Agricultural Sciences for Sustainability

Scienze agrarie per la sostenibilità
Agricultural Sciences for Sustainability
Course sheet
A.Y. 2024/2025
Master programme
LM-69 - Agriculture
Master programme
120
ECTS
Access
Open with entry requirements examination
2
Years
Course location
Milan
Language
Italian
The MSc degree course in Agricultural Sciences for Sustainability (belonging to the class of graduate courses in Agricultural Sciences and Technologies-LM-69), aims to prepare master?s graduates responding to the profile of the modern agronomist: a professional figure with firm technical culture and a broad multidisciplinary vision of the agricultural system.
The learning program is primarily characterized by technical contents, based on the operational transfer of the most recent scientific acquisitions and on the applications of technological innovations in the area of agriculture.
The highly multidisciplinary learning program ensures the graduates gain a wide cultural and scientific vision and technical adaptability, along with a deep awareness of the function of modern agriculture ? which, in its most recent evolution, added to the original aim of producing food ? as well as the objectives of preserving the territory, guaranteeing the safety of products and protection of the environment.
Graduates acquire a multidisciplinary and integrated vision of problems that have to be faced in order to plan and manage the continuous adaptations of the agricultural production system to the new needs required by complex and advanced society.
Relying on firm multidisciplinary basis mostly related to the activities of the 1st year, students will acquire a well characterized specialistic profile through the 2nd year courses, and trough their thesis work that will be developed on a subject in the area of the specialization track chosen.
In order to graduate professionals ready to seize job opportunities offered by the most advanced scenarios of European agriculture, the master?s degree program offers three tracks of specialization:
- farm management track, focused on the planning and management of agricultural production processes, the relations with the markets, the services for the farm and the supply chain of technical means, the distribution and transformation of raw products, and the economic-regulatory framework of farm activities;
- animal systems track, focused on breeding, the processes and technologies of the livestock farm, the management of quality, safety and sustainability of animal production, and the relations with the food supply chains;
- precision agriculture track, focused on site-specific crop management methods aimed to optimize and maximize the efficiency of production processes, automation technologies and digital farming, modelling to optimize the use of inputs, and the planning of production processes.
The students can also compose their own personalized specialization track according to their professional interests. Proposals of personalized specialization tracks are subject to the approval of the Collegio didattico board according to their consistence with the goals of the master's degree course.
Graduates in Agricultural Sciences for Sustainability are trained to take management roles in coordinating and planning production processes in crop and livestock farming, in the agri-food market chains and in the industry, private services and public bodies operating with the agricultural production sector.
The skills acquired by graduates in Agricultural Sciences for Sustainability therefore allow them to carry out entrepreneurial roles, managerial responsibilities, planning, consultancy and operational management in the following areas/sectors:
- technical and economic management of production processes in crop and livestock farms and in the related supply-chains;
- field and animal breeding technical assistance;
- companies or industries of technical means (seeds, fertilizers, crop protection products, feed, etc.) and of machinery, plants, structures, technologies and services for agriculture;
- agri-food chains for the distribution and processing of agricultural products, and produce marketing;
- administrative, regulatory, technical and economic consultancy professional services for agricultural business;
- digital and ICT technology companies for agriculture and precision farming;
- public bodies operating with agricultural activities and resources.
In particular, graduates in Agricultural Sciences for Sustainability may have the following career opportunities related to the chosen specialisation track:
- farm management track: management functions of direction and coordination in farms, agricultural enterprises and agri-food distribution and processing chain, in the agricultural sector of public bodies, professional consultancy, technical and commercial assistance services to companies and industries operating with agriculture;
- animal systems track: management functions of direction and coordination in livestock farms and animal product distribution and processing chain, technical and commercial assistance professional consultancy in livestock production and R&D in agriculture technologies companies;
- precision Agriculture track: technical or professional services to support agricultural production, ICT companies for agriculture (IT, modeling, remote sensing, etc.), innovation start-ups for the agri-food system, R&D in technology and agricultural machinery industry, and technical and commercial assistance services for farms.

Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
The Course of study in Agricultural Sciences gives many opportunities for stages abroad mainly through the Erasmus+ programme. About 30 foreign Universities of the EU are involved in this students exchange. The areas of study which can be followed by the students abroad are almost all those included in this course of study. In general, students who make a stage abroad attend local courses or participate in research for the preparation of their thesis. The learning agreement is outlined in collaboration with the person in charge for the Erasmus of the degree program, as regards both the choice of courses and the organization of the internship at the partner university. Students must obtain the formal approval of the examinations that they intend to carry out at the host university from professors who hold equivalent or similar teachings at the University of Milan before completing the learning agreement. As regards experimental activities abroad, which can constitute part or the entire program of the internship, a letter of agreement from a professor of the partner university is required, along with the formal approval on the objectives, on the program and on the term of the internship by a professor of the degree program, who will also act as supervisor. Other possibilities exist in terms of cultural exchange with non EU universities (in China, Japan, Latin America) not involved in the Erasmus programme.
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Enrolment
Admission requirements

Graduates in class L-25 (Agricultural sciences and technologies), as well as in the corresponding class pursuant to Ministerial Decree 509/99, may access the programme if they have earned at least 30 credits in the following academic fields:
FIS/01 to FIS/07
MAT/01 to MAT/09
INF/01 - Computer science
SECS-S/01 - Statistics
CHIM/03 - General and inorganic chemistry
CHIM/06 - Organic chemistry
BIO/01 - General botany
BIO/02 - Systematic botany
BIO/03 - Environmental and applied botany
BIO/04 - Plant physiology
BIO/05 - Zoology
BIO/13 - Applied biology
Graduates from classes other than class L-25, who, in addition to 30 credits in the aforementioned academic fields, have earned at least 60 credits in the following academic fields, may also access the programme:
AGR/01 - Economy and rural appraisal
AGR/02 - Agronomy and herbaceous crops
AGR/03 - General arboriculture
AGR/04 - Horticulture and floriculture
AGR/07 - Agricultural genetics
AGR/08 - Agricultural hydraulics
AGR/09 - Agricultural mechanics
AGR/10 - Rural constructions and agro-forestry territory
AGR/11 - General and applied entomology
AGR/12 - Plant pathology
AGR/13 - Agricultural chemistry
AGR/15 - Food science and technology
AGR/16 - Agricultural microbiology
AGR/17 - General zootechnics and genetic improvement
AGR/18 - Animal nutrition and feeding
AGR/19 - Special zootechnics
AGR/20 - Zooculture
ICAR/06 - Topography and cartography
ICAR/15 - Landscape architecture
IUS/03 - Agricultural law
IUS/14 - European Union law
SECS-P/08 - Economics and business management
VET/01 - Anatomy of domestic animals
VET/02 - Veterinary physiology

Applicants must have proficiency in English at level B1 or higher in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Verification of level B1 proficiency can be achieved through one of the following methods:
-Validation of knowledge by the UniMI Language Center (SLAM), with recognition of level B1 or higher.
-Validation of knowledge by another Italian University, with transcription of level B1 or higher in the certificate of exams taken during a previous degree course.
-Linguistic certification of level B1 or higher recognized by the University (Refer to Recognized Language Certifications on the University of Milan Statale website).
-Passport certifying Anglophone nationality.
-Holding a degree from Anglophone universities.

Admission assessment

For the candidate evaluation, an examining committee will assess candidates' curricular requirements and the adequacy of their initial preparation through specific interviews. These interviews will be conducted remotely on a monthly basis from June to December. Candidates will receive instructions on the remote connection at least 10 days before their convocation. Interviewees must have filled beforehand any educational gaps through special interviews with faculty members teaching those subjects, who will be appointed by the chair of board.
Graduates of the University of Milan (UNIMI) in "Agricultural Sciences and Technologies", "Agricultural Technology for the Environment" and "Improvement and Protection of Mountain Environment" are admitted by right to the Master's degree programme in Agricultural Sciences and are therefore waived from the admission interview requirement.
UNIMI graduates in "Management of Cultivated Plants and Landscaping" must prove adequate knowledge of zootechnics to be admitted, while UNIMI graduates in "Viticulture and Enology" must prove adequate knowledge of livestock and herbaceous crops.
All other candidates, both from this and other universities, will be required to self-certify their previous academic record to the chair of the board ([email protected] and [email protected]), when submitting their application. The board will thus be able to identify any gaps and the required interviews with specific faculty members.
Those who fail to meet admission requirements by sitting interviews, as required by the chair of the board, will not be admitted to the programme.
Candidates who meet entry requirements will be admitted to the programme without having to sit any interviews.

