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825 and 1361: these two dates mark the beginning of the University of Pavia, the oldest university in Lombardy and one of the oldest in Europe. The year 825 refers to the capitulary of Emperor Lothair, who established a school of rhetoric in Pavia for the kingdom’s officials. The Studium Generale was instead founded in 1361 by Charles IV: a renowned school of law and literature that attracted students from across Europe.
One of the University of Pavia’s most prestigious eras was the 18th century, thanks to the sweeping reforms of Maria Theresa and Joseph II of Habsburg. The university has had many renowned scholars, including naturalist Lazzaro Spallanzani; mathematician Gerolamo Cardano, universally known for his contributions to algebra and mechanics (the Cardan joint); mathematician Lorenzo Mascheroni; physicist Alessandro Volta, who was professor of Experimental Physics, Rector of the University, and inventor of the electric battery; and physician Antonio Scarpa, a pioneer of modern surgery. During the Napoleonic era, notable intellectuals such as Vincenzo Monti and Ugo Foscolo taught at Pavia—Foscolo delivered his famous 1809 lecture On the Origin and Duty of Literature there.
Many distinguished physicians have studied or taught at Pavia, such as Carlo Forlanini, who invented artificial pneumothorax to treat pulmonary tuberculosis, and Camillo Golgi, awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1906. Alongside Golgi, two other professors from the University of Pavia have received the Nobel Prize: chemist Giulio Natta and physicist Carlo Rubbia.
Today, the Alma Ticinensis Universitas of Pavia offers 2 faculties, 18 departments, and 85 degree programs across its two campuses in Pavia and Cremona. It presents itself as a Research University, participates in international projects, is part of networks with leading colleges worldwide, promotes interdisciplinary research, and fosters strong ties with industry.
The University of Pavia is a student-centered campus with nearly 24,000 enrolled students and 18 university colleges where young people live, grow, exchange ideas, and develop together.

Since 2016, the University of Pavia has been offering two innovative Master’s programs: “Car Test Driving and Simulation for Vehicle Dynamics Development” and “Race Engineering”, aimed at engineers passionate about the automotive world.

These programs are built on three pillars: theory, simulation, and experimentation. They stand out in the academic landscape due to their in-depth theoretical content, the use of driving simulators, hands-on track activities, their international environment, and the involvement of industry partners such as: ASC, GuidaSicura Quattroruote, VI-Grade, CSI, Danisi Engineering, Hexagon/MSC Software, Skydrive, Megaride, Avehil, Accademia ED, RegoloStudio, Tatuus, Autotecnica Motori, Prema, Trident, J.A.S. Motorsport, Harp Racing, ADM, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Marelli, and Aviorace.

The Master’s in “Car Test Driving and Simulation for Vehicle Dynamics Development” aims to train highly qualified test engineers with a strong background in vehicle dynamics design. Graduates will be capable of working in all phases of vehicle setup and development—from dynamic simulation (using CAE tools and driving simulators) to prototype testing and pre-production vehicle development. A key and exclusive component of this program is the “Total Vehicle Testing and Development” module, which includes 11 full days of track testing.

Visit the website:
http://vehicledynamics.unipv.it/

The Master’s in “Race Engineering” is the only university course that offers engineers targeted training for managing racing cars on the track. Students gain specialized skills in vehicle setup techniques, both virtually (through CAE tools and a simulator for joint driver and race engineer training) and experimentally (9 days of on-track activities with a Formula Regional FRECA single-seater, driven by professional drivers) throughout the course. Training is carried out under the supervision of experienced professionals and race engineers, with the goal of preparing engineers to work as data/performance and race engineers, ready to enter the motorsport industry.

Visit the website:
http://raceengineering.unipv.eu/