History and Mission

“Know, know how to be, know how to do”. It is on these three cornerstones that IULM University has based its teaching mission, taking inspiration from the principles of UNESCO. Taking strength from its vocation of integrating cultural knowledge and professional competences, the University has from its very inception over 40 years ago always presented itself as a meeting point between the academic world and labour markets.

The Istituto Universitario di Lingue Moderne (I.U.L.M.) was founded in 1968 by the Fondazione Scuola Superiore per Interpreti e Traduttori, under the inspiration of Senator Carlo Bo and Professor Silvio Baridon. From the very beginning, the idea behind the project was to satisfy the demands of the labour markets based on analyses of current trends.

The 70's

I.U.L.M., as it was then known, concentrated its attention on the study of languages, an indispensable requirement for entering increasingly international markets and contexts focused on enhancing arts and culture markets.

The 80's

The University was the first in Italy to perceive how the world of communication and the consumer society was evolving, and consequently, it saw the need to update its courses by providing a specific series of tools. It is during this period that it founds the Scuola Speciale di Relazioni Pubbliche.

The 90's

The decade that marks the definitive strengthening of the position of the University in the field of communication: the Faculty of Communication and Entertainment Studies is set up alongside the University's first Faculty of Foreign languages and Literature. In 1998 the University takes on its current name: Libera Università di Lingue e Comunicazione IULM.

From 2000 to the present day

While continuing to pay close attention to the dynamics of the world of work, IULM University is also determined in its aim to provide its students with cultural training through innovative courses of study. Founded as a point of reference for teaching in the sectors of languages and communication, it has now also become a centre of excellence in the fields of tourism and the exploitation of cultural heritage. With its 4 Faculties, First Cycle Degree Courses, Second Cycle Degree Courses, numerous Master's Courses and post-experience courses, the University offers a complete range of courses at all levels.

Mission

The mission of IULM University is to train and teach professionals capable of taking on the challenges and grasping the opportunities emerging from international markets and scenarios, while also shaping men and women aware of their own being and worth.

IULM guarantees its students' deep cultural awareness and a solid university education - a mix of theory and practice: it adopts an integrated approach, which has proved to be extremely useful not only in helping students successfully enter the world of work but also in helping them find personal satisfaction in their lives.

IULM University has always seen itself as a pioneer: over the years it has been able to foresee trends and adapt to change, operating as a dynamic interlocutor in a constantly evolving system. Today it is a well-established institution in the socioeconomic mechanisms of its area of influence: a privileged condition that allows it to approach important non-academic bodies and institutions in order to propose joint projects that can produce added value for teaching and research.

IULM in brief

Not just words. The value of IULM University lies also in its figures.

International Relations

Know the world to build the future. This is the internationalisation policy of IULM. The University encourages exchanges with foreign universities and companies for students, graduates and teachers.

IULM welcomes many foreign students as well as visiting professors and organises activities under the auspices of European Community projects or in collaboration with inter-university networks to develop educational and research-oriented projects.

This translates into increased possibilities for students to attend lessons and takes exams abroad, encouraging them to try new and challenging experiences and pursue that enrichment that comes from a meeting with other cultures. It also gives graduates and undergraduates a chance to reap the benefits of precious and professionally qualifying work experiences. To this end, IULM has also taken part in several relevant projects and is granting scholarships for three- or six-month work experiences in different entrepreneurial fields across Europe.

To facilitate student mobility and the academic recognition of studies abroad, IULM has adopted the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Initially conceived for credit transfer, the ECTS has evolved into an accumulation system to be used at all levels: institutional, regional, national and European.

Another outcome of these activities is the consolidation of the University’s network of relationships with other leading universities in Europe and with many institutions and companies involved in offering work experiences.