Admission

Application for admission: from 22/01/2024 to 31/10/2024

Application for matriculation: from 02/04/2024 to 15/01/2025


Attachments and documents

Admission notice


Please note

Non-EU students visa applicants are required to apply for admission no later than 30 April 2024. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be evaluated and it will in no case be possible to request the refund of the admission fee.

Learn more:
Programme description and courses list
year
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Agricultural Policy and Rural Appraisal 12 104 Italian AGR/01
- Agricultural policy6
- Rural appraisal6
Sustainable Cropping Systems 12 132 Italian AGR/02
- Cropping systems and supply chains6
- Modelling for soil and crop management6
First semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Data Analysis for Agriculture 6 64 Italian AGR/17
Sustainable Livestock Systems 8 80 Italian AGR/18 AGR/19
Second semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Farm Irrigation 8 80 Italian AGR/08
Mechanization and Technologies for Agriculture 8 64 Italian AGR/09
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
English Proficiency B2 (3 ECTS) 3 0 English
year
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Optional
Laboratory of Precision Agronomy 6 64 Italian AGR/02
First semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Optional
Agri-Food Marketing 6 64 Italian AGR/01
Animal Genetics and Biotechnology 6 56 Italian AGR/17
Economics of Agricultural Markets 6 56 Italian AGR/01
Economics of Innovation 6 48 Italian AGR/01
Laboratory of Precision Irrigation 6 72 Italian AGR/08
Landscape Planning 6 48 Italian AGR/10
Livestock Structures and Sustainable Waste Managementf 6 60 Italian AGR/10
Management of Crop Disease and Pest 6 56 Italian AGR/11 AGR/12
Management of Spatial Variability and Gis for Precision Agriculture 6 60 Italian AGR/02 AGR/08
Mechanization of Livestock Production 6 48 Italian AGR/09
Precision Agriculture Equipment and Field Application 6 60 Italian AGR/09
Precision Livestock Feeding 6 72 Italian AGR/18
Remote Sensing for Agriculture 6 64 Italian ICAR/06
Smart Technologies for Precision Livestock 6 56 Italian AGR/10
Sustainable Feed Production 6 60 Italian AGR/18
Second semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Optional
Energy for Agriculture 6 60 Italian AGR/09
Precision Crop Protection 6 60 Italian AGR/12
Precision Livestock Farming 6 56 Italian AGR/19
Quality of Animal Products 6 56 Italian AGR/19
Technical Standards and Best Practice in Agriculture 6 48 Italian AGR/08 AGR/09 AGR/10
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Final Exam 24 0 Italian
Study plan rules
- Courses within a specialization track
The student can choose one of the three pre-approved specialization tracks. Any deviations from the proposed plans of study will be evaluated by the Collegio didattico.

