Industrial Automation Engineer

Role within a work environment

Graduates with a Master’s degree in Industrial Automation Engineering possess in-depth interdisciplinary knowledge that enables them to fulfil a wide range of roles within various types of organisations in the manufacturing and process industries, including coordinating work teams and liaising with development and expertise centres, as well as with professionals from different backgrounds, such as those in the commercial sector.

Specifically, they are responsible for:
- analysing, designing and implementing industrial automation systems incorporating mechanical and electronic components;
- managing complex systems, such as production systems for goods and services;
- analysing, designing and controlling mechatronic systems in medical and/or clinical settings;
- applying modelling and control techniques in an industrial context.

These roles typically fall within the functions of designer, head of the technical department and production manager, which are commonly undertaken by Industrial Automation Engineers.

Skills

Graduates with a Master’s degree in Automation Engineering possess in-depth knowledge and skills in the fields of mechanical, control and electronic engineering, with a thorough understanding of the underlying phenomena and the ability to utilise advanced tools—both conceptual and operational—to model and control them; they are able to critically analyse experimental data, interpret the results of analytical and numerical models competently, and seek innovative technical and design solutions. All this enables them to carry out and coordinate the design and implementation of automation systems, primarily in the industrial sector; to manage complex systems such as a production system; and to analyse, design and control mechatronic systems in various fields. In general, graduates with a Master’s degree in Industrial Automation Engineering possess the ability to communicate effectively in Italian and at least one other European Union language, conveying information, data and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, as well as the ability to independently broaden and deepen their knowledge, skills and competences in order to keep their professional knowledge up to date throughout their career.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Master’s degree in Industrial Automation Engineering can find employment in a wide variety of manufacturing and process companies, including:
- companies that manufacture and/or market automation systems, automated machinery, robots and, more generally, mechatronic systems resulting from the integrated design of mechanical and control electronics;
- companies that manufacture and/or market automation systems for industrial processes (mechanical processing, metallurgical, chemical, pharmaceutical and food processes, etc.)
- companies that use automated production lines
- companies that manage highly complex services, for example, public utility networks (water, gas, energy, etc.)
- companies operating in the transport sector, including both component manufacturers and operators of systems such as rail, motorway and underground networks;
- engineering and consultancy firms that study and design complex, technologically sophisticated plants and systems.

When registering with the Register of Engineers, you may choose to sit the professional qualification examination for registration in either the industrial or the information technology section of the Register of Engineers.

The Master’s degree programme in Industrial Automation Engineering aims to train high-level professionals to work, both nationally and internationally, in the field of Industrial Automation, within companies and both public and private research centres. Given the ever-increasing prevalence of automated systems within society, the knowledge and skills acquired will also be applicable in fields other than industry, contributing to design and development activities involving automated and robotic systems in various sectors of the service industry, including, for example, home automation, energy management and the biomedical sector. The programme ensures the development of a solid foundation that enables graduates to operate competently in today’s world, whilst also equipping them with the ability to keep their knowledge up to date in order to keep pace with the rapid technological developments currently taking place.

The specific learning objectives are designed to build on the knowledge acquired during the first cycle of studies, providing the knowledge and skills necessary for Master’s-level engineers to take on design and coordination roles in companies characterised by the use of automated and robotic systems, as well as automation processes and plant. In general, graduates will be able to design the architecture, control laws and components of an automation system, which integrates IT components, measurement equipment, transmission systems and actuators. These activities require a broad range of knowledge and skills relating to the fields of Industrial and Information Engineering, with in-depth interdisciplinary knowledge in the fields of mechanics, automation, computer science and electronics, as well as a solid understanding of the characteristics of various technological processes.

More specifically, the main specific learning outcomes are:
- to build on the knowledge acquired during the first-cycle degree programme in order to develop the ability to understand, define, model and solve problems – including those of considerable complexity
- typical of automation, using an interdisciplinary approach;
- to explore the theoretical and scientific aspects of engineering across a broad spectrum, with particular attention to fields typical of Automation, including mechanics, modelling, automatic control and electronics;
- to provide the tools to develop the ability to formulate and solve problems relating to the design, modelling, analysis, identification, control and management of devices, systems and processes, both in the industrial sector and in the services sector in general;
- to provide the skills to conduct experiments, process signals, and analyse and interpret data in order to formally identify a process or system, so as to be able to describe it using a mathematical model;
- to develop the skills to use theoretical models and software for simulating the operation and designing the control of systems.

In addition, further educational objectives are pursued which contribute to enabling graduates to:
- independently broaden and deepen their knowledge, skills and abilities for the purpose of effective professional development throughout their career;
- communicate effectively in Italian and at least one other European Union language, both in writing and orally, conveying information, data and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and engage with international technical literature;
- interact with interdisciplinary working groups, through knowledge of the various technical, scientific and regulatory tools and terminology specific to the sector, as well as communication methods;
- possess the foundations for understanding emerging technologies, enabling them to independently develop a process of self-updating.

Description of the study programme

The study programme involves completing studies in the core disciplines, acquiring knowledge of automation techniques applied to various industrial sectors, and developing skills through laboratory activities aimed at applying design, analysis and management methodologies, either through independent or group work. Given that aspects of automation are becoming increasingly widespread across a wide range of industrial, healthcare and social sectors, the plan is to organise a standard curriculum whilst allowing for some customisation. This will enable students to specialise in specific areas of interest, including through participation in international exchange programmes, involvement in projects in partnership with public or private organisations, and the exercise of individual choice.

