Raised in a small town surrounded by greenery, Chiara Crippa has always been deeply passionate about mountains and curious about how they formed and evolve. She knew she would not want to learn by sitting behind a computer all day or just reading textbooks. What she was certain she wanted from university was to go out in the field and learn from our planet first-hand.
She discovered that the Earth Science programmes at the University of Milano-Bicocca (UNIMIB) provide you robust theoretical and practical teaching in class, but takes you beyond it.
“What drew me to the Earth Sciences programme at Milano-Bicocca was the opportunity to study planet Earth at depth and at surface and uncover the stories it holds, almost like reading a book,” she says. “The balance between fieldwork, lab activities, and traditional coursework convinced me that this was what I was looking for.” Crippa is referring to what’s now called the master’s degree in Geological Sciences and Technologies. The programme trains you to tackle complex terrestrial and marine challenges, from underlying process understanding to real-world applied problems through a blend of theory and hands-on research.
Crippa’s experiences now come in handy for her current role at Eurac Research, where she needs to work in a team and understand and fuse different perspectives for best solutions. “My university experience shaped my mindset and character” – she says – “enabling me to bring valuable, complementary insights to my team.”
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences is one of the recipients of the 2023-2027 Departments of Excellence funding by the Italian Ministry of University and Research. Source: University of Milano-Bicocca
Engaging and experiential Earth and Environmental Sciences programmes
Another standout programme is the Sciences and Technologies for Environment and Landscape, where you gain a solid foundation in environmental sciences and analysis, as well as assessment methods with a systemic understanding of environmental complexity.
“The course helped me strengthen soft skills such as scientific communication, collaborative work with experts, and project planning and organisation — skills that are essential in any interdisciplinary and fast-paced work environment,” graduate Francesca Chiodaroli says. “Every work reality is different but the MSc program emphasized systems thinking and real-world applications,” she says. “Courses like environmental impact assessment, environmental law, and chemistry not only gave me technical tools but also trained me to think critically and communicate complex issues to different stakeholders. Group projects and case studies were particularly valuable in this regard”.
The Chemical Sciences and Technologies master’s degree course covers the scientific bases behind and connected to environmental sciences: Biomolecular Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Sustainable Chemistry, Chemical Methodologies, and Formulation Chemistry. These fields enable you to engage with various aspects of chemistry, so you learn the importance of it for and in the complexity of a functioning world.
“I chose the MSc in Chemical Sciences and Technologies at the University of Milano-Bicocca because I was really satisfied with what the BSc provided me with in terms of preparation and especially because of its strong interdisciplinary character, particularly with regard to environmental and materials chemistry,” says graduate Alessandro Bonardi.
Seeking even more knowledge and experience? The Marine Sciences programme combines rigorous academic training with the use of advanced technologies to address the complexity of ocean-related challenges. Fully taught in English, it offers research opportunities at an international level, focusing on key management issues, marine spatial planning, biodiversity conservation, as well as on science communication. In your first year, you’ll gain a solid foundation in the marine environment before specialising in Bioecology, Environment, or Human Geography.
“Growing up in a family of divers and sailors, the sea has always been central in my life,” student Jana Pazin says. “I chose Bicocca for its international scope and its connection to the Maldives through the MaRHE center. My selected subjects aim to give a broad view of the marine environment, from biology to geology, since I believe multidisciplinarity is crucial to ecology, my primary interest.”
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences balances fieldwork, lab activities, and traditional coursework in its curriculums. Source: University of Milano-Bicocca
New programmes, same excellence
The Economics and Technologies for Sustainability is the latest addition to the list of master’s programmes related to sustainability offered by UNIMIB. To be launched in the 2025-26 academic year, the programme, entirely taught in English, tackles in an unprecedented holistic fashion complex global challenges in resource management, sustainable production and energy, and ESG principles implementation.
“The new MSc in Economics and Technologies for Sustainability was inspired by a series of consultations with industry leaders, social partners, and academic departments, beginning in 2021,” says professor Claudio Greco, a computational chemist currently serving as Director of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT@UNIMIB). “These dialogues highlighted the urgent need for an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability — one that integrates economic, scientific, technological, legal, and social perspectives.”
All these programmes are offered by DISAT@UNIMIB, where students from around the world with a passion for natural sciences, environmental protection, and sustainable development find a launchpad to exciting futures. As one of the few university departments in natural sciences that proved successful to secure the 2023-2027 Departments of Excellence funding announced by the Ministry of Universities and Research in 2022, DISAT@UNIMIB is a leader in interdisciplinary education and research. This academic hub brings together the best minds in geology, biology, chemistry, physics, and disciplines beyond the natural sciences, such as engineering and economics.
“This initiative aligns our department with national and international goals, including the sustainability goals of the Next Generation EU programme and UN SDGs, enhancing its role as a scientific and educational leader in climate action,” says Prof. Greco.
Milan, Italy’s economic centre, is another advantage, blessed with a lively international student community. When you study here, you also find contacts and memories that’ll last a lifetime. “The internationality of Milan offers a very welcoming ambience for international students,” student Jana Pazin says.
Career outlooks are just as bright. “Located in Milan — a global hub for innovation, design, and green transition — students benefit from close connections with cutting-edge companies, public institutions, and NGOs leading sustainability efforts,” says Prof. Greco.
“Bicocca’s strong ties to local and international partners, combined with Milan’s vibrant academic and professional ecosystem, offer students exceptional opportunities for applied research, internships, and career development in environmental leadership.”
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