The PhD is the third cycle of education within the Italian academic system and is designed to provide competencies required to conduct high-level research in universities, public institutions, or private entities. It also facilitates access to careers within public administration and the development of highly innovative professional pathways (D.M. 226/2021).
Doctoral training:
- aims to advance knowledge through training in both basic and applied research
- promotes interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary learning opportunities
- contributes to strengthening transnational and international research collaborations
- includes the acquisition of transferable skills to foster their development and application in both scientific and professional contexts
Master’s degree/specialist degree or other qualification obtained abroad, recognized as suitable.
For certain doctoral programs, additional admission requirements may be specified in the admission notice.
Admission to PhD programmes is subject to passing a specific competitive selection process.
Applicants of any age and nationality may apply, provided they hold a Master’s degree or equivalent, a degree obtained under the pre-reform system (prior to Ministerial Decree 509/1999), or a suitable 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.
Selection is based on 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 positions, some with scholarships and some without.
The academic programme concludes with the preparation of a doctoral thesis carried out using scientific methodology. Upon successful completion of the final examination, which consists of the thesis defense, candidates are awarded the title of Dottore di ricerca ("Dott. Ric." or "Ph.D."). The academic programme concludes with the preparation of a doctoral thesis carried out using scientific methodology. Upon successful completion of the final examination, which consists of the thesis defense, candidates are awarded the title of Dottore di ricerca ("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 program offers training in the fields of historical, theoretical, descriptive, and applied linguistics, language teaching (glottodidactics), and Italian linguistics, including the use of digital technologies. Other 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 the analysis of paraliterary, documentary, and editorial forms. These educational paths are part of a broader initiative to promote the Italian language worldwide, integrated with the study of its artistic and audiovisual expressions from the Middle Ages to the present.
Coordinator: Prof.ssa Francesca Malagnini
PhD Programme in "Frontier Sciences in Sustainability, Diplomacy and International Cooperation"
The doctoral programme offers a transdisciplinary educational and research pathway focused on strategic issues for contemporary society. Research areas explore topics spanning the three dimensions of sustainability—economic, social, and environmental—in line with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda, with particular emphasis on diplomacy, international cooperation, and conditions of vulnerability.
Coordinator: Prof. Francesco Asdrubali