The PhD represents the third cycle of education within the Italian academic system and aims to provide the advanced skills required to conduct high-level research activities at universities, public institutions, or private organisations, including for access to careers in public administration and the integration of highly innovative professional pathways (Ministerial Decree 226/2021).
Doctoral training:
- advances knowledge through education in both basic and applied research
- promotes interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary training opportunities
- contributes to strengthening transnational and international research collaborations
- includes the development of transferable skills to facilitate their transfer and application in scientific and professional contexts
A Master's degree or equivalent qualification obtained abroad, recognized as suitable.
For certain doctoral programmes, additional admission requirements may be specified in the call for applications.
Admission to PhD programmes is subject to passing a specific competitive selection process.
There are no restrictions on age or citizenship for admission to the PhD programme. Applicants must hold a Laurea Magistrale/Specialistica (Master’s Degree), a degree awarded according to the regulations in force prior to the implementation of Ministerial Decree 509/1999, or an equivalent foreign qualification.
The annual call for applications is issued by Rector’s decree and published on this website, on the European EURAXESS portal, and on the Ministry’s website.
The selection is based on the evaluation of 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 set number of places with scholarships and additional places without scholarships.
The academic pathway concludes with the completion of a doctoral thesis conducted using scientific methodology. Upon passing the final examination, which consists of the thesis defense, candidates are awarded the title of Doctor of Philosophy ("Dott. Ric." or "Ph.D."). The academic pathway concludes with the completion of a doctoral thesis conducted using scientific methodology. Upon passing the final examination, which consists of the thesis defense, candidates are awarded the title of Doctor of Philosophy ("Dott. Ric." or "Ph.D.").
The University issues, upon request, the standard Diploma Supplement for all doctoral programmes.
Minimum 36 months.
PhD in Linguistic, Philological, and Literary-Artistic Studies
The doctoral programme offers training in the areas of historical, theoretical, descriptive, and applied linguistics, as well as language teaching and Italian linguistics, including their relationship with digital technologies. Other key fields include the study of the Italian linguistic, textual, and literary tradition from its origins to the present, and philology, which encompasses research on paraliterary, documentary, and editorial forms. These pathways are part of a broader initiative to enhance the value of Italian language heritage worldwide, closely linked to the study of its artistic and audiovisual expressions from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Coordinator: Prof. Francesca Malagnini
PhD in "Frontier Sciences in Sustainability, Diplomacy and International Cooperation"
The PhD program offers a transdisciplinary educational and research path focusing on strategic topics for contemporary society. The areas of specialization cover research trajectories that span the three dimensions of sustainability (economic, social, and environmental), aligned with the Objectives of the 2030 Agenda, with particular attention to diplomacy, international cooperation, and issues of vulnerability.
Coordinator: Prof. Francesco Asdrubali