Structuring your training

Maximize efficiency by front-loading your training. The PhD Board strongly recommends concentrating coursework primarily in the first 18 months. This strategy ensures that the final year is entirely free for research activities, publications, and the demanding process of writing the dissertation.

While the specific Training Plan is agreed upon with your Supervisor, the following roadmap ensures a balanced progression towards the title.

SYLLABUS

Year 1 (The Foundation)

  • Focus: Training & State of the Art
  • Strategy: This is your heavy study year. You are expected to attend the majority of your mandatory doctoral courses while defining your research project.
  • Strategic Goal: Acquire ~60-70% of Course Credits.

Year 2 (Mobility & Research)

  • Focus: Visiting Period & Data Collection
  • Strategy: The training workload decreases. This is the ideal time for your period abroad and for completing transversal Soft Skills.
  • Strategic Goal: Complete all remaining Course Credits by the end of this year.

Year 3 (The Thesis)

  • Focus: Writing & Dissemination
  • Strategy: No new courses should be planned. Your time is entirely devoted to analyzing data, publishing papers, and writing the dissertation.
  • Strategic Goal: 0 Courses. Only mandatory Seminars.

Annual Assessment & Progression

Admission to the subsequent academic year and to the final thesis defense is not automatic. It is subject to a mandatory annual evaluation by the Academic Board, in compliance with the University Regulations (Art. 22) and AVA3 Quality Guidelines.

The assessment verifies both the scientific progress of your research and the completion of your training obligations (CFU). Failing to meet these targets may result in the denial of admission to the next year.

How the Evaluation Works

To ensure the high quality of the PhD Programme, every doctoral candidate undergoes a formal review at the end of each academic year. The process consists of two key deliverables:

  • Written Report: A detailed account of the research activities and training undertaken. Check the Reporting & Milestones page to see how to submit your Annual Report and Training Plan.
  • Oral Presentation: A public defense of the results before an Evaluation Committee composed of the Curriculum Contact Person and two Supervisors.

From Cycle 37 onwards, a video summary of the activities is also required as part of the submission.

Evaluation Criteria

The Committee assesses candidates based on a qualitative scale (from Questionable to Excellent), focusing on:

  • Methodological Rigor: Accuracy and validity of the scientific approach.
  • Research Management: Ability to organize resources and plan independent work.
  • Communication: Quality of the oral presentation and the video summary.
  • Training Compliance: Achievement of the minimum credit targets (e.g., 16 CFU for Cycle 41).

Nov. -- start of the academic year

The official beginning of all doctoral activities. For newly enrolled students, this marks the beginning of their research journey; for senior students, it signifies the progression to the next phase of their project.

Feb. - training plan submission

Deadline for defining the educational strategy. First-year students must submit their initial Training Plan approved by the Supervisor. Second and third-year students must submit an updated version of their plan for the current year.

Sept.-Oct. - submission of annual report

Submission of the written report detailing the research progress, training activities attended, and publications produced during the year. This document is mandatory for the evaluation process.

Sept.- Oct. /annual assessment & presentation

Public presentation of the research results before the Evaluation Committee. The Board assesses the methodological rigor and scientific progress to authorize admission to the following year or the final thesis defense.

Tracking Your Educational Activities

As a PhD candidate, you are responsible for tracking your coursework and seminar attendance throughout the academic year. The official forms can be downloaded from our Forms & Downloads section.

  • Course Attendance and Examination Form. Use this official document to record the courses you have attended and the exams you have satisfactorily passed. The form must include the signature of the course lecturer.
  • Course Evaluation Questionnaire. Your feedback is essential to maintain the high quality of our educational offer. You must complete this questionnaire for each course. Please send the completed forms by email to your Curriculum Coordinator only at the end of the year, at the same time you upload your Annual Report. Please use only the title of the course as the file name.
  • Seminar Attendance Form. Use this log to track the seminars you attend. Each recorded seminar requires the signature of the speaker, the seminar organizer, or your supervisor.