Sustainable Fashion and Sustainable Cities in Italy

Independence

Trip price

Trip duration

Second and third year students on the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Undergraduate Programme who have taken the Business Ethics and Sustainable Entrepreneurship module and have an interest in sustainability, sustainable entrepreneurship, SDGs, fashion, or design are eligible for this opportunity. There is a maximum of 20 places available, with a minimum of 15 participants required for this opportunity to take place. Students are recommended to check the eligibility criteria before applying.

Trip description

This trip offers students a unique, interdisciplinary learning experience exploring sustainability, innovation, and design. Students will travel and be based in Milan, with a day trip planned to Turin.

In Milan the trip will focus on sustainability and fashion. Students will explore the city’s leadership in eco-conscious design with a potential visit to the Fashion for Good Innovation Hub or the Milano Fashion Institute, depending on availability, to gain first-hand exposure to new ideas in sustainable fashion. A guided tour of the Milan Fashion District will spotlight emerging eco-brands and ethical production models, providing a contrast to the city’s more traditional luxury fashion scene. Participants will also have the opportunity to join a hands-on workshop at BASE Milano or Fondazione Prada, where sustainability merges with creativity in the form of fashion labs or other interactive sessions designed to inspire practical solutions.

Finally, the Milan portion concludes with a cultural and educational visit to either the Triennale Milano Museum or the ADI Design Museum, both of which are renowned for their exhibitions on sustainable design, architecture, and innovation. This experience provides a reflective closing to the itinerary, reinforcing the role of design in shaping a greener future.

For the day trip to Turin (where the group will travel by train together – £45 return), students will explore the city through the lens of sustainability and urban transformation. Potential visits include a guided tour of Environment Park Turin, an innovation hub dedicated to green technology and urban solutions, offering insight into how cities are adapting to meet environmental challenges. From there, the itinerary leads into the vibrant and multicultural atmosphere of Porta Palazzo Market, where participants will learn about circular economy practices, sustainable food systems, and innovative approaches to waste reduction. A highlight of this segment is a workshop with the Politecnico di Torino’s Urban Studies Department, featuring a lecture or seminar on smart city development and sustainable public transport planning, followed by a walking tour of Parco Dora, a striking example of how post-industrial areas have been regenerated into thriving green spaces.

Learning objectives

Participating in a DMU Global opportunity can help you develop a range of employability skills and competencies that enhance your studies. The objectives of this trip to Italy are:

A pre-trip briefing will be provided allow students to understand the SDGs that are related to the sustainability practices. They will also learn about the city landscape, cultural background and basic Italian phrases to allow them to solve basic get around communication. Moreover, students will be encouraged to prepare a post-trip reflection presentation as a competition.

Skill development

This opportunity has been designed to help develop the following DMU Graduate Attributes:

Creativity

Growth mindset

Collaboration

Communication

Cultural activities

Students will have the chance to immerse themselves in Milan’s rich cultural heritage through a series of engaging activities. Highlights include visits to iconic landmarks such as the Duomo, with its breathtaking Gothic architecture, and the Sforza Castle, a historic fortress housing important art collection. If availability permits, students may also venture to Basilica di Santa Maria dell Garzie, and see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, one of the world’s most celebrated masterpieces.

Beyond historic sites, the itinerary will include opportunities to sample local cuisine, allowing students to explore Milanese culinary traditions and better understand the city’s cultural identity through its food.