Farm management track
5 courses chosen from the following:
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Agri-Food Marketing 6 64 Italian First semester AGR/01
Economics of Agricultural Markets 6 56 Italian First semester AGR/01
Economics of Innovation 6 48 Italian First semester AGR/01
Landscape Planning 6 48 Italian First semester AGR/10
Management of Crop Disease and Pest 6 56 Italian First semester AGR/11 AGR/12
Energy for Agriculture 6 60 Italian Second semester AGR/09
Technical Standards and Best Practice in Agriculture 6 48 Italian Second semester AGR/08 AGR/09 AGR/10
- Animal systems track
5 courses chosen from the following:
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Animal Genetics and Biotechnology 6 56 Italian First semester AGR/17
Livestock Structures and Sustainable Waste Managementf 6 60 Italian First semester AGR/10
Mechanization of Livestock Production 6 48 Italian First semester AGR/09
Precision Livestock Feeding 6 72 Italian First semester AGR/18
Sustainable Feed Production 6 60 Italian First semester AGR/18
Precision Livestock Farming 6 56 Italian Second semester AGR/19
Quality of Animal Products 6 56 Italian Second semester AGR/19
- Precision Agriculture track:
5 courses chosen from the following
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Laboratory of Precision Agronomy 6 64 Italian year AGR/02
Laboratory of Precision Irrigation 6 72 Italian First semester AGR/08
Management of Spatial Variability and Gis for Precision Agriculture 6 60 Italian First semester AGR/02 AGR/08
Precision Agriculture Equipment and Field Application 6 60 Italian First semester AGR/09
Remote Sensing for Agriculture 6 64 Italian First semester ICAR/06
Smart Technologies for Precision Livestock 6 56 Italian First semester AGR/10
Precision Crop Protection 6 60 Italian Second semester AGR/12
- The academic plan includes 9 elective credits. These have to be earned through one course to be selected among those organised for this degree programme - including courses of the specialization track chosen - or for other programmes of this Faculty and the University, and through other educational activities that can be measured in credits. Students are invited to visit the website of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences to check the list of courses and their actual availability. Educational activities for which students can obtain credits - usually up to 5 credits - include seminars, conferences, refresher courses and other activities organised by this University or another entity, provided that they are congruent with the study programme. The award of credits for this kind of activities must be agreed beforehand with the professor acting as tutor. Such activities also include Research-Enriched Education (REE) laboratories (3 credits), which are organised by the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences on a yearly basis. The goal of REE laboratories is to develop a cultural approach to teaching where professors play a role in the teaching innovation process - which is centred on students and the use of new technologies - by experimenting with innovative courses that integrate education and research. REE laboratories consists on average of 6 days of exercises and applied laboratory or field work (for example at one of the teaching/experimental farms of the University of Milan) under the supervision of professors and technical staff, with a brief methodological introduction to the scheduled activities. During REE laboratories, reference may be made to background knowledge covered by courses that students have already attended or are going to attend afterwards. See also the paragraph Structure of the course - Presentation of the study plan.
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Environmental Impact of Agro-Food Production Systems 4 40 Italian First semester AGR/09 AGR/19
Laboratorio di progettazione ambientale urbana 11 88 Italian First semester AGR/04 ICAR/15
Laboratorio di progettazione delle infrastrutture verdi lineari 12 96 Italian First semester AGR/03 AGR/10
Metodi e tecniche per la progettazione delle aree verdi 6 48 Italian First semester AGR/10
Soil Bioengineering 6 48 Italian First semester AGR/08
Animal Reproduction and Herd Health 4 40 Italian Second semester VET/01
International Cooperation and Crop-Livestock Systems 6 56 English Second semester AGR/18
Multimedia Communication Laboratory in Agriculture 4 48 Italian Second semester AGR/03 AGR/19
Ree Rumen - Precision Feeding for the Environment: Rumen, Methane, and Nutrition 3 44 Italian Second semester AGR/18
Ree Smartcow - Precision Dairy Farming 3 40 Italian Second semester AGR/19
First semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Optional
Environmental Impact of Agro-Food Production Systems 4 40 Italian AGR/09 AGR/19
Laboratorio di progettazione ambientale urbana 11 88 Italian AGR/04 ICAR/15
- Progettazione ambientale urbana7
- Qualità ecologica dell'ambiente urbano2
- Utilizzo delle specie vegetali2
Laboratorio di progettazione delle infrastrutture verdi lineari 12 96 Italian AGR/03 AGR/10
- Arboricoltura lineare6
- Pianificazione e progettazione delle greenways6
Metodi e tecniche per la progettazione delle aree verdi 6 48 Italian AGR/10
Soil Bioengineering 6 48 Italian AGR/08
Second semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Optional
Animal Reproduction and Herd Health 4 40 Italian VET/01
International Cooperation and Crop-Livestock Systems 6 56 English AGR/18
Multimedia Communication Laboratory in Agriculture 4 48 Italian AGR/03 AGR/19
Ree Rumen - Precision Feeding for the Environment: Rumen, Methane, and Nutrition 3 44 Italian AGR/18
Ree Smartcow - Precision Dairy Farming 3 40 Italian AGR/19
Learn more
Location
Milan
Head of study programme
Quality Assurance Delegate
Contacts

The tuition fees for students enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's and single-cycle degree programmes are divided into two instalments with different calculation methods and payment schedules:

  • The amount of the first instalment is the same for all students
  • The amount of the second instalment varies according to the ISEE University value, the degree programme and the student status (on track / off track for one year or off track for more than a year) 
  • An additional fee is due for online programmes

The University also offers:

  • Concessions for students meeting high merit requirements
  • Diversified tuition fees according to the student's home country for international students with assets/income abroad
  • Concessions for international students with refugee status

Scholarships and benefits

The University provides a range of financial benefits to students meeting special requirements (merit, financial or personal conditions, international students).

Learn more