Frequently Asked Questions

Italian translation coming soon!

1. Admission Requirements 

1. What is the MSc in Music and Acoustic Engineering (MAE) and which study tracks (PSPA) does it offer? 

The MSc in Music and Acoustic Engineering (MAE) is a technical engineering program of the Politecnico di Milano focused on audio technologies, acoustics, signal processing, and music-related engineering applications. The program combines solid scientific foundations with advanced competencies in sound analysis, digital audio, machine learning for audio, electroacoustics, and acoustic design. 

MAE offers two study tracks (PSPA): 

• Music Engineering (MMI) – offered in Milano Leonardo 

Focus on audio signal processing, digital music technologies, machine learning, multimedia systems, and computational tools for music. 

• Acoustic Engineering (MCR) – offered in Cremona 

Focus on environmental and building acoustics, electroacoustics, vibrations, noise control, and the physical modeling of sound and acoustic systems. 

Both tracks share a common engineering foundation and allow students to specialize according to their interests in technology, music, and acoustics. 

2. What are the minimum academic requirements to apply? 
   Applicants must already have: 
   • ≥ 30 ECTS in Mathematics and Physics (MAT/* and FIS/*) 
   • ≥ 15 ECTS in Computer Science / Information Engineering (ING-INF/05 or equivalents) 
   • A Bachelor’s Degree formally equivalent to an Italian Laurea 
   • A valid B2 English certificate 
    
   Teaching Regulations (point 6): https://onlineservices.polimi.it/manifesti/manifesti/controller/extra/RegolamentoPublic.do?jaf_currentWFID=main&EVN_DEFAULT=evento&aa=2024&k_corso_la=263&lang=EN 

3. I come from a non-Engineering background. Can I apply? 
   No. These degrees do not contain the required scientific background for an Engineering MSc. Applicants must first complete a full set of university-level STEM courses (typically ~40–45 ECTS):  

• Calculus (Analysis I–II) 

• Linear Algebra / Geometry 

• General Physics (Mechanics + Electromagnetism) 

• Computer Science / Programming (ING-INF/05) 

If you are an Italian student and your academic background does not fulfill the above requirements, the application evaluation committee will assign you educational debts, to be completed before applying again and enrolling to the master’s degree program. 

If you are an international student, you must fulfill the academic requirements in your country of origin. An interaction with the members of the application evaluation committee is warmly suggested to finalize, as an example, the exact list of courses to attend.  

In any case, professional experience does not replace missing academic credits. 

4. I am an international student. Can I apply if I am missing credits? 
   No. International applicants must meet all academic requirements before submitting the application. The Commission does not assign curricular integrations (“debiti formativi”) to international candidates. The application will be rejected if all the requirements are not met.  

5. I am an Italian/EU student. Can I be admitted with obligations? 
   Possibly, but only in the case of small deficiencies in ING-INF/05. In this case, the Committee may assign an obligation (OFA) inside the MSc study plan. Background in mathematics and physics must already be completed before applying. 

6. Does experience in audio/GDSP/C++ help? 

Only as complementary elements. It does not replace engineering prerequisites. 

7. Is MAE technical or artistic? 

MAE is a technical, engineering MSc, not an artistic program. 

It focuses on: 

• acoustics; 

• digital signal processing; 

• audio systems and technologies; 

• machine learning for audio; 

• music information retrieval; 

MAE does not provide training in music performance, sound design, or music production. 

8. Do I need musical experience? 

No. Experience in music is not required and does not influence eligibility. 

9. Is there an entrance test? 

No entrance test is required. Admission is decided exclusively by the Admission Committee based on the uploaded documents. 

1.10 Is there a limited number of seats? 

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 up to now, no application has been rejected because it was extra quota. 

2. English Language Requirements 

1. Do I need a B2 English certificate to apply? 
   A B2 English certificate is required for admission. Nonetheless, you can submit the application without the B2 certificate. A valid B2 English certificate is mandatory before enrolling. Please check the official guidelines on the official PoliMi website https://www.polimi.it/en/prospective-students/how-to-apply/admission-to-laurea-magistrale  

2. Can I submit the certificate after applying? 
   Yes, the online application can be submitted without the certificate, but you cannot enroll until a valid B2 English certificate. Please check the official guidelines on the official PoliMi website https://www.polimi.it/en/prospective-students/how-to-apply/admission-to-laurea-magistrale  

3. Application Process 

1. Required documents: 
   • Official transcript 
   • Degree certificate or provisional certificate 
   • Syllabi for relevant courses (MAT/FIS/ING-INF/05) 
   • English B2 certificate (can be submitted after applying see FAQ 2.1/2.2) 
   • CV (recommended) 

Always double-check the documents with the updated information on the official Polimi website. 

2. My university does not use GPA. Is this a problem? 
   No. Upload the transcript and grading scale; Politecnico performs internal conversion. 

3. Can I modify my application after submission? 
   No, it is not possible to modify the application after the submission. If relevant documents are missing, please contact the secretariat. 

4. Teaching, Campuses, Attendance 

1. Do I need to attend in presence? 
   Yes. MAE is not designed as a remote or self-paced program. In-person participation in is strongly recommended for: 

• laboratory sessions 

• project work 

• interaction with faculty and peers 

Streaming, when available, does not replace physical attendance. 

2. Are classes streamed to Milan or Cremona? 
   Streaming is available for students attending courses included in both MMI and MCR study plans. For other courses (not shared between MMI and MCR) streaming is available for students in the other campus and in very specific cases. In general, for administrative aspects, events, labs, etc., students should consider Cremona and Milano as primary campuses for MCR and MMI study plans, respectively. 

3. If I choose the MCR track but I live in Milan, shall I go to Cremona only for exams? 
   No. Teaching activities for the MCR track take place in Cremona, and students are expected to attend there. Exams are usually held in the same campus where the course is offered. Exceptions might be granted, depending on the availability of the professors. 

4. Can I pursue a PhD after MAE? 
   Yes, MAE provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies in information technology. 

5. Differences with other Engineering MSc 

1. Difference between MAE and other PoliMi MSc programs: 
   MAE is the only MSc specifically focused on audio technologies, acoustics, sound modelling, and music technology. Other MSc programs do not offer comparable coverage of acoustics and music technology. 

6. Contacts 

6.1  Application evaluation committee: 

• Prof. Stefano Alfi (reference person for international students) 

• Prof. Alberto Bernardini (reference person for Italian students) 

• Prof. Paolo Bestagini 

• Prof. Francesco Bruschi 

• Prof. Marco Marcon 

6.2  Secretariat (Cremona campus): 

segreteriastudenti-cremona(at)polimi.it