Dissertation
The expected result of the three-year PhD course is a dissertation, namely a paper in the form of a monograph of at least 300,000 characters in length with suitable illustrative apparatus and graphics by the candidate, if deemed appropriate. The dissertation must be unpublished and must display scientific originality. The text can be in Italian with an abstract in English, or in English with an abstract in Italian.
The dissertation must be developed over the three-year period; no extensions are permitted, except for a six month period that may be granted on the specific indication of the external reviewers identified by the Teaching Body.
Tutor
Upon choosing the dissertation topic, the PhD student will be matched with a tutor who will follow the development of the research and check all aspects of its methodological and scientific validity over the course of the year, availing of internal or external expert opinions if deemed necessary.
Any lecturer at the University of Bologna may act as tutor, provided that he or she is in service until the end of the three-year dissertation development period.
The PhD student may be supported by one or more co-tutors from outside the University of Bologna, either Italian or foreign, depending on the skills required for the best outcome of the research.
Co-tutorship with foreign lecturers can be formalised within the first year of the course for the purpose of double recognition of the degree.
Final discussion
The final discussion for the conferral of the PhD degree takes place before a commission appointed by the Rector, comprising a member of the teaching staff and members from other universities, both Italian and foreign. The commission confers the PhD degree without awarding any grade, and may indicate the work as of a suitable standard for publication.
PhD students can combine the title of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with the Doctor Europaeus title by following the prescribed procedures.
Dissertations in co-tutorship with foreign universities are discussed according to the rules laid down in the specific co-tutorship agreement.