In the standard pathways, the first year is devoted primarily to consolidating students’ training in the field of industrial automation engineering, particularly in the areas of applied mechanics, robotics, control systems, electronics and measurement, as well as to in-depth specialisation in certain disciplinary areas. Also in the first year, students begin their professional training through numerical, experimental and design-based laboratory activities.

In the first part of the second year of the programme, the in-depth specialisation continues, whilst the second part is mainly devoted to design laboratory work, elective modules (which may include work placements and/or internships) and preparation for the final examination.

Related and supplementary activities are spread throughout the entire two-year programme. These complement the core activities, providing specialist elements of both methodological and content-related value that are functionally linked to the programme’s learning objectives. In addition to elements of electronics (analogue, digital, sensor technology) and measurement, related activities may include systems engineering, economic and management aspects, numerical simulation and the optimisation of systems or processes, the interaction between mechatronic systems and humans (e.g. collaborative robotics, mechatronic rehabilitation systems), and the interconnection of remote systems.

Preparation for the final examination culminates in the drafting of a comprehensive document which must be presented and discussed before a designated examination board during the final examination.

These activities enable students to practise and develop their communication skills, as well as their ability to summarise, analyse in depth and rework material independently.

The use of texts and teaching materials in languages other than Italian, together with courses taught in English, contribute to the acquisition of subject-specific terminology and the ability to communicate in at least one other European Union language. Study abroad experiences are also encouraged through student mobility programmes, including by promoting the establishment of dual-degree agreements. These enable students to experience different teaching methodologies, interact with different cultures, use foreign languages, and explore scientific and technical topics related to those traditionally offered by our university, including through participation in meaningful work placement activities. These dual-degree agreements also enable our university to host students from overseas institutions, whose presence stimulates and contributes to the cultural development of all our students.

Individual study plans may also be arranged in collaboration with companies, public or private bodies, and professional bodies; whilst ensuring that the general educational objectives are met, these plans allow for their application in specific fields where automation plays a significant role. These study plans may include substantial work placement activities and a limited number of credits for related activities not included in the standard programmes but which are of interest within the relevant fields.

To enrol on the Master’s degree programme in Industrial Automation Engineering, candidates must hold a three-year Bachelor’s degree or university diploma, or an equivalent qualification obtained abroad that is recognised as suitable. Admission to the programme is subject to meeting the academic requirements and to an assessment of the candidate’s individual academic background, which will be carried out as specified below. Any required supplementary coursework must be completed before the assessment of the candidate’s suitability is carried out.

Curricular requirements

Graduates may be admitted to the Master’s degree programme in Industrial Automation Engineering if, during their previous university studies, they have obtained at least a certain number of ECTS credits within the following scientific-disciplinary sector groups (SSD), subject to the limits specified on each occasion.

At least one of the following alternatives must be met

1) Hold a degree in class L-8 (Information Engineering) and have at least 15 credits in the following subject groups: ING-IND/06; ING-IND/08; ING-IND/09; ING-IND/10; ING-IND/11; ING-IND/12; ING-IND/13; ING-IND/14; ING-IND/15; ING-IND/16; ING-IND/17; ING-IND/21; ING-IND/22; ING-IND/31; ING-IND/32; ING-IND/33; ING-IND/34; ING-IND/35; ING-INF/01; ING-INF/04; ING-INF/07

2) Hold a degree in the L-9 class (Industrial Engineering) and have at least 15 credits in the following areas: ING-INF/01; ING-INF/02; ING-INF/03; ING-INF/04; ING-INF/05; ING-INF/06; ING-INF/07;

3) Regardless of the degree held, meet all the following criteria

a) at least 12 credits in the group CHIM/01; CHIM/07; FIS/01; FIS/03;

b) at least 15 credits in the group MAT/02; MAT/03; MAT/05; MAT/06; MAT/07; MAT/08; MAT/09; SECS‐S/02

c) at least 15 credits in the ‘industrial engineering’ group, defined as follows: ING-IND/06; ING-IND/08; ING-IND/09; ING-IND/10; ING-IND/11; ING-IND/12; ING-IND/13; ING-IND/14; ING-IND/15; ING-IND/16; ING-IND/17; ING-IND/21; ING-IND/22; ING-IND/31; ING-IND/32; ING-IND/33; ING-IND/34; ING-IND/35;

d) at least 15 credits in the ‘information engineering’ group, defined as follows: INF/01;

ING-INF/01; ING-INF/02; ING-INF/03; ING-INF/04; ING-INF/05; ING-INF/06; ING-INF/07;

e) at least 50 credits in the macro-group comprising the ‘industrial engineering’ and ‘information engineering’ groups specified in the preceding points

When verifying the curricular requirements and assessing the student’s previous academic record, the CCSA may assign specific individual study plans to admitted students, or impose requirements regarding the formulation of the study plan, taking into account the content already covered in their previous studies and the credits already obtained that may be recognised towards a possible shortening of the duration of the Master’s Degree programme.

Should a candidate fail to meet the required curricular criteria, the CCSA will specify the necessary curricular additions, either in terms of university credits or specific modules, which must be completed before a new application for admission can be submitted.

To gain entry to this Master’s degree programme, knowledge of a European Union language in addition to Italian is also required, at least at CEFR level B2. Students with B1-level proficiency may gain entry to the programme provided they are assigned a study plan that includes 3 CFU dedicated to acquiring further language skills. The procedures for assessing foreign language proficiency are set out in the programme’s Academic Regulations.

Adequacy of prior academic preparation

The procedures for assessing the adequacy of prior academic preparation are set out in the programme’s Academic Regulations, based on the student’s previous academic record, taking as a reference the results achieved by the student in obtaining the qualification used to gain entry to the programme.