Training areas The Politecnico di Milano doctorates are a three-year program of study, articulated in 180 credits including visiting periods in foreign countries and stages within public or private institutions. The program and the credits are articulated in the following trajectories: Introductory courses Courses supplying introductory knowledge about the scientific themes and theories to be faced during the doctorate; Main courses Courses that develops the basic themes (problems, theories and methods) of research within the disciplinary scientific sectors of reference of the doctorate program. At least 40 credits are asigned to this training areas. Elective courses Training activities and in-depth analysis of a limited number of specific themes; Development of the doctoral thesis.