Learning Objectives of the PhD Course

The PhD Course aims at educating highly qualified researchers who will be able to apply their knowledge and skills in an interdisciplinary fashion, by conducting social research at universities, research centers and beyond.

Besides providing a solid foundation in the discipline, including a broad range of advanced quantitative, qualitative, and computational research methods, the Programme places a strong emphasis on theoretically-driven empirical sociology

Teaching and Learning Methods

The training activities in the Doctoral Programme in Sociology and Social Research are designed to provide a comprehensive and structured learning experience over the course of three years.
The first year is mainly devoted to teaching activities, such as lectures and seminars, and to designing and kickstarting the PhD research project. The second and third year, alongside a limited number of teaching activities, are devoted to the research work, research stays abroad for an encouraged minimum period of 3 months, participation to national and international conferences and seminars, and preparation of the assignments required for admission to the next year of the programme. Throughout the PhD programme, doctoral students attend a dedicated seminar series and seminars organized by the Department of Sociology and Social Research to foster critical thinking and engage with contemporary research topics. Doctoral students actively participate in seminars where they present and discuss their research progress, gaining valuable feedback from peers and faculty.

Upon admission to the Doctoral Programme, doctoral students are assigned a tutor appointed by the PhD  Academic Board.
The tutor is responsible for guiding students throughout the initial year, with specific duties including supervising the students' first research report and assisting students in identifying potential supervisors before the end of the first year. Before the end of the first year, the PhD Academic Board appoints a supervisor from its members for each  student. Additionally, a co-supervisor, who may be an external expert in the research field, is appointed.
 

Monitoring and Evaluation

The progress of doctoral students is closely monitored by the PhD board throughout the programme.      
At the end of the first year, students are required to submit a research report and an activity report, and by the end of the second year, a mid-term research reports. Successful completion of these milestones is a prerequisite for advancing to subsequent years.     
By the end of the third year, doctoral students are required to submit their thesis. The thesis undergoes a rigorous review process, which includes evaluation by three experts, two of whom are external specialists not affiliated with the PhD board.