Name of the Professional Role: Land and Environmental Engineer

Role in a Work Context and Competencies

The main functions of this professional role are:
- independent practice as a senior engineer, with responsibilities for design and coordination in planning, design, and management
- employment with public agencies, in a managerial role
- employment with private organizations and companies, in a managerial role.

Competencies

Graduates with a master’s degree in Land and Environmental Engineering must be able to understand the constantly evolving issues related to the environment and the interactions among various disciplinary fields, in order to contribute to solving the most pressing challenges affecting land use management and the environmental impacts of human activities (plans and projects). Graduates must apply appropriate engineering methodologies to address the purely operational aspects of their professional practice.

In particular, graduates with a master’s degree in Land and Environmental Engineering must be able to:

• carry out activities related to the design of civil and infrastructure works, particularly hydraulic and sanitary engineering projects;
• lead and coordinate construction site activities;
• evaluate urban plans, civil engineering projects, production processes, and operational facilities from both an economic and environmental impact perspective;
• perform administrative and technical duties related to civil engineering projects, land-use planning, and environmental assessments within public administrations;
• work in the field of hydraulic infrastructure management, sanitary and environmental engineering systems, urban infrastructure, and transportation systems;
• work in the field of territorial knowledge, urban fabric, and building structures;
• conduct experiments and analyze data in technical analysis laboratories;
• use computer-aided design tools.

Career Opportunities

This master’s degree qualifies graduates for professional certification as:

• Civil and Environmental Engineer, with the opportunity to register with the professional association and practice as an independent professional in the field of environmental and territorial engineering.
• Agronomist and Forester, with opportunities to work in the fields of agroforestry resource planning and management, environmental policy, and territorial sustainability.

Graduates with a master’s degree in Environmental and Territorial Engineering have access to a wide range of career opportunities in both the public and private sectors, working in design, management, and consulting roles in the fields of environmental sustainability, land conservation, and infrastructure.

In particular, the main career paths include:

• Private practice, with the opportunity to provide consulting, design, and construction management services in the fields of environmental, civil, and territorial engineering.
• Public sector, with positions at government agencies, environmental agencies, river basin authorities, and municipal, regional, and national technical offices, in roles related to territorial planning, water resource management, civil protection, and environmental assessments.
• Private industries and companies, operating in sectors such as environmental engineering, renewable energy, water resource management, and waste treatment, with responsibilities in design, operational management, and environmental monitoring.
• Engineering and consulting firms, specializing in the design and implementation of innovative solutions for sustainable land management, environmental remediation, hydrogeological restoration, and natural hazard prevention.
• Environmental management and monitoring at public utilities and multi-utility companies, with responsibilities for monitoring and managing water infrastructure, air quality, wastewater treatment, and waste management.
• Research and development, in both academic and industrial settings, focused on studying new technologies and strategies for mitigating environmental impact, sustainable development, and the efficient use of natural resources.

The Master’s degree program in Environmental and Land Engineering aims to train graduates capable of designing, managing, and innovating projects, technological systems, facilities, and services in accordance with the principles of environmental sustainability.

Graduates will be able to:

● Conceive, plan, and manage initiatives aimed at the sustainable management of natural resources, the protection of the land, and the mitigation of natural and human-induced risks.

● Design systems for emissions control, waste treatment, and the remediation of contaminated environmental media.

● Apply advanced expertise in the fields of air, water, and soil quality; the management of renewable resources; and the mitigation of environmental impacts.

● Understand and manage the complex interactions between human activities and natural systems, using a systemic and interdisciplinary approach.

● Develop models and simulations to interpret complex environmental phenomena, designing engineering solutions that are resilient to climate change and extreme events.

In particular, the program is built on a solid foundation of theoretical and applied skills, with a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses:

● Fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, and soil mechanics.

● Design of environmental and land protection infrastructure.

● Emissions treatment and management of municipal and industrial waste.

● Surveying and geomatics for land representation.

● Sustainability and resource management:

● Sustainability-oriented urban and territorial planning.

● Management of natural resources and urban service networks.

● Reduction of environmental impact and promotion of the circular economy.

● Risk protection and mitigation:

● Solutions for mitigating hydrogeological, seismic, and environmental risks.

● Remediation of contaminated sites and protection of environmental media.

Curriculum:

The curriculum aims to develop strong technical and scientific communication skills, which are essential for effective collaboration within interdisciplinary teams.

The use of digital tools plays a central role, enabling students to acquire skills in data analysis and monitoring through advanced technologies.

Practical and applied experiences are included. The use of physical and numerical modeling techniques enables students to simulate and analyze complex phenomena. Finally, optional internships at public agencies, private companies, and businesses offer an important opportunity to integrate theoretical knowledge with professional skills, facilitating fieldwork where students have the opportunity to conduct investigations on real structures and facilities—experiences that are fundamental for entering the workforce.

