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What is a PhD?

A PhD is the highest level of education in the academic systems of many countries around the world, including Italy.

In Italy, it is a three-year program open to a limited number of participants.

Its purpose is to provide skills and knowledge related to research in a specific academic field.

At the end of the program, students are awarded the title of Doctor of Philosophy (equivalent to the PhD "Philosophiae Doctor", used in the Anglo-Saxon world).

 

A PhD is a program that requires a master's degree.

The primary purpose of a PhD is for new master's graduates to acquire specialized skills in the subjects covered by the doctoral program.

A PhD is, therefore, a program of training and research in a specific disciplinary field, and graduates who complete it may receive a scholarship.

Each university has its own university regulations that establish the admission procedures for the doctorate. These regulations include the educational objectives, the program of study, and instructions regarding attendance.

 

How do I access the PhD program?

Generally, admission to a PhD program requires the submission of a research project. In this project, the candidate outlines the ideas underlying the research they intend to conduct during their PhD program, the research questions they believe they can answer, and the methodologies they intend to follow during their research.

The project is discussed during an oral exam, in the presence of three professors with expertise in the academic field of the PhD program, generally from universities other than the one where the PhD program will be held.

In some cases, the oral exam is preceded by a written exam on topics related to the master's degrees that give access to the PhD program.

 

How does the PhD program work?

During the three years of the Doctorate, the doctoral student generally:

1) conducts activities focused on research, investigation, and in-depth study of methodologies related to a specific academic field;

2) takes courses specifically designed for the training program;

3) publishes articles in national and international journals, submitting the results of their research to the scientific community;

4) participates in conferences and seminars, including as a speaker;

5) spends periods at other academic institutions and/or companies/research organizations, in Italy or abroad.

6) may carry out limited teaching activities in support of academic courses.

To be admitted to the following year, at the end of each academic year, the doctoral student is required to submit a report on the research activity carried out during the year.

At the end of the program, the doctoral student must submit a thesis containing the results of their research and defend it, taking a final exam before a committee composed of professors and experts in the academic field covered by the doctorate, often from abroad.

 

What are the career opportunities for a PhD?

Achieving a PhD degree enhances the candidate's career prospects in any professional field.

In fact, it often provides additional points in public competitions and is a preferential qualification in recruitment by companies.

The main career opportunities are related to academia and teaching. A PhD holder can aspire to work as:

• university professor;
• researcher.

However, a PhD degree allows for employment in both the public and private sectors within companies, businesses, and private research institutions.

Beyond the specific nature of the research project that doctoral students undertake over the three years of their program and the resulting, undeniable skills acquired, the goal of each doctoral program is to develop critical thinking, analytical and synthesis skills, and an awareness of the role of collaboration and transdisciplinarity in solving complex problems. These skills are applicable in any professional field.

This is the new paradigm of the Doctorate, applicable in any professional field, not just academia.

 

The skills developed during this three-year program, benefiting from local, national, and international exchanges, will illuminate not only their future academic career but also their career path within research and development centers in companies or public administrations.