• Work in multidisciplinary teams, for example collaborating with architects and urban planners to integrate sustainable energy solutions into new residential building projects.
Today, issues related to energy production and its rational use, along with their environmental implications, are central not only in industrialized societies, but also in the economies of emerging and developing countries. Technologies are evolving rapidly, energy scenarios are constantly changing in close connection with the geopolitical context, and the energy sector is experiencing intense scientific, technical and economic dynamics. All this calls for highly qualified “energy specialists” with a solid and in-depth preparation, capable of making the best use of the tools offered by ongoing scientific and technological progress. These professionals do not merely apply existing knowledge; they actively contribute to its advancement, helping to shape informed and sustainable energy and industrial policies, aimed at increasing prosperity for people and society as a whole, while respecting the environment.
The Bachelor of Science in Energy Engineering is designed to provide a solid grounding in scientific and engineering principles, with a gradual and progressive focus on energy-related topics. The educational path of the energy engineer begins with the study of core subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science and applied economics for engineering. On this foundation, specific competences in energy engineering are developed, centred on applied thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid machines, and integrated with core industrial engineering subjects such as solid and fluid mechanics, manufacturing technologies, electrical engineering and power systems, materials science.
The programme offers a common path in the first two years and a differentiated structure in the third year, allowing students either to prepare for continuation to a Master of Science degree or to enter the job market directly.
First Year: Scientific and Engineering Fundamentals
The first year is devoted to building the theoretical and methodological foundations that are essential for successfully tackling the engineering subjects of the following years. The aim is to develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills through courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, technical drawing and materials science.
Second Year: Core Industrial and Energy Engineering Principles
In the second year, the study programme extends to key engineering disciplines required to understand and apply energy technologies. An interdisciplinary background is consolidated, integrating thermo-fluid, mechanical and electrical aspects. Courses include theoretical and applied mechanics, solid and fluid mechanics, statistics, optics, thermal engineering, industrial plants and management, electrical systems. This broad multidisciplinary education is fundamental for training energy engineers who must be able to address complex issues related to the thermodynamic conversion of different forms of energy, the environmental effects associated with energy production, indoor climate control and thermal comfort. The ability to integrate knowledge from different fields is a key requirement for operating in a rapidly evolving sector, where effective solutions demand a wide-ranging and cross-disciplinary perspective.
Third Year: Applied Aspects of Energy Engineering
In the third year, students can tailor their curriculum according to their interests and future professional goals. Four different study tracks are offered, each including the development of soft skills and practical experience through laboratory activities and company internships, in order to strengthen the link between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. Of the 60 ECTS credits in the third year, 15 can be chosen freely by the student. The programme is structured both to facilitate entry into the job market and to provide adequate preparation for Master of Science studies.
- E1N – Preparatory track for the MSc in Energy Engineering: this track deepens topics related to fluid machines and energy systems, HVAC systems and analytical and numerical methods for engineering.
- E3N – Preparatory track for the MSc in Nuclear Engineering: this track includes courses on the principles of nuclear engineering, radioactivity and radiation protection, in addition to energy systems.
- E4N – Application-oriented track in Fluid Machines and Energy Systems for direct employment: this track focuses on fluid machines and energy systems, fuels, internal combustion engines and turbomachinery. It includes a mandatory internship in companies operating in the energy sector.
- E5N – Application-oriented track in Energy Efficiency and Building Energy Systems for direct employment: this track deepens the design of HVAC systems, combustion processes and energy certification in buildings, with a mandatory internship in companies in the HVAC sector.
Once the Bachelor of Science in Energy Engineering has been completed, a range of further opportunities are available. Many graduates choose to continue their studies by enrolling in a Master of Science programme, in order to further deepen their expertise and gain access to positions with greater responsibility. Others prefer to enter the job market directly, supported by the practical skills acquired during the three-year programme, particularly if they have followed one of the application-oriented tracks including an internship in a company.
Bachelor’s degree graduates (1st level) in Energy Engineering can take the State Examination in order to enter the Section B of the Order of Engineers (Junior Engineers) in the Industrial Engineering sector, a qualification that allows them to work professionally in many areas of the energy sector. Those who complete a Master’s Degree (2nd level) can take the State Examination for qualification to Section A of the Order of Engineers, thereby accessing positions of higher responsibility and more complex design activities.
Career opportunities
The job market offers a wide range of opportunities for energy engineers. The production, distribution and rational use of energy are essential needs of our time. In this context, the energy industry is undergoing major transformations: market liberalization, increased competition, decentralization of production, growing attention to environmental impact and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. These challenges call for highly qualified engineers with appropriate skills.
It should also be noted that the concentration of companies operating in the energy sector is particularly high in the Lombardy and Milan areas, ranging from large organizations involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy to a very large number of small and medium-sized enterprises working in industrial and civil plant engineering, HVAC systems and plant components.
Opportunities for Bachelor graduates
Graduates with a Bachelor of Science degree find employment in several fields, including:
- Energy management in companies and public bodies supplying energy services.
Italian legislation (Law 10/91) requires companies with significant energy consumption to appoint a “technician responsible for the conservation and efficient use of energy” (Energy Manager).
- Design, testing, operation and maintenance of energy systems, such as heating and air-conditioning systems, refrigeration and food preservation plants, and small- to medium-scale plants for the production, distribution and use of energy.
- Building HVAC design, a rapidly growing sector linked to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in buildings.
- Manufacturing industries producing and marketing energy-related equipment and components, such as boilers, air-conditioning units, refrigerators, heat exchangers, compressors, engines and gas or steam turbines.
- Energy industries operating in the thermoelectric, hydroelectric, automotive, oil, and natural gas sectors, at the production, dispatch, or distribution level, including decarbonisation technologies.
- Renewable energy generation industry, a dynamic and continuously expanding sector.
Opportunities for Master of Science graduates
For Master of Science graduates, career opportunities are broadly similar but typically involve access to positions with greater responsibility, both in the design of plants and components and in their operation and management. Master graduates are particularly qualified for research and development activities, as well as for the study and design of the most advanced and demanding applications, such as large-scale plants, innovative processes and the development of technologically advanced machinery and components. The broader and more flexible preparation provided by the Master of Science degree also opens up employment opportunities in interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral areas involving the energy field.
Employment data
To obtain an up-to-date overview of the professional opportunities and employment prospects for recent graduates in Energy Engineering, you can consult the Career Service statistics of Politecnico di Milano. These provide information on employment rates, sectors of employment and salary levels for graduates.
Post-graduate education
Subject to evaluation of the academic curriculum, graduates in Energy Engineering may continue their studies in the same field (Energy Engineering) or in related areas such as Nuclear Engineering. Again subject to admission requirements based on the previous study record, graduates may also enrol in other Master of Science programmes or first-level Specializing Masters, allowing them to specialise in specific areas of the energy sector and to develop advanced skills in line with job market needs.
After the Master of Science, the PhD Programme in Energy and Nuclear Science and Technology is available. It is aimed at training engineers with an extremely thorough and high-level scientific education, who are expected to take on positions of major responsibility in companies with a strong focus on research and development.
PhD in Energy and Nuclear Science and Technology
Coordinator of the Study Program: Prof. Paolo Chiesa (paolo.chiesa@polimi.it)
Secretary of the Study Program: Prof. Luca Molinaroli (luca.molinaroli@polimi.it)
Orientation: Prof. Augusto Della Torre (augusto.dellatorre@polimi.it)
Student representatives: rappresentantistudenti-ccsenergetica@polimi.it