University of Milan

What you'll study

This two-year Laurea Magistrale (120 ECTS) offers a blend of theoretical foundations and applied skills in communication. Core areas include communication theory and history, corporate communication, public relations, media and digital communication, branding and identity, crisis communication, stakeholder engagement and public affairs.

• Research methods and communication evaluation — quantitative and qualitative methods, audience analysis, metrics for campaign assessment.
• Corporate and organisational communication — internal communication, corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication, reputation management.
• Public communication and policy — communication in public institutions, citizen engagement, lobbying and advocacy strategies.
• Digital media and content strategies — social media management, content creation, digital analytics and platform-specific approaches.
• Media law and ethics — legal framework affecting press, advertising and privacy; professional ethics in communication.
• Crisis communication and issues management — risk communication, media relations, preparing communication plans for emergencies.
• Electives and laboratories — project-based labs, multimedia production, internships, and electives that allow specialisation (e.g. international communication, political communication, or marketing communication).
• Final thesis or project — an original research thesis or a supervised applied project developed in collaboration with a company, public body or NGO.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised first-cycle degree (Laurea Triennale or equivalent) in communication, social sciences, humanities, political science, economics or a related discipline. Candidates with degrees in other fields who demonstrate relevant professional experience or a clear motivation to specialise in communication may also be considered.

Typical application requirements include a certified transcript of previous studies, a curriculum vitae, and a statement of purpose or motivation letter. Depending on the profile, applicants may be asked to provide a portfolio of work (for those coming from media or design backgrounds) or to attend an interview. Proof of language proficiency is required when courses or assessment are delivered in a language other than the applicant’s official qualification language; the programme commonly involves instruction in Italian with some modules or seminars in English.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme enter a wide range of communication roles across public, private and non-profit sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Corporate communication manager or consultant
• Public relations and media relations specialist
• Public affairs and government relations officer
• Communication strategist and brand manager
• Digital communications and social media manager
• Press officer for cultural institutions, municipalities or national agencies
• Communication officer in NGOs and international organisations
• Researcher or doctoral candidate in communication studies

The programme’s combination of internships, project work and industry contacts helps students build a professional portfolio and transition into roles in agencies, corporate communication departments, public administrations, consultancies and media organisations.

Why study at University of Milan

The University of Milan is a comprehensive research university located in Italy’s largest economic and media hub, offering strong links with companies, public institutions and cultural organisations based in Milan. Students benefit from access to specialised research centres and laboratories in communication studies, opportunities for internships with local and international organisations, and multidisciplinary teaching drawing on humanities, social sciences and management.

Facilities include multimedia labs, language support services and a career service that helps students connect with employers. The programme’s urban location also provides practical exposure to Italy’s media, corporate and public affairs environments, supporting both applied learning and longer-term career networking.