PhD in Social in Political and Social Sciences
The complexity of today’s social challenges demands mastery of advanced research tools. The PhD programme in Political and Social Sciences is designed to rigorously train social scientists capable of conducting cutting-edge research.
The doctoral degree in Political and Social Sciences opens the door to academic careers as well as other professions that require advanced research skills. These competencies can also support the development of independent, entrepreneurial initiatives. Graduates find employment in academic and research institutions, as well as in public and private organizations, both nationally and internationally.
The programme combines a core set of research methodology courses with advanced training in specific subfields. It is structured around three curricula:
* Political Science, including Political Theory
* International Relations, including Area Studies
* Sociology
All PhD students acquire a shared foundation, enabling them to pursue discipline-based research while also exploring innovative cross-curricular paths. For example, the programme seeks to integrate the regional focus of area studies with the analytical tools of the social sciences.
PhD activities are primarily based in Palazzo Hercolani and its surrounding facilities in Bologna. This offers students the opportunity to be immersed in the vibrant academic community of the Department, home to a diverse group of junior and senior scholars working in sociology, political science, area studies, and international relations. The programme’s multidisciplinary environment fosters intellectual curiosity and personal growth.
Doctoral students are also encouraged to conduct research abroad. The Department provides funding opportunities to support international mobility and collaboration.
The PhD Programme in Political and Social Sciences offers a rich and diverse research environment structured around three core curricula: Political Science, International Relations, and Sociology.
The Political Science curriculum focuses on political theory, authoritarian and democratic regimes, electoral politics, political participation, political culture, party systems, public policy, and the institutions and policies of the European Union—equipping students to critically investigate how political systems function, evolve, and engage citizens.
The International Relation curriculum encompasses research on international political economy, security, strategic studies, war and peace, global governance, and regional dynamics in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans—providing the analytical tools to examine cooperation and conflict in the international arena.
The Sociology curriculum includes research on digital society, communication, social media, trust and social capital, immigration, crime, religion, and the sociology of culture and labour—focusing on the structures, practices, and transformations shaping contemporary societies. This multidimensional approach enables doctoral candidates to address complex and urgent questions through interdisciplinary perspectives and cutting-edge methodologies.