In the first year, students follow a curriculum focused primarily on the core subjects of the Master’s program. The courses aim to provide the first part of the program’s theoretical and scientific content, in addition to some complementary activities.

In the second year, students follow a curriculum consisting of courses focused on both the core subjects of the Master’s program and related subjects. These courses aim to complete the presentation of the program’s theoretical and scientific content and to provide advanced design and management skills. The second year also includes the final examination.

The Master’s program consists of lectures, seminars, and practical exercises.

Prerequisites for Admission

To enroll in the Master’s Degree Program in Environmental and Land Engineering, applicants must hold a three-year Bachelor’s degree or university diploma, or another qualification earned abroad that has been recognized as equivalent. Admission to the program is contingent upon meeting curricular requirements and verification of the applicant’s academic preparedness, which will be conducted as specified below. Any required curricular supplements must be completed prior to the verification of academic preparedness.

Curricular Requirements

Admission to the Master’s Degree Program in Environmental and Territorial Engineering is open to graduates under the system established by Ministerial Decree 270/04 or the previous system established by Ministerial Decree 509/99 who, during their previous university studies, have earned a minimum number of CFU in specific disciplinary areas and Scientific Disciplinary Sectors (SSD).

1) 40 CFU in the SSDs ING-INF/05, MAT/02, MAT/03, MAT/05, MAT/06, MAT/07, MAT/08, CHIM/07, FIS/01

Of which at least:

15 CFU in the SSD MAT/05.

15 CFU in the SSDs CHIM/07, FIS/01

2) 55 CFU in the following SSDs: GEO/05, ICAR/01, ICAR/02, ICAR/03, ICAR/04, ICAR/05, ICAR/06, ICAR/07, ICAR/08, ICAR/09, ICAR/10, ICAR/20, ING-IND/35, ING-INF/04

Of which at least:

5 CFU in the ICAR/01 or ICAR/02 subject areas

5 CFU in the ICAR/08 subject area

3) 5 CFU in the SSDs ICAR/11, ICAR/17, ICAR/21, ICAR/22, ING-IND/10, ING-IND/11, MAT/02, SECS-P/06, SPS/09

The procedures for verifying these requirements are explicitly outlined in the Program Regulations.

If a candidate does not meet the required academic prerequisites, the CCSA will specify the necessary academic supplements—either in terms of university academic credits or specific courses—that must be completed before resubmitting an application for admission.

For holders of a three-year university diploma and for graduates under the pre-Ministerial Decree 509/99 system (for whom courses taken are not quantified in university credits) or for applicants holding a qualifying degree earned abroad, given the wide variety of possible structures and content of prior academic backgrounds, the verification of curricular requirements will be conducted on a case-by-case basis in relation to the courses taken and their content.

To be admitted to the Master’s Degree Program in Environmental and Territorial Engineering, knowledge of a European Union language in addition to Italian is also required, at least at the B1 level.

The required proficiency levels and assessment methods are established in the program’s Academic Regulations.

Adequacy of the applicant’s academic background

The methods for assessing the adequacy of the applicant’s academic background are established in the program’s Academic Regulations, based on the applicant’s prior university studies, taking as a reference the results obtained by the student in earning the degree used to gain admission to the program.

Admission Procedures

For the purpose of verifying these requirements, appropriate equivalencies between the credit units (CFU) earned by the student in their previous academic curriculum and the credit units required in the scientific-disciplinary sectors indicated above may be considered, subject to specific evaluations expressly indicated in the CCSA resolution. In the CCSA resolution, the results of the assessment may be expressed in aggregate terms for each of the scientific-disciplinary sectors (SSD) related to the educational activities of the Civil Engineering degree program.

When verifying curricular requirements and reviewing the student’s prior 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 acquired in the student’s prior academic career and the academic credits already earned that may be recognized toward a potential reduction in the duration of the Master’s Degree Program.

If a candidate does not meet the required curricular prerequisites, the CCSA will specify the necessary curricular supplements—in terms of academic credits or specific courses—that must be completed before resubmitting an application for admission.

Graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or Environmental and Land Engineering from the University of Brescia are eligible for full recognition of their earned university academic credits (CFU).

Special Cases Regarding the Verification of Academic Requirements

1) For applicants who have earned a first-level bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or Environmental and Territorial Engineering from the University of Brescia under the regulations established by Ministerial Decree 509/99, the academic requirements are deemed to be implicitly met.

2) The candidate holds a degree obtained in Italy under the regulations set forth in Ministerial Decree 509/99 or Ministerial Decree 270/04. In this case, verification of the curricular requirements will be necessary; this will be conducted by reviewing the candidate’s previous academic record, including, where possible, establishing appropriate simplified and general procedures for recognizing equivalencies between the academic credits (CFU) earned by the student in their previous academic program and the credits required to meet the curricular requirements.

