33 Best Architecture Master's Degree Programs in Italy for 2024

The English-taught MA provides education and training for internationally oriented architects, in accordance with the Directive of the European Parliament 2005/36/CE. It gives students excellent preparation for the changing demands of society, both in the technical-scientific area and the humanities. It teaches how to cope with present-day problems related to urban and natural landscapes. It focuses on the conservation and transformation of different architectural and urban contexts, with special attention paid to environmental, economic, and social sustainability. MA Architecture prepares students to tackle pressing architectural, urban, and environmental issues in the national and international scenes. It proposes updated visions of architecture and integrates them with ideas from global culture. It employs the most innovative techniques and methodologies to train generations of digital natives. This also means providing cross-disciplinary competences in – urban projects and theories on the city, with their related issues of sustainable growth and sustainable decrease – Italian cultural heritage and its conservation through regenerative projects that can be applied to other countries and contexts – interior and exhibition design – a global asset for today’s architects.

The European master of 1st level, validated by E.A.B.H.E.S., lasting one year-long course is intended to provide a solid education to realize a green area, wisely disposing its elements and organizing each phase. At the end of the annual path, they are released 60 ECTS credits (European credits).

The SOS Program is designed to leverage the collective energy and individual experiences of the SOS students and team. In order to meet the needs of a wide range of students and professionals, the educational format has been re-organized according to a modular structure and at the same hand, it is in fact possible to enroll in the full-time master, lasting one year. The program is based upon a curriculum that combines Practice-Based Education with Research - Based Practice and Site - Based Experience.

The master programs are for post graduate students only. This master is ideal for young graduates or professionals holding a degree in interior or a compatible design with interiors. The objective of the Master course is to produce professionals in the specialized field of Interior Design.

Iuav - University of Venice has long been recognised as one of the best Urban Planning Schools in Europe and across the world. It is the only university in Italy to provide thorough education and training in urban planning, architecture, design, visual arts, theatre and fashion.

Nowadays the design of spaces plays an important role in creating multi-disciplinary platforms where people experience new cultural and social scenarios. It is all about behaviors, habits, interests, and the lifestyle of people in society. Material and immaterial aspects must be continuously analyzed throughout the process of project development, including innovative emerging technologies and new perspectives of communication. 

The goal of the Master of Advanced Studies in Tall Building Design, which is a Postgraduate Specialisation Programme offered by the University Iuav of Venice, is to boost the professional career of post-graduate architects and engineers. By teaching processes, more than culture, the Programme Participants will acquire the mindset and skills needed to work in a large architectural/engineering practice, and to deal with the various aspects of the design of complex buildings such as tall buildings.

Urban Vision and architectural Design are in Cities, territories, and rural and urban systems that make up the built fabric that connects people and places. This milieu is constantly shifting due to geopolitical and cultural trends; perceiving it and changing it is a complicated undertaking. Change comes about thanks to strategies that transform the landscape, methodologies that regenerate urban areas, and design concepts that delineate public and private spaces.

The Master's Degree in Architecture combines the theoretical in-depth analysis of some preparatory subjects for the professional activity with a strong technical design application cut.

The Master's programme offered is open to students coming from inside and outside of the European Union, who wish to obtain a Master's Degree in Architecture awarded by the School of Architecture in Florence, Italy. The courses are held in two languages: Italian and English. The aim of the Master's Degree course in Architecture is the training of an “Architect” according to the requirements of knowledge and skills as defined by the European Union Directive EC 1985/384 and subsequent 2005/36/EC.

Engineering for Building Retrofitting addresses the topic of the protection, rehabilitation, and enhancement of the existing buildings in terms of structural safety, energy efficiency, quality, and comfort, considering social and economic issues.

The Department of Architecture “dArTe” offers a five-year program (LM - 4) leading to the degree of Master of Architecture. This course is a limited entry with about 150 students each year (for entry to the five-year program students have to complete successfully an exam). The Department also offers independent research leading to the degree of Master of the 1st and 2nd level.

The 2-year practice-oriented and transdisciplinary study course is an educational framework for designers that aims to contribute to more sustainable, resilient, solidary, and just futures — both locally and trans-locally.

The 2nd Cycle Degree Course (Master Degree) in Architecture-Restoration deepens teaching elements of the 1st Cycle Degree course in Architectural Science, giving to the graduates a high level of technical knowledge and thorough historical-critical basis, essential to deal with crucial professional themes related to historical heritage on different levels: from a single building to old town centers urban environment, to cultural landscape.

The Laurea Magistrale in Architectural Design and History in Mantova focuses on both new and historical architecture. The program aims to develop highly aware and prepared professionals by integrating diverse disciplinary fields with art and culture, maintaining a close relationship between research and education.

The "Architecture - Built Environment - Interiors" program offers advanced training in Architectural Design, focusing on transforming the built environment, enhancing resilience and affordance. It emphasizes urban regeneration, fragile territories, building extensions, restoration, and enhancement. The program allows customization through elective Design Studios alongside compulsory courses, balancing theory, practice, and feasibility with sustainability. Advanced Computation Design courses are available throughout the two-year program.

The EU Laurea Magistrale in Architecture - Building Architecture aims to train European architects with advanced knowledge to address complex design and building challenges. Graduates will meet current professional responsibilities and operate design briefs using diverse knowledge and techniques. This is achieved by combining the critical and design tradition of Milan's School of Architecture with the scientific and technical expertise of Politecnico di Milano's School of Engineering.

The Architecture and Urban Design program provides advanced training in Architectural Design, integrating theoretical, humanistic, artistic, and design competencies based on Italian tradition. It addresses diverse housing cultures, contemporary city spaces, new urban settlements in developing countries, innovative building techniques, and environmental sustainability. The program prepares architects for complex global challenges and professional responsibilities, focusing on core Architectural Design at various scales through both theory and practice. Customizable study plans are offered through optional courses and thematic Design Studios.

The programme in "Landscape Architecture - Land Landscape Heritage" integrates technical, natural and agronomical sciences, as well as historical, cultural and social studies. The programme is based on design studios and lectures on current themes such as the design of soil and of public open spaces, of urban and rural landscape, preservation of landscape heritage, regeneration of derelict areas, sustainable tourism and hydrogeological risk prevention. Professors of different subjects stimulate the capacity to work out concepts and to collaborate within interdisciplinary teams.