If you enrolled before the 2026/2027 academic year, consult the list of Programmes and Regulations available on your School website.
MSc in Communication Design
The Master’s Degree Programme in Communication Design educates designers who are able to operate strategically and critically within contemporary communication systems, characterized by significant technological, social, and cultural complexity. The programme develops advanced competences in concept development, the design of integrated communication systems, and the coordination of interdisciplinary processes, with particular attention to digital transformations, media environments, and contexts of use. Through theoretical courses, design studios, workshops, internships, and the final thesis project, students strengthen their design autonomy, research capabilities, and sense of social responsibility, preparing to work in companies, agencies, cultural institutions, or as independent professionals in the field of visual communication and complex media systems.
Admission to the Master’s Degree programme in Communication Design requires a degree in Class L-4 Industrial Design.
Applicants holding a first-level degree in one of the following classes may also be admitted:
- L-1 Cultural Heritage
- L-3 Disciplines of Visual Arts, Music, Performing Arts and Fashion
- L-10 Humanities
- L-8 Information Engineering
- L-17 Architecture
- L-20 Communication Sciences
- L-31 Computer Science and Technologies
provided that they have obtained at least 30 ECTS credits in the Scientific Disciplinary Sector CEAR-08/D (formerly ICAR/13).
Where the required curricular requirements are not met, the Committee will assess any additional educational and professional qualifications relevant to the field of Design and may specify supplementary ECTS credits to be obtained before the assessment of individual preparation. Further details will be provided in the Study Programme Regulations.
A minimum weighted average grade of 23/30 is required for Politecnico di Milano graduates, and 25/30 for graduates from other Italian universities.
English language proficiency must be certified when submitting the application, by achieving the minimum scores in tests recognised by the University.
For full details regarding eligible degree classes, evaluation criteria, and selection procedures, please refer to the course's Academic Regulations (section 6).
Applicants holding a foreign university qualification considered equivalent to a first-level degree in design or related fields may apply to the Master’s Degree programme in Communication Design. The qualification must allow the identification of the relevant disciplinary sectors and credits obtained; otherwise, the applicant’s academic record will be assessed individually by the Programme Board. Admission is subject to assessment of individual preparation and to possession of adequate English language proficiency, demonstrated by achieving the minimum scores in tests recognised by the University.
International applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of Italian if they choose a track taught in Italian. The required level of Italian language proficiency is specified on the University website.
Procedures and deadlines are indicated in the "Eligibility and Admission Requirements" section of the University and School of Design websites.
The Master’s Degree in Communication Design advances the strategic design of contemporary communication systems, integrating the cultural, technological, and social dimensions of the design process. The programme is oriented toward the development of design autonomy and the ability to define complex concepts, coordinate interdisciplinary processes, and manage communication systems that integrate different media, languages, and platforms, both analogue and digital.
Students consolidate a solid theoretical and critical background through disciplines such as semiotics, anthropology, media sociology, and design culture, complemented by intensive studio-based activities in which knowledge is applied to the design of artefacts, services, and complex communication systems. Particular attention is devoted to the understanding of cultural and social contexts, digital transformation, information visualization, user–system interaction, and the evaluation of the social, economic, and environmental impacts of design decisions.
The curriculum combines theoretical courses, design studios, intensive workshops connected to professional contexts, internships, and the final thesis, fostering design experimentation and the development of research skills, critical thinking, and teamwork.
The Master’s Degree in Communication Design prepares graduates to undertake roles in design, coordination, and creative direction within complex communication systems. Graduates may work in companies, communication and advertising agencies, IT consultancy firms, production companies, cultural and museum institutions, and organizations with a strong focus on corporate communication and digital presence, or they may pursue independent professional practice.
The competences acquired enable graduates to work on communication strategies, brand identity, traditional and multimedia publishing, online products and services, and projects that integrate conventional communication systems with advanced technologies, including roles involving design leadership and art direction.
After graduation, students may further their education through second-level Master’s programmes, PhD programmes, or other specialization opportunities. The programme provides a methodological, critical, and design-oriented preparation that supports both direct entry into the professional world and the continuation of studies and research.
Know more about the programme through a current student’s experience. Book your online one-to-one meeting through #Askastudent – Our voice for your choice project.
Programme Coordinator: Prof. Elena Caratti
Programme Secretary: Prof. Marco Quaggiotto