Training and teaching activities
The standard UNICAM PhD pathway consists of 180 ECTS credits and combines research activity, transversal training and Programme- or curriculum-specific educational activities.
| Component | Main purpose | Monitoring |
|---|---|---|
| Research activity | Development of the doctoral research project and achievement of the annual scientific objectives. | Supervisor and Academic Board. |
| Transversal activities | Development of transferable, interdisciplinary and professional skills. | SAS and the relevant PhD Programme. |
| Programme activities | Advanced disciplinary training through courses, seminars, laboratories and scientific events. | Programme Coordinator and Academic Board. |
| Thesis and final activities | Completion of the research project, preparation of the thesis and final examination. | Supervisor, Academic Board and SAS. |
Each candidate prepares an individual research and training plan with the Supervisor, based on the research project, the Programme’s educational offer and the activities required for the relevant year.
- research objectives and expected results;
- mandatory and elective training activities;
- Programme- and curriculum-specific requirements;
- planned courses, seminars, conferences and mobility periods;
- annual milestones and supporting documentation.
Substantial changes must be discussed with the Supervisor and submitted to the Academic Board where formal approval is required.
SAS promotes common activities intended to develop knowledge and transferable skills useful across different research fields and in both academic and non-academic careers.
- research ethics and integrity;
- open science, research data and intellectual property;
- scientific writing, communication and dissemination;
- gender equality, inclusion and responsible research;
- project management, innovation and career development;
- health, safety and other mandatory training.
Programme Coordinators and Academic Boards organise courses, seminars, laboratories, journal clubs, doctoral schools and other activities related to the scientific fields covered by the Programme and its curricula.
| Information | What should be specified |
|---|---|
| Activity | Title, content and expected learning outcomes. |
| Responsibility | Lecturer or person responsible for the activity. |
| Participants | Programme, curriculum and year for which the activity is intended. |
| Organisation | Delivery period, timetable, teaching method and workload. |
| Recognition | Attendance, assessment requirements and credits or training hours awarded. |
Activities offered by other universities, research institutions, scientific societies or qualified organisations may be included in the individual pathway when they are relevant to the candidate’s research and training needs.
- recognition of credits or mandatory training;
- payment of a registration fee;
- use of the individual research budget;
- activation of a mission or reimbursement procedure;
- absence from ordinary research or training activities.
Credits should reflect the effective workload and educational value of the activity, applying transparent and consistent criteria within the Programme.
| Criterion | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Relevance | Consistency with the research project and individual training plan. |
| Workload | Duration, preparation, attendance and individual work required. |
| Scientific level | Quality of the activity and qualification of the provider. |
| Assessment | Attendance verification, examination or other evidence of completion. |
| No duplication | The activity must not duplicate training already recognised. |
Candidates should maintain an updated record of the research and training activities completed during the year.
| Activity | Supporting evidence |
|---|---|
| Courses and seminars | Programme, attendance certificate and assessment result. |
| Conferences | Conference programme, abstract and participation certificate. |
| Research outputs | Publication details, reports, datasets or other relevant outputs. |
| Teaching and tutoring | Formal assignment, prior authorisation and activity register. |
Missing mandatory activities or credits should be identified before the annual evaluation and discussed with the candidate and Supervisor.
The Academic Board may identify suitable replacement or recovery activities where permitted by the applicable rules and supported by appropriate reasons.
| Activity | Approval | Limit | Main condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutoring | Prior approval by the Academic Board. | Apply the rules governing the candidate’s cycle and position. | The activity must remain compatible with research and training. |
| Supplementary teaching | Candidate’s prior consent and Academic Board approval. | Up to 40 hours per academic year under the Regulations applicable from Cycle XLI. | The activity must not compromise research training. |
Teaching and tutoring assignments must be submitted for approval before the activity begins.
| Step | Responsible person or body | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PhD candidate | Provides information on the assignment, hours, period and remuneration. |
| 2 | Supervisor | Assesses compatibility with the research and training pathway. |
| 3 | Academic Board | Adopts the academic decision before the activity begins. |
| 4 | Advanced Studies Office | Provides administrative support and completes or coordinates any additional procedure where required. |
Request forms and templates → Working and teaching activities →
The Supervisor verifies that the activities declared by the candidate correspond to the approved pathway and that the required supporting evidence is available.
Tutoring and teaching commitments must remain compatible with research progress and mandatory training activities.
Any gaps, substantial changes or activities carried out without prior approval should be identified before the annual report is submitted to the Academic Board.
The Academic Board organises the Programme’s educational activities and monitors each candidate’s research and training pathway.
- activities approved or recognised;
- credits attributed;
- replacement or recovery activities required;
- teaching or tutoring assignments authorised;
- conditions, deadlines or limits attached to the decision.