Transversal skills
DOCTORAL EDUCATION
Transversal skills
The School of Advanced Studies provides a common transversal-training pathway that complements specialist scientific education and supports the development of independent researchers and professionals.
STANDARD UNICAM PHD PATHWAY
10 ECTS of transversal activities each year
In the standard three-year UNICAM doctoral structure, transversal activities account for 10 ECTS in each year of the Programme. They form part of the overall 180 ECTS doctoral pathway and complement research and Programme-specific training.
Different arrangements may apply to joint or associated PhD Programmes, PhD Programmes of National Interest and positions governed by specific agreements or funding conditions.
GENERAL FRAMEWORK
Four areas of development
01 · COMMUNICATION
Communication and relationships
Communicate ideas and research results clearly, interact effectively with different audiences, work constructively with others and progressively develop coordination and leadership skills.
02 · PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS
Organisation and project development
Organise time and priorities, manage complex activities and projects, address uncertainty and understand how individual research activities interact within wider scientific and organisational systems.
03 · RESEARCH CAREERS
Research practice and academic careers
Develop awareness of research ethics and integrity, data and scientific methods, Open Science, publication processes, funding opportunities and the communication and management of research outputs.
04 · CAREERS BEYOND ACADEMIA
Innovation and professional development
Recognise and communicate transferable skills, explore professional opportunities, develop initiative and understand innovation, entrepreneurship, technology transfer and business creation.
PROGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT
A three-year skills framework
The areas below illustrate the progressive development traditionally supported by SAS transversal training. They provide a general framework rather than a fixed annual course catalogue: individual topics, activities and delivery formats may change from year to year.
YEAR 1 · FOUNDATIONS
Build the foundations
Communication
Verbal, written and scientific communication.
Personal organisation
Time, priorities and organisation of doctoral work.
Research foundations
Research planning, ethics, data and methodological foundations.
Career awareness
Recognising skills, opportunities and professional potential.
YEAR 2 · DEVELOPMENT
Strengthen collaboration and project skills
Collaborative working
Teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Project development
Research and project management.
Research practice
Responsible research, grant writing and advanced research practice.
Initiative
Innovation, entrepreneurship and professional initiative.
YEAR 3 · INDEPENDENCE
Prepare for scientific and professional independence
Leadership
Leadership, coordination and people management.
Strategic thinking
Systems thinking and analysis of complex problems.
Research visibility
Digital communication and management of research outputs.
Professional transition
Career planning, innovation and preparation for the next professional step.
ANNUAL TRAINING OFFER
The actual activities may change from year to year
The framework above describes the main areas developed through transversal training. The individual courses, workshops, seminars, sequence of activities, lecturers, delivery methods and assessment arrangements are defined or updated through the annual training offer.
PARTICIPATION AND RECOGNITION
Complete and document the activities required for your year
1
Check
Follow the annual programme and instructions communicated for your PhD year.
2
Participate
Meet the attendance and participation requirements established for each activity.
3
Complete
Complete any assessment, test or other requirement attached to the activity.
4
Document
Retain any certificate or evidence needed for recognition and annual career reporting.
CALENDAR AND CURRENT ACTIVITIES
Always follow the information for the current academic year
Dates, delivery methods, lecturers, participation requirements and assessment arrangements may be communicated through the SAS website, institutional email and the relevant academic or administrative notices. Always refer to the information provided for your current year and cycle.
RELATED TRAINING
Transversal and specialist training are complementary
Transversal skills complement the specialist courses, seminars, workshops and scientific events organised by the individual PhD Programmes and curricula. Your overall training pathway should remain consistent with your research project and the requirements applying to your Programme and year.
ANNUAL CAREER
Include completed training in your annual documentation
Transversal activities form part of the doctoral training pathway. Keep the documentation required by your Programme so that completed activities can be considered in the annual progress assessment and career management procedures.
SPECIFIC ARRANGEMENTS
Check the requirements applying to your position
Training requirements may differ for associated or national PhD Programmes and for positions governed by specific institutional agreements or funding arrangements. Follow the instructions provided by your Programme Coordinator and the rules applicable to your admission cycle and position.
INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
Need information about transversal activities?
For information on the academic content of a specific activity, follow the instructions provided by the activity organiser. Contact the Advanced Studies Office for questions concerning participation requirements, administrative recognition or the recording of completed transversal activities.