Dissertation

The expected result of the three-year PhD Programme is a dissertation, i.e., a 300,000 char. work on a single subject with illustrations and graphics by the student, if deemed appropriate. The dissertation must be unpublished and must have a character of scientific originality. The text can be in Italian with English abstract or English with Italian abstract.

The dissertation should be developed over the course of three years. No extensions are allowed with the exception of six months that may be granted with the specific consent of external readers identified by the faculty.

TUTOR

Upon choosing the dissertation topic the PhD student will be matched with a tutor who will follow the development of the research and will verify during the year the methodology and scientific validity in all aspects, relying also on the opinions of the faculty or external experts if deemed necessary.

Any professor at the University of Bologna can act as a tutor, provided he/she remains in service until the end of the three years of the dissertation's development.

PhD students can be assisted by one or more co-tutors outside of the University of Bologna, be they Italian or foreign, according to the skills required for the best result of the research.

Joint supervision with foreign professors can be formalised within the first year for the purpose of achieving a dual recognition of the title.

FINAL DEFENCE

The final defence for the awarding of the title of Doctor of Philosophy is done in front of a Rectorial nominating committee consisting of a member of the faculty and members from other universities, Italian and foreign. The commission confers the title of Doctor of Philosophy without assigning any grade and may recommend whether the dissertation should be published.

The doctoral student can combine the title of Doctor of Philosophy with the title of Doctor Europaeus by following the prescribed procedures.

A dissertation in co-supervision with foreign universities is defended under regulations established by the specific joint supervision agreement.