{"id":589,"date":"2025-12-18T16:34:11","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T16:34:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.suono.polimi.it\/?page_id=589"},"modified":"2025-12-18T16:34:13","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T16:34:13","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.suono.polimi.it\/en\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<ol start=\"1\" style=\"list-style-type:upper-alpha\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-b6857829e4fe58850b7958ccc4d5caf3\"><strong>Admission Requirements<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>What is the MSc in Music and Acoustic Engineering (MAE) and which study tracks (PSPA) does it offer?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The MSc in Music and Acoustic Engineering (MAE) is a technical engineering program of the&nbsp;Politecnico&nbsp;di Milano focused on audio technologies, acoustics, signal processing, and music-related engineering applications. The program&nbsp;combines solid&nbsp;scientific foundations with advanced competencies in sound analysis, digital audio, machine learning for audio, electroacoustics, and acoustic design.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MAE offers two study tracks (PSPA):&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Music\u00a0Engineering\u00a0(MMI)<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0offered\u00a0in Milano Leonardo\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Focus on audio&nbsp;signal&nbsp;processing,&nbsp;digital&nbsp;music technologies, machine learning, multimedia systems, and computational tools for music.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Acoustic Engineering (MCR)<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0offered\u00a0in Cremona\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Focus&nbsp;on&nbsp;environmental and building acoustics, electroacoustics, vibrations, noise control, and the physical modeling of sound and acoustic systems.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both tracks share a common engineering foundation and allow students to specialize according to their interests in technology, music, and acoustics.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>What are the minimum academic requirements to apply?<\/strong>\u00a0<br>Applicants must already have:\u00a0<br>\u2022 \u2265 30 ECTS in Mathematics and Physics (MAT\/* and FIS\/*)\u00a0<br>\u2022 \u2265 15 ECTS in Computer Science \/ Information Engineering (ING-INF\/05 or equivalents)\u00a0<br>\u2022 A Bachelor\u2019s Degree formally equivalent to an Italian Laurea\u00a0<br>\u2022 A valid B2 English certificate\u00a0<br>\u00a0<br>Teaching Regulations (point 6): https:\/\/onlineservices.polimi.it\/manifesti\/manifesti\/controller\/extra\/RegolamentoPublic.do?jaf_currentWFID=main&amp;EVN_DEFAULT=evento&amp;aa=2024&amp;k_corso_la=263&amp;lang=EN\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>I come\u00a0from\u00a0a non-Engineering\u00a0background. Can I apply?<\/strong>\u00a0<br>No.\u00a0These degrees do not\u00a0contain\u00a0the required scientific background for an Engineering MSc. Applicants must first complete a full set of university-level STEM courses (typically ~40\u201345 ECTS):\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Calculus (Analysis I\u2013II)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Linear Algebra \/ Geometry\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>General Physics (Mechanics + Electromagnetism)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Computer Science \/ Programming (ING-INF\/05)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are an Italian student and your academic background does not fulfill the above requirements, the application evaluation committee will assign you&nbsp;educational debts, to be completed before applying again and enrolling to the master\u2019s degree program.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are an international student, you must fulfill the academic requirements in your country of origin.&nbsp;An interaction with the members of the application evaluation committee is warmly suggested to&nbsp;finalize, as an example, the exact list of courses to attend.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In any case, professional&nbsp;experience does&nbsp;<strong>not<\/strong>&nbsp;replace missing academic credits.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>I\u00a0am an international student.\u00a0Can I apply if I am missing credits?<\/strong>\u00a0<br>No.\u00a0International applicants must\u00a0meet\u00a0<em>all<\/em>\u00a0academic\u00a0requirements\u00a0<strong>before<\/strong>\u00a0submitting the application. The Commission does\u00a0<strong>not<\/strong>\u00a0assign curricular integrations (\u201cdebiti\u00a0formativi\u201d) to international candidates.\u00a0The\u00a0application\u00a0will\u00a0be\u00a0rejected\u00a0if\u00a0all\u00a0the\u00a0requirements\u00a0are\u00a0not\u00a0met.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>I am an Italian\/EU student. Can I be admitted with obligations?