PhD in Agriculture, Environment and Bioenergy
Milan, Italy
PhD
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
Our planet is experiencing a decline in its non-renewable resources and is exposed to risks deriving from climate change. The agricultural sector must supply food, non-food products, ecosystemic services and energy, whilst guaranteeing safety and food sovereignty. It is therefore essential to develop advanced training courses in order to achieve efficiency and sustainability in the agricultural sector and its various territorial contexts, taking into account the various elements of the production system and their organisation in agro-ecosystems. Reference will be made to:
- Phenotypic and genotypic features and the valorisation of genetic resources
- Containment of biotic and abiotic adversities
- Implementation of predictive IT models
- Bioenergy production, use of residual substances, soil and water resource conservation
- Analysis and management of technical means, agricultural processes, multi-functionality of rural areas and agrobiodiversity
The programme will enable researchers to:
- Develop autonomous research;
- Prepare and propose public and private research projects on a local, national and international level;
- Identify research needs and their scientific, social and economic relevance;
- Transfer knowledge through teaching activities and the presentation of data and results;
- Transfer research results to the public and private sphere.
Year 1
Compulsory
- Statistical Methodologies and Analysis of Agri-Environmental Data
Optional Programme Year
January 2024
Optional
- Introduction to Meta-Analysis in Agricultural and Soil Sciences
April 2024
Optional
- Climate Changes and Crop Research
May 2024
Optional
- Exploitation of Variability in Woody Crops
- Senescence and Quality of Flowers and Vegetables
The University of Milan ranks among the leading institutions worldwide. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, it is ranked 270th globally, confirming its steady progress on the international stage, having gained six positions compared to the previous year despite the increase in the number of universities evaluated.
The University’s excellence is particularly evident in subject rankings. According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, the University of Milan is placed among the top 50 in Veterinary Medicine and it’s in the top 100 universities worldwide in five disciplines:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Medicine
- Philosophy
- Pharmacy & Pharmacology
- Sociology
The University also ranks among the top 150 worldwide in several subjects, including:
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Classics & Ancient History
- Law
- Politics & International Studies
- Social Policy & Administration
- Modern Languages
- Dentistry
- Nursing
Moreover, it is placed within the top 200 globally in a broad range of disciplines:
- Archaeology
- Chemistry
- Communication & Media Studies
- Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Physics & Astronomy
- Statistics & Operational Research
The University of Milan also stands out for its strong commitment to sustainability, ranking 4th in Italy and 174th globally in the QS Sustainability Ranking—an impressive rise of 45 positions. This achievement highlights the University’s growing impact in addressing key social and environmental challenges, reinforcing its role as a forward-looking and responsible institution.
This advancement reflects a comprehensive strengthening of the University’s sustainability policies. Particularly noteworthy are the results in the Social Impact dimension, which highlight increasingly effective initiatives in inclusion, knowledge exchange, and social responsibility, as well as in Governance, with high standards of transparency, ethics, and institutional accountability.
Overall, these results confirm the University of Milan as a multidisciplinary public institution capable of combining academic excellence, social impact, and a strong commitment to sustainable development.


