University of Turin

What you'll study

This three-year undergraduate programme provides a balanced mix of human geography, physical geography and applied territorial sciences. Core topics include geomorphology, climatology, biogeography, urban and regional planning, economic and social geography, and environmental management. Practical skills are emphasised through courses in geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, cartography, spatial statistics and fieldwork techniques.

Year-to-year structure typically moves from foundation courses in physical and human geography and basic quantitative methods, to more specialised modules and applied laboratory work in the second and third years. Students undertake project work and case studies focused on territorial analysis, sustainable land management and urban regeneration. The final year normally includes a supervised dissertation or applied project that integrates theoretical knowledge with field or lab-based research.

• Physical geography: geomorphology, hydrology, climatology, soils and landscape processes
• Human and social geography: urban studies, population and migration, economic geography
• Territorial sciences and planning: land-use planning, environmental policy, regional development
• Technical and methodological skills: GIS, remote sensing, spatial data analysis, cartography
• Fieldwork and laboratories: regional field trips, mapping exercises and environmental monitoring

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods combine lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions and supervised fieldwork. Assessment typically includes written examinations, practical laboratory reports, project work and a final dissertation or capstone project. Languages of instruction are primarily Italian, with some modules or materials available in English; international students are encouraged to check the language of delivery for specific courses.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a recognised secondary-school leaving qualification that gives access to university studies in their country (for example, an Italian diploma di scuola secondaria superiore, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent). International applicants should provide certified transcripts and documentation of their qualification.

Because teaching is mainly in Italian, proficiency in Italian is normally required; institutions typically expect evidence of Italian language ability at an appropriate level (for example, a recognised language certificate or proof of prior study in Italian). If portions of the programme are available in English, non-native English speakers may need to demonstrate competence in English as well.

Admission may also consider the applicant's academic record in relevant subjects (geography, earth sciences, mathematics) and a personal statement outlining interest in territorial sciences. Applicants with non-standard backgrounds may be asked to provide additional information or take preparatory courses.

Career prospects

Graduates acquire interdisciplinary skills that are applicable in public administration, private companies and non-governmental organisations. Typical entry-level roles and career paths include:

• GIS technician or spatial data analyst in local government, utilities or consulting firms
• Urban and regional planning assistant, working on land-use planning, mobility and regeneration projects
• Environmental consultant or field technician in environmental monitoring and impact assessment
• Cartographer, remote sensing analyst or geospatial modeller in research, mapping agencies or commercial firms
• Policy analyst or project officer in regional development, sustainability and heritage conservation

Graduates also frequently continue to postgraduate studies (master's degrees) in urban planning, environmental management, GIS and remote sensing, or pursue research careers. Internship opportunities and collaborative projects during the degree help build professional experience and local networks.

Why study at University of Turin

The University of Turin is one of Italy's traditional universities with an established Geography and Territorial Sciences teaching and research community. The department combines disciplinary breadth with applied training, offering well-equipped GIS and remote sensing laboratories, mapping facilities and regular fieldwork in the diverse landscapes of Piedmont—from Alpine environments to urban Turin.

Students benefit from links with regional and municipal authorities, research centres and environmental organisations, which support internships and applied projects. International exchange options such as Erasmus and bilateral agreements are available for students seeking study abroad experience. The programme's multidisciplinary approach prepares graduates for a range of professional and academic pathways in spatial and territorial sciences.