Second-Level Master in Sustainable Management of Hydrogeological Risk in Mountain Environments

The master addresses the management of hydrogeological risk in mountain areas in an integrated way, a topic that is increasingly central to community safety and land-use planning. The programme is divided into six integrated courses: hydrogeological risk assessment, environmental assessment of mitigation measures, design of structural measures, construction and maintenance of defence works, non-structural mitigation measures, and socio-economic aspects and assessments. In this way the technical, environmental, managerial and economic aspects of soil protection are considered together. Mountain environments are particularly exposed to landslides, debris flows, floods and other phenomena linked to instability, and climate change is increasing their complexity. The master provides the tools to read these processes, estimate risk and choose the most suitable measures, taking into account the effects on the environment and on communities.

The programme lasts one year and corresponds to 1,500 hours in total. The in-class part amounts to 430 hours and includes lessons, internships, seminars and technical visits, to which 170 hours of online teaching are added. Lessons are concentrated on Friday afternoons and Saturdays, from 9 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm, a format that makes it possible to combine attendance with professional activity. The course is held in Bolzano, taught in Italian with a part of the lessons in a foreign language. The master is delivered with the participation of bodies and organisations in the sector, including the professional associations of engineers, forestry doctors and geologists, the Civil Protection Agency and the Maccaferri Innovation Center, and allows engineers, geologists, agronomists and foresters registered with the professional associations to earn professional training credits. The involvement of professional associations, public bodies and industry players guarantees a strong link with practice, and the technical visits make it possible to observe real works and interventions and to engage with designers and land-management officials.

The aim is to train professionals with cross-disciplinary training and multidisciplinary skills, able to work in the forecasting, prevention, mitigation and communication of hydrogeological risk. Career opportunities include technical-scientific consulting for professional associations, employment with local authorities, agencies and public administration, civil protection and land-management technical bodies, and the offices of the European Union and international organisations. The programme is therefore suited to professionals and graduates who intend to specialise in soil protection and the sustainable management of natural hazards, with a vision that combines design, environmental protection and engagement with communities. The training provided meets the growing demand for specialists able to engage with different fields, from engineering to geology, from planning to communication, and to support technical decisions in contexts characterised by uncertainty and strong social implications.