PhD Internationalization Policy

The PhD in Legal Sciences promotes internationalization through research and study stays abroad lasting up to twelve months (eighteen months in the case of joint supervision). The PNRR scholarships, which require study and research stays at foreign universities and research centres, further enhance the international dimension of the program.

Research stays abroad are eligible for an additional 50% increase in the scholarship amount (also available to students without a scholarship).

Interested doctoral students must obtain permission from the PhD Board by submitting a request to the Doctoral Coordinator, providing all necessary details (host institution, reference tutor, activities related to the doctoral program, dates, country, etc.).

To receive the scholarship increase, students must submit a certificate of attendance, signed by the foreign supervisor, indicating the specific duration of the stay. This certificate can be provided periodically (e.g., at the end of each month) or upon completion of the stay.

In addition to the certificate of attendance, the doctoral student may also apply for the title of Doctor Europaeus or complete the entire research stay under a joint supervision agreement.

Doctor Europaeus Certificate

The Doctor Europaeus certificate is an additional certification to the PhD title, issued at the national level. It is not an internationally recognized title, nor is it awarded by international institutions.

The conditions to apply for the Doctor Europaeus certificate are as follows:

1. Two positive evaluations of the thesis by referees from two universities in different European countries (different from the country where the thesis will be defended).
2. At least one member of the final examination committee must belong to a university in a European country other than the one where the thesis will be defended.
3. The thesis must be defended in one of the official languages of the European Union other than the language of the country where the thesis is defended.
4. A research stay of at least 3 months, whether consecutive or not, in a European country different from the country of the doctoral student.

To initiate the process for obtaining the Doctor Europaeus title, doctoral students must submit a formal request before registering for the final examination, attaching the approval of the PhD Board, which certifies compliance with the above conditions.

Joint Supervision Doctorate

Each doctoral student, in collaboration with their supervisor, may initiate a joint supervision agreement with foreign universities and/or institutions, with the aim of obtaining a joint or double degree.

The PhD in Legal Sciences has research collaborations with Sorbonne University (Paris), the University of Salamanca, the University of Jaén, the Catholic University of Colombia, and the Universidad Politécnica de Navarra. Additionally, the DSG has several cooperation agreements with foreign universities where joint supervision can be activated.

The Joint Supervision Doctorate typically involves alternating research periods at institutions in both countries, under the supervision of two supervisors, with a final examination in the presence of a committee composed of members from both countries (or both institutions).

For further details, please contact your supervisor. For administrative information, please reach out to the Postgraduate Office.

The list of doctoral students currently involved in joint supervision can be consulted here.