International School of Advanced Studies

Structure of the PhD training programme

Our doctoral programmes are structured to offer a comprehensive training and research pathway. The standard PhD programme lasts three years, although specific arrangements may apply to individual programmes or scholarships regulated by specific agreements.

PhD candidates must complete a total of 180 ECTS over the three-year period.

Year 1

• 40 ECTS dedicated to research activities, documented through the annual report;
• 10 ECTS in transversal training activities aimed at developing multidisciplinary and transferable skills;
• 10 ECTS in Programme-specific (“vertical”) training activities, which may include courses, seminars, workshops and conferences.

Year 2

The second year follows the same general structure as the first year, with increasing emphasis on research activities and progression of the individual research project.

Year 3

The third year focuses primarily on completion of the research project, preparation of the doctoral thesis and attainment of the PhD degree. Transversal and Programme-specific training activities may also be included according to the individual training plan and the requirements of the relevant PhD Programme.

Programme-specific training activities, such as courses, seminars and other activities related to the scientific field of the PhD Programme, are organised or recognised by the relevant PhD Programme.

Please note: associated PhD programmes, PhD programmes of national interest, and scholarships or positions governed by specific agreements may follow different training arrangements. The Coordinator of the relevant PhD Programme can provide further information.

Individual training plan and recognition of activities

Each PhD candidate follows an individual training plan agreed with the supervisor, taking into account the research project and the general training programme. Training activities and any requests for recognition of activities carried out outside the standard programme are subject to evaluation and approval by the Academic Board of the relevant PhD Programme.

Language courses and certifications

Language courses and language certifications do not normally count towards the Programme-specific (“vertical”) training credits required for annual progression in the PhD Programme.

They may, however, be recognised by the Academic Board and recorded in the PhD candidate’s academic career as additional (supernumerary) ECTS. These credits remain visible in the academic record and in the relevant certificates, but they do not replace the mandatory Programme-specific credits required for progression to the following year.

Recognition is not automatic and is always subject to approval by the Academic Board of the relevant PhD Programme. The number of ECTS recognised is determined on the basis of the characteristics and workload of the activity, including the number of training hours.

This applies, for example, to Italian language courses attended by international PhD candidates. Language courses or certifications obtained from external recognised institutions may also be submitted to the Academic Board for evaluation, together with appropriate documentation.

Please note: additional or supernumerary ECTS do not contribute to the minimum Programme-specific training requirements for annual progression.

Transversal training activities

SAS offers transversal training activities of interest to all PhD candidates, covering topics such as research ethics, gender equality, open access, transferable and soft skills, and scientific writing. The activities and their delivery methods are defined annually by the SAS UNICAM Council.