The Master’s thesis is the final component of the M3EP programme, representing original research conducted by the student on a topic relevant to their field of study, under the supervision and guidance of a faculty advisor. The Master’s thesis carries a total of 30 ECTS credits and comprises a series of preparatory, ancillary, and core activities carried out during the first and second semesters of the second academic year.

Preparatory and ancillary activities (9 ECTS total):

• Climate Change and Energy Economics Reading Group (3 ECTS)
• Master’s Thesis Preparatory Traineeship (3 ECTS) or Advanced Language Skills in Italian, French, German, or Spanish (3 ECTS)
• Joint Thesis and Employment Workshop (3 ECTS)

Core activity (21 ECTS):

• Research activity, writing, submission, and discussion

The thesis workflow for M3EP students at the University of Milan is structured into three distinct phases, designed to guide students from topic selection to final defense.

1) Conceptualization Phase

Students choose a research topic related to the M3EP programme and attend the Climate Change and Energy Economics Reading Group during the first semester to explore ideas and begin drafting their proposal. Students are required to prepare a written proposal, which includes the research rationale, questions, objectives, literature review, methodology, timeline, and suggested supervisor(s). The proposal must be submitted to the local coordinator by mid-February. After the necessary revisions, the proposal is formally approved, and each student is assigned a supervisor.

2) Research and Writing Phase

Students carry out literature reviews, data analysis, and empirical research, receiving regular feedback from their supervisor. The thesis must demonstrate originality in its content and approach. As part of the thesis work, students may complete a Thesis Preparatory Traineeship (for example, fieldwork, a research assistantship, or an external internship) or attend a course in Advanced Language Skills. Further information about internships is available at this link. Students also present their early findings during the Joint Thesis and Employment Workshop, organised by the M3EP partner universities.

The thesis typically includes the following sections: Abstract, Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Data and Results, Discussion, Conclusions, and Bibliography. Students must follow the required citation standards and submit drafts according to their supervisor’s timeline.

3) Submission and Discussion Phase

Once approved by the supervisor, the final thesis must be submitted by the official deadlines. The final exam consists of a 15-minute discussion in which students present their work before a faculty committee. Successful defence of the thesis leads to graduation.

During your studies, you will work with real-life problems and get exposed to field activities, both during excursions, compulsory field course in the first year, and during your Master’s thesis, as M3EP puts a great emphasis on applied research.

You will experience different types of teaching during your M3EP studies depending on the university. For example, at UMIL you will experience:

• lectures
• theoretical exercises
• classroom discussions
• group work

European higher education is characterised by an analytical approach. This means that you are encouraged to compare, analyse, and critically assess information. You are expected to work independently, to discuss and form your own opinion.

Often work is carried out in small project groups, where you train your interpersonal skills. The international study environment provides you with an opportunity to work with fellow students from all over the world and develop your intercultural communication skills and competencies as well as developing an international network.

None of the M3EP partner universities tolerate plagiarism. It is a serious offence as the plagiarist takes credit for work that rightly belongs to someone else. In that sense it can be considered stealing.

If you plagiarise it can have serious consequences for your further studies.

It is important that you always refer in a clear and concise manner to the sources you have used in your assignments. You can always reach out to your teacher or head of studies if you are unsure about how to cite sources correctly.

For further information regarding plagiarism and policy you can see also here: https://sba.unimi.it/en/how-avoid-plagiarism-0

Please see the overall table showing all the M3EP universities’ grading scales under ‘Joint M3EP grading scale’ on the page ‘before study start’.

Read all details about artificial intelligence at UMIL.

UMIL asks students to give a personal evaluation of the teaching activities through an online questionnaire accessible from Unimia. There is one questionnaire for each course which must be completed before registering for the exam.

The course evaluation questionnaire is a precious source of data through which the University identifies problem areas and gathers suggestions for the continued improvement of its educational offering, and of the teaching, administrative and digital services that accompany students during their studies.

Read more information.

Assessment methods will vary across courses, depending on the teaching approach chosen by each instructor. Common forms of assessment include written and oral examinations, midterm and continuous assessment tests, written practical reports, essays, oral presentations, fieldwork, and final reports.

You can find the forms of assessment for each course at UMIL in the course catalogue (expand the “Educational Plan” and click on each course title to find information about programme and assessment).

As an M3EP student you must comply with all university regulations both at your first- and second-year institutions.

Read the regulations at the University of Milan.