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PhD opportunities

PhD COURSES

The PhD (Dottorato di Ricerca – DR) is a post-graduate academic qualification.

It represents the 3rd cycle of education in the Italian academic system and provides the abilities required for carrying out highly-qualified research activities in universities, public institutions and private companies.

Access to PhD programmes is by competitive examinations.

PhD programmes are under the responsibility of the Departments offering them.

For more details about each PhD Programme, please contact the PhD Programme’s Coordinator.

  • The PhD: what is it?

    With Ministerial Decree No. 226/2021, published on the Gazzetta Ufficiale on December 29, 2021, the Ministry of University and Research introduced the new “Regulation on the accreditation procedures of doctoral sites and courses and criteria for the establishment of doctoral courses by accredited entities”.

    Innovative Aspects of the Regulation

    The new regulation represents a significant step forward for our country towards the full valorization of the doctorate as an important tool for carrying out high-quality research and innovation activities in social and work contexts. From the outset, it refers to some key documents that set objectives for which the introduced changes were necessary; in particular, the referenced “Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training,” adopted on June 26, 2011, by the “Steering Group on Human Resources and Mobility” within the European Research Area, represent a common reference point for Member States for high-quality doctoral training open to the world of work.

    These principles aim to achieve excellence in research: “the new academic generation should be trained to become creative, critical and autonomous intellectual risk-takers, pushing the boundaries of frontier research.” Attractive institutional environments, interdisciplinarity, openness to industry and other relevant employment sectors, and the development of skills applicable in different contexts are just some of the principles set out in the document approved by the European Commission.

    The Doctorate of Research

    The Doctorate of Research constitutes the third cycle of education in the Italian university system and corresponds to the internationally recognized PhD degree.

    The objective of the doctoral course is the acquisition of disciplinary and interdisciplinary skills for advanced scientific research. These skills can be applied in universities or public and private research centers, as well as in institutions, companies, foundations, or entities of various kinds involved in applied research, dissemination of scientific knowledge, valorization of cultural heritage, organization of research at the local or international level. Doctoral training also enables a more innovative approach in professional practice.

    Access Requirements

    To apply for a doctoral program, it is necessary to:

    • hold a Master’s degree or equivalent foreign degree (or a Bachelor’s degree obtained before the entry into force of Ministerial Decree No. 509/99)
    • pass the entrance examinations specified in the competition notices published annually by the University

    Training

    The study program involves the definition of a training plan and the development of a research project under the guidance of a Tutor, through advanced didactic programs, individual study, and periods of study in companies/research institutions and abroad, concluding with the elaboration of a thesis conducted with scientific method and original content.

    Degrees and Employment Prospects

    The Doctorate provides access to the world of scientific research, mainly in the academic field, but also in advanced research centers, in sectors requiring high professional skills, and in production structures.

  • How to access the Ph.D. program?

    Admission to Ph.D. programs at this University is governed by the Regulations by the University Regulations on Ph.D. programs published on the Ph.D. web page.

    Admission examinations are based on qualifications, any written tests, and an interview, which will focus on the discussion of the research project proposed by the candidate.

    The examination is aimed at assessing the candidate’s aptitude for scientific research and knowledge of at least one foreign language.

    Candidates are admitted to the course according to the order of the general merit ranking up to the limit of the number of available places.

    Scholarships are funded by the Ministry of University and Research, the University, with research funds from the Departments, and with resources from external subjects, both public and private, including foreign entities.

    Competition places may also be filled with research grants, apprenticeship contracts, or forms of funding equivalent to scholarships (so-called industrial doctorate for company employees).

    The title of Doctor of Research is obtained by passing a final examination consisting of the defense of a Doctoral Thesis, which may also be in a foreign language.

  • Information for doctoral students

    Doctoral Scholarships increase (Ministerial Decree 23/02/2022, No. 247)

    Amount of doctoral scholarships 2024

    Separate management INPS – 2024 Rates (INPS Circular 29/01/2024, No. 24)

    DIS-COLL – Monthly unemployment benefit (Law 81/2017)

    Consultation system for doctoral scholarship payment slips

    To access the payment slips and tax certifications (CUD), it is essential to have activated institutional email.

    Maternity guide (ADI – Leave, benefits, risky activities)

    For administrative information, please send an email to dottorati@unitus.it or contact the office at the following numbers: 0761.357912 – 357808 – 357912.

    For more detailed information on individual courses, please contact the Course Coordinators.

    For general information, please send an email to dottorati@unitus.it.

  • Guidelines for Open Archives Publication of Doctoral Theses

  • Funding a PhD

    Table of Costs for Financing a Doctoral Scholarship for the Academic Year 2024/25 (Ministerial Decree 247/2022)

  • Extension of the final deadline for Research Doctorates, cycles XXXIV, XXXV, and XXXVI

    XXXIV Cycle

    XXXV and XXXVI Cycles

  • Contact us for more information

    For administrative inquiries, the Office is open to the public by appointment and can be contacted:

    By phone, at the numbers 0761357961, 0761357808, and 0761357912 (Monday – Friday morning from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and Monday – Thursday afternoon from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm)

    By email at dottorati@unitus.it

    The latter method is mandatory for in-person appointments. However, it is recommended to send an email as the Office may be engaged in virtual meetings.

    For more detailed information on individual courses, it is suggested to contact the Course Coordinators.