General guidelines regarding the formulation of the study plan may be established, taking into account the content already acquired during the previous academic career and the academic credits already earned that may be recognized toward a potential shortened duration of the Master’s Degree Program.

3) The applicant holds a degree obtained in Italy under the regulations in effect prior to Ministerial Decree 509/99.

Verification of curricular requirements will be conducted through a detailed review of the applicant’s prior academic record, including, where possible, establishing appropriate correspondences between the exams the student has successfully passed and the scientific-disciplinary sectors required as previously specified. In the CCSA resolution, the outcome of the review and the related justifications will be explicitly stated and may be expressed in general terms with reference to each of the scientific-disciplinary sectors (SSD) pertaining to the educational activities of the Civil Engineering degree program.

Assessment of Personal Preparation

The assessment of personal preparation is based on the grade obtained upon completion of the degree required for admission to the Master’s program and on the candidate’s level of proficiency in English.

For candidates who have earned or will earn their bachelor’s degree from this School of Engineering, the assessment of personal preparation is based solely on their proficiency in English. The applicant must possess adequate knowledge of English at least at the B1 level of the CEFR.

For applicants who have earned their bachelor’s degree at another Italian faculty, the assessment of personal qualifications is based on both their knowledge of English and the grade obtained upon completion of their bachelor’s degree. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English certified at the B1 level of the CEFR; furthermore, they must have earned their bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade of 85/110 or 77/100.

If an applicant’s qualifications are not deemed adequate, they will not be admitted to the Master’s program.

New Student Orientation

The degree program participates in new student orientation and ongoing academic advising initiatives, which are managed at both the macro-area and University levels and described on the dedicated page of the University portal, which also provides access to the specific initiatives for each macro-area. These initiatives are coordinated by a working group composed of the Rector’s Delegate for Orientation, the Departmental Delegates for Orientation, and staff from a dedicated organizational unit. The design and delivery of orientation activities, developed by the specific organizational unit, are certified according to the UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 standard. Regular activities, news, and updated initiatives can be viewed on the dedicated page of the University website.

Academic Advising

Ongoing Academic Advising

Tutoring initiatives are organized at the University level according to the annual tutoring plan, which is defined each year by the University Commission for Tutoring—chaired by the Rector’s Delegate for Teaching—and approved by the Academic Senate. The Tutoring Service contributes to ongoing academic guidance with the aim of promoting consistent academic progress and identifying the critical issues that contribute to student dropout rates. The administrative management of the student tutoring service is certified to the UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 standard and is ensured within the framework of services supporting the right to education by a dedicated organizational unit.

Tutoring

Characteristics of the Final Examination

The final examination consists of the preparation, presentation, and defense before a designated committee established in accordance with the University’s Academic Regulations of a comprehensive thesis, developed independently and in an original manner, with a significant personal contribution.

During the preparation for the final examination, the student will be assigned to one or more advisors with whom they will agree on the thesis topic.

The thesis work will involve the preparation of a written and/or design project, which may also be written in a European Union language other than Italian, in accordance with the Academic Regulations of the degree program.

The work in preparation for the final examination which may be theoretical, experimental, or project-based provides an opportunity to apply and deepen, including through an interdisciplinary approach, the concepts and skills acquired; to learn and utilize new techniques and tools for investigation and analysis; to acquire additional practical skills; and to independently develop interpretive frameworks and models.

The final examination aims to assess the student’s technical and scientific maturity, the competence, comprehension, and independent judgment acquired, the ability to apply knowledge and skills, any innovative contributions made through independent research and analysis, as well as technical proficiency and effective communication.

Procedures for the Final Examination

The final examination consists of the graduate student’s preparation, presentation, and defense of the Master’s thesis: a written and/or graphic work, carried out in an original manner by the student, resulting from design, study, and research activities, and demonstrating mastery of the subject matter, the ability to work independently to solve problems of significant complexity, and a good level of communication skills.

Admission to the final examination requires the completion of all credits specified in the academic regulations, with the exception of those earned through the examination itself. However, only students who have certified their compliance with the academic assessment procedures will be admitted to the final examination.

The procedures for submitting the master’s degree application, the exam format, and the relevant evaluation criteria are governed by the documents available on the University website under “Degree Exams, Forms, and Deadlines – Engineering,” the Regulations for the Master’s Degree Final Exam of the CCSA in Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the University Academic Regulations.

It is also possible to complete the thesis abroad, with an advisor from the University of Brescia.

In the case of a thesis completed abroad, the advisor proposes to the Degree Program Council that a portion of the credits related to the final examination be recognized from the foreign institution.

The proposed number of credits to be awarded may range from 1 to 9 CFU, depending on the student’s research program and the duration of their stay abroad. These credits will be considered as earned abroad without any further evaluation.

Graduation sessions are held according to the annually approved calendar.