<\/strong>\u00a0<br>Possibly, but\u00a0<strong>only<\/strong>\u00a0in the case of\u00a0small deficiencies in ING-INF\/05. In this case, the Committee\u00a0<em>may<\/em>\u00a0assign an obligation (OFA) inside the MSc study plan. Background in mathematics\u00a0and physics\u00a0must already be completed before applying.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Does experience in audio\/GDSP\/C++ help?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Only as complementary elements. It does not replace&nbsp;engineering&nbsp;prerequisites.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"7\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Is MAE technical or artistic?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>MAE is a&nbsp;<strong>technical, engineering MSc<\/strong>, not an artistic program.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It focuses on:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>acoustics;\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>digital signal\u00a0processing;\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>audio systems and\u00a0technologies;\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>machine learning for\u00a0audio;\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>music information\u00a0retrieval;\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>MAE does&nbsp;<em>not<\/em>&nbsp;provide training in music performance, sound design, or music production.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"8\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Do I need musical experience?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Experience in music is not required and does not influence eligibility.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"9\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Is there an entrance test?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>No entrance test is&nbsp;required. Admission is decided exclusively by the Admission Committee based on the uploaded documents.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1.10<strong>&nbsp;Is there a limited number of seats?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a maximum number of students who can be admitted to Music and Acoustic Engineering. This number can change every year. In the unlikely case the quota is reached, the evaluation committee could evaluate some extra-quota admissions, based on the standard evaluation criteria. For your information, it is good for you to know that&nbsp;up to now,&nbsp;no application has been rejected because it was&nbsp;extra&nbsp;quota.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" style=\"list-style-type:upper-alpha\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-0f27350cfceb2f4a15f3cd3a467c0c3d\"><strong>English Language Requirements<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Do I need a B2 English certificate to apply?<\/strong>\u00a0<br>A B2 English certificate is\u00a0<strong>required for admission.\u00a0<\/strong>Nonetheless, you can\u00a0submit the application without the B2 certificate.\u00a0A\u00a0valid B2 English certificate is mandatory before\u00a0enrolling.\u00a0Please check the\u00a0official guidelines\u00a0on the\u00a0official\u00a0PoliMi\u00a0website\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.polimi.it\/en\/prospective-students\/how-to-apply\/admission-to-laurea-magistrale\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.polimi.it\/en\/prospective-students\/how-to-apply\/admission-to-laurea-magistrale<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Can I submit the certificate after applying?<\/strong>\u00a0<br>Yes,\u00a0the online application can be\u00a0submitted\u00a0without the certificate, but\u00a0you cannot enroll\u00a0until a valid B2 English certificate.\u00a0Please check the official guidelines on the\u00a0official\u00a0PoliMi\u00a0website\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.polimi.it\/en\/prospective-students\/how-to-apply\/admission-to-laurea-magistrale\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.polimi.it\/en\/prospective-students\/how-to-apply\/admission-to-laurea-magistrale<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" style=\"list-style-type:upper-alpha\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-61e7fde04c3f92d638e10955a7514b6c\"><strong>Application Process<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Required documents:<\/strong>\u00a0<br>\u2022 Official transcript\u00a0<br>\u2022 Degree certificate or provisional certificate\u00a0<br>\u2022 Syllabi for relevant courses (MAT\/FIS\/ING-INF\/05)\u00a0<br>\u2022\u00a0English B2 certificate\u00a0(can be submitted\u00a0after applying see FAQ 2.1\/2.2)\u00a0<br>\u2022 CV (recommended)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Always double-check the documents with the updated information on the official&nbsp;Polimi&nbsp;website.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>My university does not use\u00a0GPA. Is this a problem?<\/strong>\u00a0<br>No. Upload the transcript and grading scale;\u00a0Politecnico\u00a0performs internal conversion.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Can I\u00a0modify\u00a0my application after submission?<\/strong>\u00a0<br>No,\u00a0it is not possible to\u00a0modify\u00a0the application after\u00a0the submission. If relevant documents are missing, please contact the secretariat.