Educational goals

The Master's degree course in Industrial Automation Engineering aims to train professionals who have an in-depth knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of engineering subjects in the field of industrial automation. Special reference is made to scientific and technical knowledge relating to electronics, mechanics, electrical drives, automatic controls, and information technology. The training also covers content typical of business and production activities, such as economics and management. An automation engineer is a technician with a broad background who can communicate with specialists in the design, engineering, production, operation and maintenance of mechatronic and robotics systems and equipment, as well as in laboratory and plant management. The interdisciplinary training provided by this course will equip students with the skills to study, develop and utilise complex robotics and mechatronic tools, equipment and devices. It will also provide them with the ability to apply theoretical tools and computer development environments to modelling and design. By the end of the course, graduates will be able to rely on innovation-oriented approaches to identify, analyse and solve the main problems, including complex ones, typical of industrial automation. In addition, graduates will be able to build flexible professional careers that keep pace with technological evolution and the international labour market. They may also have the opportunity to conduct research in one of the contexts available in the national and international landscape. Finally, the Master's degree course aims to provide knowledge on which to base further study as part of any subsequent courses of study (Master's degrees and PhD programmes). The programme will be delivered in English and includes courses focusing on design and management. The courses share core subjects such as applied mechanics, automatic controls and electrical machines, providing students with a common foundation in design, control, modelling and robotics. The courses are differentiated by their related activities, as they provide further insights into electronics, telecommunications and IT topics on the one hand and production management topics on the other. All profiles adapt over time to technological advances in automation. The training programme also features subjects that students can choose to cover the CFUs required for optional modules, in order to diversify their background and achieve greater flexibility, which is indispensable in the profession. Some course subjects may be taught in Italian. In the Master's degree course, special emphasis is placed on the in-depth study of both the theoretical and practical content acquired during the course, and the most innovative technologies. This ensures that the training provided remains up to date with the advancements in industrial automation, enabling students to tackle new problems with confidence and equipping them with the conceptual tools necessary for ongoing updates. Theory training is complemented by significant laboratory sessions, which, alongside the drafting of the degree thesis, enable students to assess the concepts learnt during the course through practical activities. Training will focus particularly on methodological aspects and will be organised to provide advanced engineering skills to engage in highly qualified professional activities in the following areas: - Design, supervision and control of robotics systems; - Design of automation systems for industry and services; Methodologies for modelling, simulation and control of complex systems.

Career opportunities

Automation engineer. The Master's degree course in Industrial Automation Engineering primarily prepares students for careers in innovation and production development, advanced design, planning and programming, and the management of complex systems. They can find employment as freelancers, manufacturing and service companies, and public authorities. Graduates will be able to find employment in electronic, electromechanical, space, chemical and aeronautical companies, where they will be responsible for developing complex architectures, automatic systems and processes, and automation plants that integrate IT components, as well as metering, transmission and actuation equipment. Below are some of the most recurring occupations in the area of automation: - Design of automation systems for industry and services; - Design, supervision and control of robotics systems; - Design of automatic machines and mechatronic systems, resulting from the integrated design of mechanics and measurement and control electronics; - Design, development and operation of automated systems for process plants; - Design of methodologies for modelling, simulation and control of complex systems; - Logistics and/or customer service management in industrial companies; - Operational management in the commercial and technical sectors of telecommunications and energy.

Admission requirements

To be admitted to the Master's programme, students must hold a degree, which may have been obtained under the regulations in force prior to Ministerial Decree 509/1999, as amended from time to time) or a three-year university degree, or an academic title obtained abroad, provided that it is recognised as eligible by the relevant University’s bodies. The meeting of curricular requirements and the adequacy of the student's initial preparation is also needed for admission. Admission to the Master's degree in Industrial Automation Engineering requires a solid foundation in engineering disciplines, with a strong grasp of the fundamental subjects and the specific subjects of industrial engineering, particularly in the areas of automation, electrical drives, and mechanics. These competencies are set out in the Teaching Regulations of the Master's degree programme in terms of curricular requirements, where the minimum number of University Credits (CFUs) that candidates must have acquired in their previous studies is defined. This refers to the various training activities laid down by the current regulations, as well as to individual scientific and subject-specific sectors and/or groups of scientific and subject-specific sectors recognised as eligible by the Academic Board. In order to be admitted to the Master's degree programme, students must demonstrate fluency in written and spoken English, including subject-specific vocabulary. The required level of proficiency is specified in the Teaching Regulations of the Master's degree programme and aligns with the levels of competence outlined in the Common European Framework developed by the Council of Europe. Admission to the Master's degree course is also subject to the candidate's personal background check, in accordance with the criteria and procedures set out in the Academic Regulations.