Master's Degree in Civil Engineering

The Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering is designed to provide advanced knowledge and interdisciplinary understanding in the main fields of civil engineering. It specifically prepares students for activities related to the design of ordinary structures and buildings; the design and management of infrastructure and territorial planning; managerial and coordination roles in design firms, civil construction companies, prefabrication companies, and companies specializing in metal and timber construction; as well as high-level managerial, technical-administrative, and technical-commercial roles within public administrations, public and private organizations, insurance companies, and companies operating in the civil sector.

The Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering is designed to train highly qualified professionals capable of working both as independent consultants (senior engineers, a title obtained upon passing the state licensing exam and registering with section B of the Professional Register) and as employees in public or private organizations.

Role in the workplace:

The main functions of this professional figure include:

• Practicing as a self-employed senior engineer, with responsibilities in design, coordination, planning, and management;
• Serving as an employee within public administration, with managerial responsibilities;
• Working as an employee in private companies, holding managerial responsibilities.

Skills associated with the role:
The main career opportunities offered by the Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering include innovation and production development, advanced design, planning and programming, and the management of complex systems, both in self-employment and within manufacturing or service companies as well as public administrations.

Career opportunities:
Graduates with a Master’s Degree may find employment in construction and maintenance companies specializing in civil works, plants, and infrastructure; professional firms and design consultancies focusing on works, plants, and infrastructure; public agencies responsible for the design, planning, management, and oversight of urban and territorial systems; companies, entities, consortia, and agencies engaged in the management and control of works and service systems; and consulting firms conducting feasibility studies on the urban and territorial impact of infrastructure projects.

The Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, lasting two years, aims to train professionals capable of using mathematical, scientific, and engineering knowledge to interpret and solve complex problems. Students acquire technical skills in design, experiment conduction, data analysis, and understanding the social and environmental impact of engineering solutions. They are also trained in ethical, managerial, and communication aspects, with particular emphasis on communicating effectively in at least one European language besides Italian.

Graduates must be able to design civil works, coordinate construction sites, economically evaluate building processes and urban plans, organize industrial production, manage technical-administrative activities, and operate in various fields such as hydraulic infrastructures, environmental-health engineering, transport systems, and territorial knowledge. They must also be skilled in conducting laboratory experiments and using IT tools for design support.

The curriculum is structured over two years:

• First year: six semester courses of 9 credits each, covering core and related subjects, providing the initial theoretical-scientific content;
• Second year: five semester courses of 9 credits each, completing the theoretical path, with an optional exam and a final thesis.

Teaching methods primarily include lectures, supplemented by extensive laboratory activities and internships, allowing direct application of learned concepts. Visits and summer schools also enrich the program with innovative and effective learning experiences.

For more information, please refer to the original page in Italian.

Knowledge Required for Admission

To enroll in the Master’s Degree program in Civil Engineering, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree, a three-year university diploma, or an equivalent qualification from abroad recognized as valid. Admission is subject to meeting specific academic requirements and an evaluation of the applicant’s preparedness.

For details on the academic requirements and admission procedures, please refer to the Italian page.

Orientation for Incoming Students

The degree program actively participates in orientation initiatives for prospective students, organized both at the University level and within individual engineering macro-areas. Full details are available in the dedicated section of the University website, where students can also find information about specific activities offered by each macro-area. These initiatives are coordinated by a working group consisting of the Rector’s Delegate for Orientation, departmental delegates, and staff from the University Orientation Office (U.O.C. Orientation). The design and delivery of these activities are certified to UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 standards.

Students can find up-to-date information on regular activities and upcoming events on the Orientation page.
 

Ongoing Support During the Program

Tutoring services are provided at the University level as part of an annual plan developed by the University Tutoring Committee and approved by the Academic Senate. The Tutoring Service supports students in progressing with their studies and helps identify and resolve issues that could affect student retention. The service is certified to UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 standards and is managed by a dedicated unit within the University’s student support services.

Tutoring

Final Exam Description

The final exam involves preparing, presenting, and discussing an extensive thesis before a designated committee, formed according to the University’s academic regulations. The thesis must be developed independently and originally, demonstrating a significant personal contribution. During preparation, the student will be guided by one or more advisors who will help agree on the thesis topic.

If the student has completed an internship or placement, the thesis will usually focus on the work done and results achieved at the host organization, such as a public or private company, research center, university lab, or professional body. The thesis consists of a written and/or design report, which may be written in any European Union language other than Italian, as specified by the study program’s rules.

Preparing the thesis—whether theoretical, experimental, or project-based—is an opportunity to apply and deepen the knowledge and skills gained, including interdisciplinary approaches. It also involves learning new techniques and tools, developing practical skills, and independently creating interpretive frameworks.

The final exam aims to evaluate the student’s technical and scientific maturity, competence, understanding, and independent judgment; their ability to apply knowledge and skills; any innovative contributions from their independent research; technical proficiency; and communication skills.

Final Exam Procedure

The final exam involves preparing, presenting, and discussing the Master’s thesis—an original written and/or visual work based on design, research, and study. The thesis should show a solid understanding of the topic, the ability to independently solve complex problems, and effective communication skills.

To be admitted to the final exam, students must have completed all the required credits of their study program, except those linked to the final exam itself. Only students who have followed the teaching evaluation procedures will be allowed to take the exam.

Details on how to apply for graduation, the exam process, and grading criteria can be found on the University’s website under “Graduation exams, forms, and deadlines – Engineering,” as well as in the Final Exam Regulations issued by the Civil and Environmental Engineering Degree Program Council.

Students can also complete their thesis abroad, supervised by a University of Brescia advisor. In these cases, the advisor may recommend to the Degree Program Council to recognize some of the credits for the final exam earned abroad.

Depending on the research project and time spent abroad, between 1 and 9 credits (CFU) may be granted, fully counted without additional assessment.

Graduation sessions follow a yearly approved schedule.