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" style=\"list-style-type:upper-alpha\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-0832d760b9a7e6570601055a636a14de\"><strong>Teaching, Campuses, Attendance<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Do I\u00a0need to attend in\u00a0presence?<\/strong>\u00a0<br>Yes. MAE is not\u00a0designed\u00a0as\u00a0a remote or self-paced program.\u00a0In-person participation in is strongly recommended for:\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>laboratory sessions\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>project work\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>interaction with faculty and peers\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Streaming, when available, does not replace physical attendance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Are\u00a0classes streamed to Milan\u00a0or\u00a0Cremona?<\/strong>\u00a0<br>Streaming\u00a0is available for students attending courses\u00a0included\u00a0in both MMI and MCR study plans.\u00a0For other courses\u00a0(not shared between MMI and MCR)\u00a0streaming\u00a0is\u00a0available\u00a0for students\u00a0in\u00a0the other campus\u00a0and in\u00a0very specific\u00a0cases.\u00a0In\u00a0general,\u00a0for administrative aspects, events,\u00a0labs,\u00a0etc.,\u00a0students should consider\u00a0<strong>Cremona\u00a0and Milano\u00a0as\u00a0primary campuses\u00a0for MCR\u00a0and MMI\u00a0study plans, respectively.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>If I choose the MCR track but\u00a0I\u00a0live in Milan,\u00a0shall\u00a0I go to Cremona\u00a0only\u00a0for exams?<\/strong>\u00a0<br>No. Teaching activities for the MCR track take place in Cremona, and students are expected to attend there. Exams are\u00a0usually\u00a0held\u00a0in\u00a0the same campus\u00a0where the course is offered.\u00a0Exceptions might be granted, depending on the availability of the professors.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Can I pursue a PhD after MAE?<\/strong>\u00a0<br>Yes, MAE provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies\u00a0in information technology.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" style=\"list-style-type:upper-alpha\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-5c5101532a622d27005ec381744a5aaf\"><strong>Differences with other Engineering MSc<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Difference between MAE and\u00a0other\u00a0PoliMi\u00a0MSc programs:<\/strong>\u00a0<br>MAE is the only MSc specifically focused on audio technologies, acoustics, sound modelling, and music technology. Other MSc programs do not offer comparable coverage\u00a0of acoustics and music technology.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\" style=\"list-style-type:upper-alpha\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-bd8567dd9ff3712b80bd18f90ddda8a5\"><strong>Contacts<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>6.1 &nbsp;<strong>Application&nbsp;evaluation committee:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prof. Stefano Alfi\u00a0(reference person for international\u00a0students)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prof. Alberto Bernardini\u00a0(reference person for\u00a0Italian students)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prof. Paolo\u00a0Bestagini\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prof. Francesco Bruschi\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prof. Marco Marcon\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>6.2 &nbsp;<strong>Secretariat&nbsp;(Cremona campus):<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>segreteriastudenti-cremona(at)polimi.it&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<ol start=\"1\" style=\"list-style-type:upper-alpha\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-b6857829e4fe58850b7958ccc4d5caf3\"><strong>Admission Requirements<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>What is the MSc in Music and Acoustic Engineering (MAE) and which study tracks (PSPA) does it offer?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p> &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.suono.polimi.it\/en\/frequently-asked-questions\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-589","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.suono.polimi.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/589","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.suono.polimi.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.suono.polimi.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.suono.polimi.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.suono.polimi.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=589"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.suono.polimi.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/589\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":594,"href":"https:\/\/www.suono.polimi.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/589\/revisions\/594"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.suono.polimi.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=589"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}