Ph.D. Courses a.y. 2012-2013
General Description
The Ph.D. (Dottorato di Ricerca) is a qualification awarded by the Rector of the University of Catania on completion of the third cycle of studies (Dublin descriptors) whose principal learning outcomes are the knowledge of the most advanced level of a scientific field and the ability to extend, improve, redefine or innovate the existing knowledge through original research contribution. The research work of a Ph.D. course can be conducted either at the University of Catania or at Italian/foreign partner institution.
Duration
A Ph.D. course normally lasts a minimum of three academic years. The course duration can be extended. The extension of the duration must be properly motivated.
Organization
The University of Catania issues two types of qualifications corresponding to the Ph.D.
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Dottorato di Ricerca “Nazionale”. Generally referred to as “National” Ph.D., this course is offered, organized and implemented by the University of Catania exclusively or in collaboration with other Italian Universities. The University of Catania as administrative seat delivers the final degree.
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Dottorato di Ricerca Internazionale (International Ph.D.). International Ph.D. courses are offered, organized and implemented by the University of Catania in collaboration with foreign institutions. The University of Catania as administrative seat (coordinating institution) delivers the final degree. The final degree can also be awarded by the foreign partner institution on condition that the student carries out a substantial part of his/her research at the partner institution and this latter shares the educational project.
A Board of Professors is formed for each Ph.D. for the purposes of organizing and coordinating course activities. The Board of Professor is led by a Coordinator elected by the Board itself among its members. An academic tutor is assigned to each Ph.D. student in order to supervise his/her research work through the duration of the Ph.D. course.
Requirements and selection
Ph.D. courses offered for a specific academic year by the University of Catania, general requirements, selection and admission procedures are properly made public in an official document (Bando Dottorato di Ricerca) published on the Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana (Official Journey of the Italian Republic) and available at the University’s website.
To apply for a Ph.D. post candidates must hold a university degree corresponding to the second cycle of studies (Dublin descriptors). Candidates’ selection varies according to the type of Ph.D.
Regarding “National” Ph.D. courses, the selection is based on the evaluation of qualifications and an oral exam. Pass mark is 80/120 with 40/60 for the oral exam. As for International Ph.D. courses, the selection is exclusively based on the evaluation of qualifications. Pass mark is 80/120.
Selected candidates with the highest scores might be granted a scholarship for the whole duration of the course. An annual admission fee is fixed for Ph.D. students who are not granted a scholarship. The amount of the fee is fixed each year by the University’s Board of Trustees.
Intermediate evaluation and final dissertation
An intermediate evaluation of the implementation of each student’s research work is conducted by the Board of Professors at the end of each academic year. Students successfully passing the intermediate evaluation are admitted to the following year of the course.
On completion of the Ph.D. course, every student delivers a written dissertation to be defended in front of a jury. The dissertation is expected to represent an original contribute to the scientific research on the chosen field. Successful students are awarded a Ph.D. degree.
