Learning Experience

University Services and Student Support

App for on line services

Free wi-fi: International students can access free wi-fi by using their ID student number (matricola) as their username. The password will be the same for the UdAOnLine login. More info here.
Free access to the University libraries: https://www.unich.it/didattica/frequentare/biblioteche

Teaching Materials
Teaching materials for the programme are made available through the official e-learning platforms of Università d’Annunzio (Access credentials are provided upon enrolment).
Course materials can be accessed via:
- Università d’Annunzio e-learning platform.

- Dedicated Microsoft Teams course pages, as indicated by the teaching staff.

Free bike-sharing – bikes for free at both campuses. Ask to your campus Help Station
Canteen: Pescara: viale Marconi,1. Opening hours from 12:00 am to 2:30 pm and from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
You must register here to obtain a QR code which enables to have access to the canteens for a reduced price.

Fieldwork and Field trips

Learning planetary geology through field-based experience.

Fieldwork is a key component of the Master’s degree programme, providing students with hands-on experience in the study of planetary processes through terrestrial analogues. These are sites on Earth whose geological and environmental conditions resemble those found on other planetary bodies, offering a unique opportunity to investigate planetary geology in a real-world setting. Fieldwork also plays a fundamental role in linking satellite- and airborne-based observations to the scale of human observation, helping students understand both the potential and the limitations of remote analyses.

During faculty-led field trips, students analyze geological features and processes relevant to Mars, the Moon, Mercury, and Venus, as well as archetypal Earth settings. Through direct observation and data collection, students develop essential observational, interpretative, and analytical skills for planetary science and Earth observation.

Field activities are carried out in selected locations in Italy and abroad, using state-of-the-art techniques to collect and integrate field data with satellite- and airborne-derived datasets.
Before participating in field activities, students receive specific safety training in collaboration with the ‘Alpine Rescue Unit of the Guardia di Finanza’, including courses on mountain terrain awareness and field safety. This training ensures that fieldwork is conducted responsibly and safely, even in challenging natural settings.

Laboratories and Data Analysis

The programme provides hands-on training in the processing and analysis of data from space missions and Earth observation systems. Students work with real datasets to investigate planetary surfaces, Earth analogues, and planetary interiors, developing skills in imaging, geological mapping, and quantitative analysis.

Training includes the use of widely adopted data processing, imaging, and mapping software, such as Integrated Software for Imagers and Spectrometers (ISIS), NASA Ames Stereo Pipeline (ASP), ArcGIS/QGIS, and MATLAB. Students carry out data processing activities within a high-performance computing (HPC) environment, gaining experience with workflows and computational resources commonly used in planetary and Earth observation research. Through practical exercises, students learn to integrate scientific data with engineering and mission-related constraints, gaining insight into the full workflow of space mission data analysis.

By the end of the programme, students are able to critically analyze complex datasets, assess potential landing sites, and support scientific and operational decision-making in planetary and Earth observation missions

Internship

Internships are an integral and mandatory component of the Master’s degree programme. The programme provides a list of partner institutions and organizations where students may apply for internship positions. At the same time, students are encouraged to identify and propose their own internship opportunities, subject to approval by the programme.
Internships may be carried out in Italy or abroad and are designed to complement the academic training of the programme. In many cases, internship activities can be closely linked to the Master’s thesis, allowing students to gain professional or research experience in an international context.

Students may also be eligible to apply for mobility funding to support internship activities abroad through institutional programmes, such as the Erasmus+ Traineeship mobility scheme or the New season project offered by Università d’Annunzio:
https://www.unich.it/international/mobilita/traineeship
https://www.unich.it/international/new-season-pnrrtne

List of partner institutions:
Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica: http://www.inaf.it/en
International Research School of Planetary Sciences: IRSPS – International Research School of Planetary Sciences: https://www.irsps.eu/

Research and Master’s Thesis

The Master’s thesis represents a central component of the programme and offers students the opportunity to carry out advanced, research-oriented work within a dynamic and international scientific environment. Thesis projects are developed in close collaboration with the teaching staff and are often connected to ongoing research activities, international space missions, and funded projects in planetary sciences and Earth observation.

Students benefit from a vibrant research environment in which many members of the teaching staff are actively involved in international collaborations and space missions. This context allows students to engage with cutting-edge scientific questions and to develop original research projects aligned with their academic and professional interests.

Many faculty members are affiliated with the International Research School of Planetary Sciences (IRSPS) at Università d’Annunzio, providing students with access to a broad research network and an interdisciplinary setting that supports high-quality Master’s thesis work.

International and Multidisciplinary Environment

The programme offers a strongly international and multidisciplinary academic environment, while maintaining a solid and clearly defined geological perspective. Students work in a context where planetary science, geophysics, remote sensing, data analysis, and space-related disciplines are integrated to address complex scientific problems, with geology as the unifying framework.

