University Carlo Cattaneo - History and Profile

History and Profile

The Carlo Cattaneo University (LIUC) is an independent, state-recognised institution established in 1991 by the Industrial Association of the Province of Varese (UNIVA, part of Confindustria). It is situated in the small town of Castellanza, within easy reach of Milan and the Malpensa International Airport. The university is housed in a nineteenth century cotton mill which has been beautifully restored by the world famous Italian architect Aldo Rossi. It is only 400 metres from the train station that links Castellanza to Milan in 35 minutes and just over 1 kilometre from the motorway.

The University is an important example of the tradition for initiative and entrepreneurship in this part of Italy (the province of Varese is home to 23,000 manufacturing and craft industries that export abroad over 30% of their production). UNIVA founded the University in order to ensure its member corporations access to business professionals with interdisciplinary and practical skillsets. For this reason, the senior lecturers come from both academia as well as the business world.

Evolution of course offerings:

• In 1991, the university opened with an incoming class for the Bachelor in Business (Economia Aziendale).
• In 1994, a diploma in Logistical Engineering was offered.
• In 1998, the bachelor program in Business Law was introduced.
• In 1999, LIUC was the first non-public university to offer a bachelor in Management Engineering in Italy.
• Through time, several 1-year and 2-year Masters Degrees were added to the University offerings through its graduate schools in Business & Economics, Business Law and Management Engineering.