The PhD programme represents the third cycle of education in the Italian academic system and provides the skills necessary to carry out highly qualified research at universities, public bodies or private organisations. It also aims to facilitate access to careers in public administration and to enrich highly innovative professional pathways (Ministerial Decree 226/2021).
Doctoral training:
- advances knowledge through both basic and applied research training
- promotes opportunities for interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary education
- contributes to strengthening transnational and international research networks
- includes the acquisition of transferable skills to support their development and application in academic and professional contexts
Master’s degree/specialist degree or other qualification obtained abroad, recognized as suitable.
For certain doctoral programmes, additional admission requirements may apply as specified in the call for applications.
Admission to PhD programmes is granted through a specific competitive selection process.
There are no age or citizenship restrictions. Applicants must hold a master's degree (laurea magistrale/specialistica), a degree obtained under the pre-reform system prior to D.M. 509/1999, or a suitable foreign qualification.
The admission call is issued annually by Rector’s decree and published on this website, on the European EURAXESS portal, and on the Ministry’s website.
Selection is based on academic qualifications and examinations. The examinations consist of a written test and an interview. Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in one or more foreign languages. Each PhD programme offers a specific number of places with scholarships, as well as places without scholarships.
The academic programme concludes with the preparation of a doctoral thesis conducted using scientific methods. Upon successful completion of the final examination, which consists of the thesis defense, the title of Doctor of Philosophy ("Dott. Ric." or "Ph.D.") is awarded. The academic programme concludes with the preparation of a doctoral thesis conducted using scientific methods. Upon successful completion of the final examination, which consists of the thesis defense, the title of Doctor of Philosophy ("Dott. Ric." or "Ph.D.") is awarded.
The University issues a standard Diploma Supplement for all doctoral programmes upon request.
Minimum 36 months.
PhD in Linguistic, Philological and Literary-Artistic Studies
The PhD program offers specialized training in the fields of historical, theoretical, descriptive, and applied linguistics, glottodidactics, and Italian linguistics, also in relation to the use of digital technologies. Additional key areas include the study of Italian linguistic, textual, and literary tradition from its origins to the present day, as well as philological research, which encompasses investigations into paraliterary, documentary, and editorial forms. These tracks are part of a broader initiative to enhance the value of the Italian language heritage worldwide, which is closely linked to the study of its artistic and audiovisual expressions from the Middle Ages to the present.
Coordinator: Prof. Francesca Malagnini
PhD Programme in "Frontier Sciences in Sustainability, Diplomacy and International Cooperation"
The doctoral programme offers an educational and research pathway with a transdisciplinary approach on strategic topics relevant to contemporary society. The areas of study cover research paths across the three dimensions of sustainability (economic, social, and environmental), aligning with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda and focusing particularly on diplomacy, international cooperation, and conditions of vulnerability.
Coordinator: Prof. Francesco Asdrubali