INGEGNERIA AEROSPAZIALE Degree Programme Profile
Basic Information
Qualification awarded
Master Degree in INGEGNERIA AEROSPAZIALE
Qualification Type/Level
EHEA Second cycle, EQF level 7
Number of Years/credits
2 years; 120 ECTS
Mode of Study
Full-Time/Part-Time*
*All Degree Programmes are planned and organised for full-time students. It is possible, however (without special arrangements), to proceed through the course of study at one's own pace. This makes it possible, if necessary, to accommodate employment or other non-university activities or obligations.
Name of the Course Director and other contact information
President of the Degree Course Council:
Prof. FABRIZIO PAGANUCCI
Email fabrizio.paganucci@unipi.it
Department of DIPARTIMENTO DI INGEGNERIA CIVILE E INDUSTRIALE
Internationalization Coordinator (CAI):
Prof. Salvo Marcuccio
Email s.marcuccio@ing.unipi.it
Language of Teaching
English, Italian
Admission Requirements
Formal Requirements
Italian First cycle qualification (Laurea) or foreign equivalent in the same or related subject area, with possible extra work if required competences are lacking.
Possible assessment prior knowledge and competences
Assessment of competences acquired in First Cycle studies in related or un-related subject areas to determine admission by Degree Programme Council with possible assignment of extra work to be done before admission.
Required knowledge and competences support programmes
Students whose curricula show lacuna may need to take extra first cycle course units before admission.
General Information
Programme Profile
The program has been established and is specifically intended to train specialized professionals able to effectively carry out the design and management of complex aerospace systems, as well as to prepare students for further studies in the aerospace engineering field. These objectives are pursued by providing a thorough education in the foundations of the aerospace engineering sciences, with emphasis on research and the experimental methods.
Entering students should have a sound background in undergraduate mathematics, physics, and engineering science. The theoretical and scientific aspects of aerospace engineering are treated in detail, with the aim of developing the capabilities necessary for the effective design and management of aerospace vehicles and systems.
Key Learning Outcomes
The combination of knowledge and skills characterizing the graduate program in aerospace engineering are:
• a thorough knowledge of the theoretical and scientific aspects of the physical and mathematical disciplines and of the other fundamental sciences;
• the capability to use this knowledge to understand complex problems, or problems requiring an interdisciplinary approach;
• a thorough knowledge of the theoretical and scientific aspects of engineering in general, and in more detail, space and aeronautical and astronautical engineering;
• the capability to conceive, plan, design and manage complex and/or innovative systems, processes and services;
• the capability of designing and managing complex experiments.
• In working for their degree, aerospace engineering students will pursue a major study in one of the following areas: aerospace systems, aerospace propulsion, aerospace structures, aerothermodynamics, aerospace flight dynamics and control. The choice of one of the these fields allows students to focus their activities, while taking advantage of the flexibility offered by the breadth of interests of the aerospace group at DICI.
Occupational Profile/s of Graduates
The aerospace engineering program opens the way to further academic work as well as to professional activities in aerospace industry, in public and private research institutions in the aerospace field, in the Air Force, and in industrial companies for the production of machinery and equipment where the application of aerospace-derived technologies is especially relevant. Finally, as a consequence of the multidisciplinary nature of the educational program, the aerospace engineering graduates will also easily find employment in the mechanical industry, with specific reference to structural and fluid mechanic design work.
Access to further study
The Laurea Magistrale degree in AEROSPACE ENGINEERING allows the graduate to compete for entry into a Third Cycle programme/doctoral school.
Assessment methods, examination regulations, and grading
Assessment is normally by means of an oral or written examination; in some cases there are intermediate exams during the course; other elements (participation in discussion, written or oral reports, commentary of texts etc. ) are foreseen in specific course units and are described in the Course Unit Profiles.
The grading system for the course units consists of 30 possible points, plus 'lode' (cum laude) in case of excellence. Marks are given by the lecturer based on the performance as ascertained in a public examination by a board of at least two teachers. The main exam sessions are held in June/July; September; and January; students may resit exams**.
Actual grading curves differ in different degree programmes. The University of Pisa provides an ECTS Grading Table, which shows the actual distribution, of the examination and final grades among students for each degree programme, in order to facilitate the comparison with other grading systems. ---> Link to ECTS Grading Table
An overall mark is given on the occasion of the 'Final Exam', when a written research text is presented and discussed. The final overall mark is calculated based on the results of the marks obtained in the single course units and the final exam, and is based on 110 possible points, with the possible further mention of honours ("lode" or cum laude).
**The exam sessions are organised into sessions (the dates vary according to the Department and are published in the Department's academic calendar). In each session there are a certain number of 'appelli' [calls], or dates on which the examination for each course unit may be taken. The 'appelli' are fixed by the teacher. The students choose which of the appelli they wish to respond to. In most cases, it is obligatory to sign up before the specified date.
Requirements (regulations) to obtain the qualification
To qualify for the Degree in Aerospace Engineering, a student has to gain 120 credits in two years, (60 credits per year), by passing the examinations of the student’s approved curriculum. The program of study consists of 84 credits of required courses, 1