Students come from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and interact with a teaching staff whose expertise spans multiple disciplines, all contributing to a comprehensive understanding of planetary and Earth systems from a geological viewpoint. This approach allows students to develop the ability to combine different methods and datasets while preserving a strong grounding in geological interpretation.

Through coursework, field activities, research projects, and internships, students gain experience in an international environment that prepares them for careers in research, space agencies, and professional contexts where geological expertise is applied to planetary and Earth observation challenges.

Orientation, Academic Advising, and Career Guidance

Students are supported throughout the programme through orientation activities, academic advising, and career guidance. Orientation sessions and dedicated seminars are organized during the academic year to introduce students to the programme structure, research opportunities, internships, and career pathways in planetary sciences and Earth observation.
Academic advising and career guidance are provided through individual consultations with designated academic staff members, who support students in planning their study path, selecting internship opportunities, and developing their Master’s thesis.

Academic and Career Advisors

For academic advising and career guidance, students may contact the designated academic staff members listed on the Contacts page.

Living in Abruzzo Abruzzo is a diverse and welcoming region in central Italy, known for its unique combination of coastline, mountains, and natural parks. The programme is based in Pescara, a lively coastal city on the Adriatic Sea, offering a high quality of life, affordable living costs, and a vibrant student community. With a mild climate and easy access to the sea, the Apennines, and major Italian and European destinations, Abruzzo provides an ideal setting for an enriching academic and personal experience. Housing Università d’Annunzio provides limited but structured support for student accommodation in Pescara. Students may choose between a university-affiliated residence or private accommodation options. Option 1 – University Residence Students may apply for accommodation at Circuito 71 – Campus Jacques Delors, a modern residence inaugurated in September 2024 and located close to the university campus. Address: Strada Comunale Piana 98, 65129 Pescara The fee includes utilities (water, electricity, heating, waste tax), air conditioning, Wi-Fi, weekly room cleaning, bed linen and towels, access to common areas, study rooms, leisure spaces, outdoor areas, bike sharing, parking, and breakfast. Common kitchens and laundry facilities are also available. Campus information Option 2 – Private Accommodation Università d’Annunzio provides access to a housing search service, Cerco Alloggio, to support students in finding private accommodation. Housing search service: Cerco Alloggio (Università d’Annunzio) Students may also independently search for private accommodation using common online rental platforms and local housing networks. Please note that private rental costs usually do not include contract registration tax, utility bills (water, electricity, gas), waste tax, or condominium fees. How to reach us By Air Abruzzo International Airport (PSR), located in Pescara, offers direct connections with several Italian and European cities. The airport is easily accessible from the city center by bus. By Train Pescara is well connected by the Italian national railway network (Trenitalia). Pescara Centrale offers frequent regional and long-distance train services from major Italian cities. Pescara campus is just few minutes from the station Pescara Tribunale. By Bus Pescara is served by an extensive network of bus connections operated by regional, national, and international companies. Direct bus services are also available from Rome and Rome’s international airports. Bus services are operated by regional public transport providers and national and international companies (e.g. TUA, DiCarlobus, Clickbus, Prontobus, FlixBus). Once in Pescara, local public transportation is provided by Trasporto Unico Abruzzese (TUA), the regional public transport operator. Bus services connect the city center, the university facilities, and surrounding areas. Bus routes and schedules TUA mobile app The mobile app allows users to check routes and timetables and to plan journeys within the city. Living and Discovering Abruzzo Abruzzo is a region in central Italy characterized by a unique geographical diversity, where the Adriatic coastline meets hilly landscapes and the Apennine mountains. The region hosts three national parks and a wide range of natural environments, making it an area of exceptional environmental and cultural value. This distinctive landscape has shaped a rich historical and cultural heritage, reflected in historic villages, medieval castles, and significant architectural landmarks. The coastal area, particularly lively during the summer months, offers a dynamic social atmosphere alongside opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities. Abruzzo combines natural beauty with educational and professional opportunities, providing an attractive setting for students who wish to live, study, and explore in a balanced and stimulating environment. Seasonal Activities Throughout the year, the region offers a wide range of activities, including: Summer: beach life and water activities, hiking, scenic viewpoints, photography, cultural festivals, and local cuisine Winter: skiing and snowboarding in the Apennines, thermal baths, mountain landscapes, and seasonal cultural events Estimated Monthly Living Costs The cost of living in Pescara and the Abruzzo region is generally affordable compared to larger Italian cities. Estimated monthly expenses for students may include: Rent: approximately €200–300 (shared apartment) Food: groceries around €200–250; meals €12–20 Utilities: approximately €50 (shared apartment) Public transport: approximately €30 Overall, the region offers a good quality of life at a relatively low cost, making it an attractive destination for students seeking a balanced academic experience in Italy. Several international surveys consistently rank Abruzzo among the more affordable regions in Italy, particularly in terms of housing and daily expenses. Erasmus Student Network Further information and contact details are available through the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) of Chieti-Pescara.