Program Overview

Introduction to the Ph.D. in Information Technology

The Ph.D. IT programme of the Politecnico di Milano has trained researchers, professors, and entrepreneurs in the Information Technology field for decades. It offers the opportunity to develop a Ph.D. thesis in one of four research areas, namely Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics, Systems and Control, and Telecommunications.

Program Structure

During the Ph.D., candidates have the opportunity to take part in specialization courses, projects with industries or other research centers, international conferences, and research experiences abroad. The program duration is 3 years, and it is based at the Milano Leonardo campus.

Organization

The program is organized within the Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria (DEIB) and participates in the Ph.D. School of Politecnico di Milano with nearly 20% of the total number of Ph.D. students in the School. The candidates enrolled in this Ph.D. programme are mostly supported by scholarships from public institutions and private companies.

Research Lines

The scientific research lines pursued at DEIB are of enormous scientific and technical interest to companies, governmental organizations, and society. The doctorate opens interesting possibilities for extended study and participation in high-level research in information technologies.

Educational Activities

The main aim of all Ph.D. programmes of the Politecnico di Milano is the development of a research-oriented mindset in the candidates, with advanced skills and expertise in a specific research topic. To this end, candidates must develop the ability to formulate and solve problems in complex contexts, perform deep problem analysis, identify original solutions, and evaluate their applicability in practical contexts.

Research Areas

The program offers research opportunities in the following areas:

• Computer Science and Engineering
• Systems and Control
• Electronics
• Telecommunications

Courses and Summer Schools

During the first two years, Ph.D. students must pass at least five doctoral courses for a minimum of 25 credits. Doctoral courses provide advanced knowledge and give the students the necessary training for addressing research issues.

Teaching and Tutoring

Ph.D. students can be involved in teaching activities as teaching assistants at the Bachelor or Master levels, and can take part in tutoring activities for the orientation of new candidates or activities of the Ph.D. IT programme. Participation in teaching and student tutoring activities is encouraged to develop communication and team leading skills.

Experiences Abroad, Conferences, and Networking

During the three years of the Ph.D. programme, students will be often required to present their research achievements in various occasions, such as public seminars at DEIB or other institutions, project meetings, workshops, and international scientific conferences.

Resources, Services, and Financial Support

All Ph.D. students are granted the necessary resources and facilities to carry out their activity and access scientific papers and technical documentation from local and international databases. Other services, such as subscription to scientific associations, language courses, business cards, are also available. Students are assigned a personal budget to cover research-related and traveling expenses.

Our University

The Politecnico di Milano is a public scientific-technological university founded in 1863, which trains engineers, architects, and industrial designers. The Politecnico has always focused on the quality and innovation of its teaching and research, developing a fruitful relationship with the industrial and productive world by means of experimental research and technological transfer.

The Department

The Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering (DEIB) is one of the largest European ICT departments. With nearly 1000 members, researchers, collaborators, Ph.D. students, technical and administrative staff, the Department is a vital institution capable of promoting education, fundamental and applied research, and technology transfer to companies.

Laboratories

The DEIB currently hosts more than 50 laboratories in Computer Science and Engineering, Systems and Control, Electronics, Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, and Bioengineering. It also participates in more than 20 interdisciplinary and interdepartmental laboratories and large infrastructures for advanced interdisciplinary studies, in collaboration with other departments of Politecnico di Milano. These laboratories are accessible to Ph.D. students.