The PhD programme at our institution culminates in the award of a PhD degree following a successful assessment of the research thesis. The thesis, written in Italian, English or, subject to approval, in another language, must be accompanied by an abstract in Italian and English.
Procedure for admission to the final examination
Candidates must submit their application for admission to the final examination 30 days before the end of the course. Within 15 days of the end of the course, the Academic Board will assess the work carried out during the final year to decide whether to admit candidates to the final examination.
Within 30 days of the end of the course, admitted PhD students must submit their thesis in electronic format to the PhD Coordinator, accompanied by a report on the work carried out and any publications. The thesis is then assessed by at least two external experts, one of whom must be a university lecturer, who provide a written assessment. The assessors have 30 days to give their opinion and, if necessary, request amendments before admitting the thesis to public defence. If the amendments are not made within six months, the thesis is admitted regardless.
Composition of the Commission and assessment procedures
The Examination Board, appointed by the Rector, consists of at least three full members and an equal number of alternate members, with a majority of experts from outside the doctoral programme. Members of the Board may not belong to the Academic Board of the doctoral programme or act as external supervisors. The Committee examines the thesis in a public defence, at the end of which it approves or rejects the thesis, awarding a distinction where appropriate in the case of particularly significant results.
Award of the qualification and certification
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded by the Rector and certified at the request of the candidate. The thesis is subsequently deposited with the National Libraries of Rome and Florence. The University ensures that the assessment procedures, including the final assessments, are made public. Furthermore, international agreements may provide for specific procedures for the award of the degree. Upon completion of the programme, activities carried out at multiple institutions are certified by a document attached to the final diploma (diploma supplement). As the LEDIEL PhD programme is run as a consortium, the award of a double, multiple or joint degree is provided for, depending on the provisions of the inter-university agreements.