Phd structure

All you need to know about training, research and credits in our PhD programmes.

How the programme is organised

All you need to know about training, research and credits in our PhD programmes 

The PhD pathway spans three years in total and includes the following activities: 

  • Research activities 

  • Disciplinary and multidisciplinary training 

  • Acquisition of transferable skills 

  • Extra-curricular training 

  • Dissemination of research results 

  • Teaching and tutoring activities 

  • Final examination 

Year one – basic training

Leggi dettagli

Year two – specialised training

Leggi dettagli

Year three – research and thesis

Leggi dettagli

Final examination 

The programme concludes with the writing and defence of an original thesis, based on the research project developed during the PhD and with features suitable for publication in national or international scientific journals. 

Over the three years, PhD students periodically present the progress of their research in dedicated discussion sessions, receiving feedback from the Academic board, the Researchers from the departments involved and, where applicable, external supervisors or stakeholders. 

The research must stand out for its scientific rigour and contribute to the development of knowledge in the fields of governance, management and public policies, with particular focus on improving the action and performance of the public Administration. To this end, the Academic Board also draws on contributions from experts from the world of public administration.

Doctoral credits

Doctoral credits (DCs) represent a measure of the workload required to complete the training and research activities in the PhD programme. Each DC corresponds to twenty-five hours of work.

The PhD programme requires the acquisition of a total of 180 DCs, divided as follows:  

  • Research activities: they represent 74% of the total workload required and the acquisition of 134 DCs 

  • Research and teaching training activities: they represent 26% of the workload required and the acquisition of 46 DCs