Program structure (cycles 37-38-39)

The primary objective of conducting original doctoral research will be accompanied by specific attention to the communicative and disseminative aspects of the research and the development of a series of essential skills for the postdoctoral advancement of the researcher: the ability to join scientific networks, positioning one’s scientific work in high-impact editorial venues, and the ability to design research for participation in competitive international funding calls.

Below are listed the educational and scientific production requirements that candidates must fulfill each year:

Second Year:

  • A minimum of 30 hours of coursework must be completed. Attendance at certain sessions is mandatory (see course offerings);

  • Presentation of research progress and discussion with a discussant during the annual review day;

  • Submission of one research product (published article, book chapter, or conference paper);

Third Year:

  • A minimum of 30 hours of coursework must be completed. Attendance at certain sessions is mandatory (see course offerings);

  • Submission of one scientific article published in a top-tier (A-level) journal;

  • Final examination;

For certain types of research, internship periods may be arranged at scientific, cultural, public administration institutions, socio-economic organizations, non-governmental organizations, or in the non-profit sector.

The coursework will be organized into three levels, following a structured personal training plan:

  1. Activities focused on individualized training in methodologies and disciplinary skills essential for dissertation research, including periods spent at other Italian or international universities;

  2. Cross-disciplinary training through interdisciplinary seminars to foster group project skills in interdisciplinary teams and to facilitate network and relationship building among doctoral candidates;

  3. Acquisition of professional skills, potentially through national or international internships, aimed at: conceiving and managing research projects, valorizing, communicating, and validating results, as well as designing teaching methodologies and methods.

Inter-doctoral training activities will be organized across all three levels, in collaboration with other doctoral programs.

To promote a highly international education, doctoral candidates are required to spend at least six months abroad over the course of the three-year program. Participation in summer schools and international events promoted by the doctoral program or other research centers, as well as the organization of international conferences for doctoral students, is also considered an integral part of their training.

Each doctoral candidate will be assigned one or more co-supervisors (also external to the faculty), who will be responsible for guiding the candidate in their research activities and preparing an individualized training plan, with specific attention to career development and employability.