The environmental crisis is increasingly looming just as clear is the evidence of human responsibility for climate change, loss of biodiversity, irreversible damage to ecosystems, depletion of soil and raw materials, and exponential increase in waste.
In this context, designers are called upon to design so that an effective transition to more sustainable and regenerative models of production and consumption becomes a reality and does not remain only in the realm of good intentions.
The first step is to become aware of the effects that have already occurred and all the consequences that unsustainable impacts of human activity are having on all living beings and ecosystems. There is an urgent need to increase the critical sensitivity of production and design professionals to the environmental problems caused by the spread of unsustainable production, consumption and lifestyle patterns. It must be demonstrated that it is possible to adopt a different perspective, moving from approaches that focus exclusively on user needs to those that respect ecosystems and the needs of all living beings. Complexity and environmental needs must be included in design processes.
In order to create and seize opportunities in the professional field, it is necessary to have awareness, knowledge, strategies and tools for designing the sustainable transition. The new Master’s course offers theoretical insights into current concepts and approaches for designing sustainable solutions, offering practical experience in applying strategies and tools of ecodesign and design for sustainability.
It has been estimated that 80 per cent of a product’s environmental impact is determined at the design stage, So designer need proper tools and need to be aware of the environmental risks or benefits of their choices and appropriate strategies to encourage design decisions that meet the need to produce to more sustainable standards, which are increasingly necessary and socially demanded.
Designers who want to engage in designing the transition must be able to provide coherent solutions that have a positive impact, not only on the environment but also on the economy and society, while also considering different product sectors and degrees of intervention. The contemporary professional context is increasingly aware of the important role of design as a promoter and facilitator of the transition towards a new sustainable and regenerative dimension.
Attendance is compulsory for at least 75 per cent of the programme activities.
The aim of the Master is to educate practitioners in the fundamentals of sustainable development, the circular economy and the lifecycle approach to moving towards sustainable production and consumption systems. The Master’s programme is designed to provide graduates with a basic knowledge of sustainable development, the circular economy and the life-cycle approach to the transition towards sustainable production and consumption systems.
These graduates are able to respond to the new needs of the product design industry related to the deep transformation of production and technological systems and the increasing demand for skills and ideas for sustainable product strategies. Emerging issues such as design inspired by nature (biomimicry, biodesign, biophilic design) and the regenerative approach to sustainability will be addressed.
In addition, the Master aims to complete the training of experts capable of using tools to orientate the design pathway towards the development of products with a low impact on the environment, providing the skills to evaluate the sustainability of a product through eco-assessment methods (Life Cycle Assessment, Product Environmental Footprint).
The course includes lessons, testimonials, stories of case studies, company visits and targeted design exercises.
The Master is divided into the following training modules:
At the end of the programme, once the final examination has been passed, the 1st level Specializing Master of Politecnico di Milano Design for Sustainability and Regeneration: Ecodesign, Biodesign, and Circular Approaches
diploma will be issued, with the related achievement of 60 CFU/ECTS.
This programme has been designed for people with a professional background in product design and related sectors wishing to acquire knowledge of methods and tools for integrating LCA methods into business processes to gain a systematic understanding of legislative requirements for eco-design (in Italy and Europe) to increase knowledge of new materials and to understand the dynamics of a modern model of relations between design, sustainability and production systems.
The Master trains international professionals who can find a place in Italian and foreign companies and studios operating in global markets. The employment opportunities envisaged in the product design sector and related sectors are the following:
Applicants must hold a Bachelor or Master Degree in Architecture, Industrial Design, Engineering, Product Design, Design Engineering, Product Service System. Equivalent Foreign qualifications from their respective University Systems will be considered valid.
The selection process is carried out by the Scientific Committee.
To take part in the II edition of the Specializing Master in Design for Sustainability and Regeneration, starting on November 24th, 2025, applications must be submitted according to the following criteria*:
STEP 1
1) Documents to be sent for preliminary verification to POLI.design
The following documents should be uploaded on this page
2) Documents to be sent for preliminary verification to Politecnico
The following documents are to be uploaded on this page by following the instructions at this link
____________________
STEP 1
1) Documents to be sent for preliminary verification to POLI.design
The following documents should be uploaded on this page
2) Documents to be sent for preliminary verification to Politecnico
The following documents are to be uploaded on this page by following the instructions at this link
STEP 2
1) Documents to be sent for authenticity verification (within 45 days before the start date)
The following documents are to be uploaded on this page by following the instructions at this link
____________________
STEP 1
1) Documents to be sent for preliminary verification to POLI.design
The following documents are to be uploaded on this page by following the instructions at this link
2) Documents to be sent for preliminary verification to Politecnico
The following documents are to be uploaded on this page by following the instructions at this link
STEP 2
1) Documents to be sent for authenticity verification (within 45 days before the start date)
According to the timeframe provided for by Italian law, the details of the application for a residency permit must also be communicated as well as the residency permit as soon as it is issued.
The following documents are to be uploaded on this page by following the instructions at this link
*Applications submitted after the deadline may be considered at the discretion of the Scientific Committee.
The cost of the University Specializing Master’s programme is € 15.500,00 broken down as follows:
EARLY BIRD: -10%
The promotion for those who have clear ideas, know which educational path can enrich their future, and can’t wait to get back to the classroom.
Deadline application: within March 31, 2025
Deadline for sending the signed contract and payment of the deposit of the participation fee: within April 11, 2025
FAMILY SUPPORT: -50%
A chance to gift your siblings the encouragement they need to invest in their future.
POLI.NETWORK: -50%
A promotion designed to strengthen the bond and identity among members of the Politecnico di Milano community.
FRIEND TO FRIEND: -20%
An opportunity to gift to a friend to make education the foundation of their growth.
BACK TO SCHOOL: -1.000€ on Specializing Masters
The discount for those who have already trusted POLI.design and Polimi, and wish to return to study and build their future.
PER MERITO
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