FAQ
GENERAL INFORMATIONS
What is the First Level Master in "HUMANITARIAN LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT"?
It is a First Level Master* established at the Department of Industrial Engineering and Mathematical Sciences of the Università Politecnica delle Marche, named “HUMANITARIAN LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT”.
*The Master’s Course found on this page is NOT a Master Degree.
What is the academic year of reference for this Master?
The academic year of reference is 2025/2026.
On what topic should the thesis work be developed and who should approve it?
The thesis work must be developed on a topic to be presented to and approved by the scientific committee.
What is the main location of the Master and how are the lessons conducted?
The course will mainly be held online with synchronous lessons. There will be 3 weeks of in-person activities: one at the Università Politecnica delle Marche (Ancona Campus, Via Brecce Bianche 12) and the others at locations to be defined by partner and collaborating organizations in Italy and abroad.
Who is responsible for managing student careers?
Student career management is entrusted to the PhD and Postgraduate Office.
What can the master's final paper deal with?
The thesis work may develop one topic addressed also during the placement, but it does not end with a simple report of the internship.
Objectives and Career Opportunities
What is the training demand that the Master intends to satisfy?
The Master aims to meet the need to train individuals capable of operating in complex and changing humanitarian logistics contexts, endowed with transversal knowledge, specific and strategic technical skills, and personal characteristics of flexibility, adaptability, and relationship orientation, in a sector that requires efficiency, effectiveness, and respect for environmental and social rules.
What are the educational objectives of the Master?
The educational objectives of the Master are to develop a strongly interdisciplinary and intersectoral path through theoretical and practical modules, laboratory activities, individual study and research, exercises, seminars, testimonials, case studies, and simulations, culminating in an internship period to consolidate knowledge and skills.
What professional profile does the Master intend to train?
The Master aims to train experts in humanitarian logistics and supply chain capable of operating within emergency contexts, with the aim of training figures immediately operational in the field.
What are the employment opportunities foreseen for Master's graduates?
The foreseen employment opportunities are for figures capable of operating efficiently and effectively, responding promptly and professionally to the needs expressed by organizations operating in emergency contexts.
What are the macro-modules into which the Master's program is divided?
The macro-modules are: First module (Setting Definition), Second module (Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain), Third module (Humanitarian Logistics: Thematic Areas), Fourth module (Transversal logistician’s skills).
Is attention paid to the socio-environmental impact in humanitarian intervention?
Yes, in addressing all topics, particular attention is paid to the socio-environmental impact of humanitarian intervention, with the aim of making it inclusive, equitable, and with reduced environmental impact.
What are the key elements that guarantee the excellence of the Master?
The key elements are: a didactic path that involves scientific, academic, and professional expertise of national and international importance; a design and operational management that uses expert professionals in supply chain, design, and innovation applicable to the humanitarian sector; the academic recognition and certification of the training path.
Who conducts the Master's training activities?
The training activities are conducted by university professors and humanitarian sector professionals with proven field experience and teaching skills.
With which organizations is the Master in partnership?
The Master is based on a partnership with third-sector organizations (NGOs), governmental organizations, and associative entities operating in the national and international humanitarian context. You can check them out on our partners page.
Structure and Duration
What is the overall duration of the Master?
The Master has an annual duration for lessons, but the total completion period will be longer than a year due to the internship, exams, and thesis development.
What is the total number of hours for the Master?
The total number of hours is 1500.
How many CFUs (ECTS credits) are obtained at the end of the Master?
60 CFUs are obtained at the end of the Master.
How are the hours distributed (classroom lessons, alternative teaching, individual study, internship, thesis)?
The 1500 hours (60 CFUs) are distributed as follows:
- 38 CFUs (400 hours of classroom lessons, 186 hours of alternative teaching, 364 hours of individual study)
- 12 CFUs (300 hours of Internship)
- 10 CFUs (250 hours of Master’s thesis)
How many internship hours are planned and where can they be completed?
300 hours of internship are planned, to be carried out within UNIVPM Departments, public institutions and bodies, companies, non-governmental organizations, and associations operating in the humanitarian sector. Students can also propose external organizations.
Will the course start in January 2026?
Yes, the course will start in January 2026.
What are the modalities for conducting the didactic activities (online, in-person)?
The didactic activities include: online activities with synchronous lessons (mainly during non-working hours to facilitate working students), online activities with asynchronous lessons (recorded on the Moodle platform), and in-person activities for practical exercises organized in three intensive sessions.
Is the Master conducted in English?
Yes, the Master is conducted in English.
Can the lesson schedule be subject to change?
Yes, the emergency and unpredictable nature of the work of the operators involved in the Master’s teaching means that the hourly breakdown of the various disciplines and the related lesson schedule may undergo changes during the course.
Admission and Enrollment
What is the minimum and maximum number of students admitted to the Master?
A minimum of 12 and a maximum of 40 students are admitted.
Will the Master only be activated upon reaching a minimum number of enrollments?
Yes, the Master will only be activated after reaching the minimum number of enrollments.
What are the admission requirements for the Master (qualification)?
- For Italian students:
Possession of a First Level Degree (EQF 6) obtained at any Italian University, or an equivalent qualification obtained abroad and recognized as suitable by the Organizing Committee, is required. - For foreign students:
If you are a foreign student and intend to apply, you can send an email to hlmaster.univpm.info@gmail.com with your transcript of record, your CV, and your passport for a preliminary verification while awaiting the publication of the call for applications (September 2025) where all steps will be clearly defined.
What is meant by Auditors?
Auditors can be admitted to the Master’s program even without the minimum required degree, provided they demonstrate strong interest, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and have adequate English proficiency (self-declared in their CV). Admission is subject to the Organizing Committee’s positive evaluation of their professional experience and motivation. Auditors do not receive the final degree but can access online and in-person (with prior insurance) didactic activities, including recorded lessons and materials. They are not eligible for internships.
Is it possible to enroll conditionally if the final degree exam has not yet been taken?
Yes, it is possible.
Does UNIVPM provide scholarships for internships according to the regulations?
According to the regulations, the Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM) does not provide scholarships or any kind of financial aid. However, if public or private entities, professional associations, or companies make total or partial scholarships available, immediate notice will be given on the University’s website (www.univpm.it).
Furthermore, facilitated contributions and additional reserved places may be provided for candidates selected for internship activities at public/private entities that, through agreements with the University, will guarantee reimbursement of board and lodging expenses for their assigned interns and/or provide a significant economic and organizational contribution for the practical exercises of the Master.
Ex-Student Testimonials
