PhD Program

The ABC-PhD program is part of the PhD School of Politecnico di Milano. It is a multidisciplinary PhD program that brings together all the scientific fields represented within the ABC Department.

The PhD Agreement is based on an individual path centered on innovative research.

Each PhD candidate is guided throughout their research journey by a Supervisor who is an expert in the relevant field.

Obtaining the PhD title in Architecture, Built Environment, and Construction Engineering requires three years of study and research. In the case of an Executive PhD or programs within international agreements and double PhD schemes, the duration is four years.

The PhD program includes periodic assessments and reviews of research progress throughout the year.

The ABC-PhD Program aims to train researchers and experts in the fields of architecture, the built environment, and construction engineering, equipped with:

• High-level scientific knowledge;
• Significant experience in research and development (R&D) activities;
• Proven communication and management skills applied to R&D activities.

You will be trained to tackle complex situations, conduct in-depth analyses, and develop reliable theoretical models (in physical, economic, environmental, and social fields), as well as to innovate concepts, products, and their applications.

You will also have access to a wide range of placement opportunities, holding positions in:

• Italian and international universities and research centers;
• R&D or Training departments of private companies or Technology Transfer Centers;
• Highly qualified professional firms;
• Companies involved in high-level product and service innovation;
• The construction industry, in roles such as Real Estate and Asset Management;
• National and international public institutions.

To support placement, Polimi’s Career Service, in collaboration with the PhD School, has developed a dedicated support program for PhD candidates who choose to enter the corporate world at the end of their doctoral journey: the "PhD Placement Program."

The PhD-level courses offered by ABC-PhD complement those listed in the course catalogue of the Politecnico di Milano PhD School.

You will be required to define and complete an Individual Study Plan consisting of a minimum number of educational credits (CFU), as specified in the Politecnico’s PhD Regulations and in the PhD Agreements of the respective cycles.

Throughout your studies, the main objective will be the development of an original research contribution. This contribution will be documented in your PhD thesis, written under the guidance of your designated supervisor, who will support you in setting up and organizing your daily activities aimed at developing the thesis.

The thesis must also align with the research lines carried out within the Department.

The PhD degree is awarded upon successful completion of a public defense before a final examination committee.

PhD Board

New positions within the ABC-PhD are selected through public calls.

The Annual Call is published every year between April and May and allows the doctoral program to start in September or November of the same year.

Additionally, “Additional” Calls may be issued after the Annual Call.

For the Executive PhD program, companies or organizations interested can submit research topics to the Board at any time.

How to apply

The offer of positions in the ABC-PhD doctoral program is limited to a predefined number of candidates based on the available scholarships and to ensure the optimal development of each candidate.

To apply for these positions, the requirements specified in the selection call must be met.

Information on how to submit applications is available at the following link.

The ABC-PhD scholarships are generally of two types:

• General scholarships on topics covered by the Doctoral Program
• Scholarships aimed at the development of specific research topics

Each cycle has a limited number of positions available without a scholarship.

For more details and to apply, please consult the page Calls and Regulations – Doctoral Programs (polimi.it).

.