The implementation of an original research project, characterized by a clear empirical value, represents the purpose of the doctorate. It consists of the following training stages which (from the literature review to the completion of the research) take place under the guidance of a Moderator: classroom training and field work. During the doctorate, the Moderator, as mentor, accompanies the student during the process of understanding and analyzing the social phenomena chosen as research topic

An original research activity with a clear empirical value allows the doctoral student – via the use of a qualitative, quantitative or mixed (qualitative as well as quantitative) method – to analyze accurately the research topic.

In order to further enrich the educational path and its interdisciplinarity, the doctorate also provides the doctorat student with the opportunity to attend, without extra cost, some of the courses taught by the other Faculties and Associated Institutes.

ADMISSION

The requirements for the admission to the Doctorate are as follows: proven knowledge of the Italian language; having obtained a Licenciate in Social Sciences, or an equivalent postgraduate degree, with a mark not less than magna cum laude. After having obtained the grade of Licentiate, or an equivalent degree, the student may have to attend and pass some additional courses determined by the Dean.

The admission process begins with an interview with the Dean which may be done via the Internet. Then, the Secretariat of the Faculty needs to receive via email a duly completed application form as well as a short project proposal concerning the research topic. The student may complete the enrollment procedure for a Doctorate only after a positive assessment of the project proposal and the authorization of the Dean.

PROGRAM

The doctorate has a duration of at least three years (six semesters). During the Cursus ad doctoratum, the student has to pass both methodological preparation seminars and the courses determined by the Dean. During the first year (i.e., the first two semesters), two methodological preparation seminars provide the student with the skills necessary for fieldwork.

Then, the student has to draft the following two texts: the research proposal (named “Elaborato in vista dell’Argomento”, which will be evaluated by two Censors in anonymous form) and the “Argomento” (i.e. a concise version of the research project which is to be presented to the Academic Vice-Rector). The approval of the “Argomento” represents the conclusion of the Cursus ad doctoratum and allows the doctoral student to start to draft the Dissertation.

After the first academic year, the SS3004 seminar allows the doctoral student to participate in monthly meetings during which the research project of each doctoral student is examined in turn. This seminar is useful to encourage debate, the sharing of personal experiences as well as the information that emerged during fieldwork.

ORAL PRESENTATION

After the approval of the “Elaborato in vista dell’Argomento” and the submission of the “Argomento della Dissertazione” – almost at the end of the research activity – another text must be presented. This text is the “Progetto della Dissertazione” (Project of the Dissertation) and is made up of an extract from the Dissertation, a draft of the introduction and some specific parts decided by the student along with the Moderator.

The Dean approves the Project of the Dissertation only after a previous positive evaluation of the Censor. Only in this case, the student may conclude research activity and, by means of the authorization of the Moderator, submit the Dissertation to the General Secretariat.

After the defense of the Dissertation and in compliance with the instructions relating to the doctorate provided in the Ordo, the student earns the doctorate degree in Social Sciences.