We are currently accepting applications for a.y. 2024/25. Prospective applicants are invited to apply following the online procedure described in the call for applications  

Details about eligibility criteria, deadlines, access procedure, and selection criteria can be found in the call for applications. The official call in Italian is available here.

Deadline for submitting applications: 14 May 2024 (4 pm). 

Educational aims

The PhD in Sociology and Social Research, offered by the Department of Sociology and Social Research of the University of Trento, 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. The curriculum comprises a set of common mandatory courses in the first year, plus a series of specialized courses and elective seminars in the second year. Topics covered include classical and contemporary sociological theories, research design, advanced research methods, research ethics as well as substantive issues. Students are encouraged to engage with the varied set of theories, approaches, and methodologies available within the social sciences. The program also offers courses on academic writing and classes where doctoral students are instructed to use software tools for quantitative, qualitative, computational and/or network analysis.  The Programme also offers courses on academic writing as well as classes where doctoral students are instructed to use software tools for quantitative, qualitative, computational and/or network analysis.

The PhD program provides students with a dynamic research environment and significant opportunities for skill and career development including courses featuring international visiting scholars. Doctoral students are also encouraged to participate in conferences, workshops, summer/winter schools and to spend a minimum of 3 months conducting research abroad, a practice actively encouraged and financially supported. 

Research subjects

Analysis of social change
Analysis of social networks
Analysis of migratory processes
Analysis of collective actions
Change in value systems
Demography
Computational sociology
Cultural sociology
Sociology of communication and interaction studies
Sociology of the family
Gender studies
Economic sociology and labor market studies
Organizational and workplace environment studies
Social stratification and inequality studies
Political and electoral studies
Welfare and social policy studies