The teaching of the doctoral program in Legal Sciences is distinct from the degree courses offered within the DSG and begins with an introductory meeting (usually held between October and November) to introduce the PhD Board to the new students. This is followed by the first year of joint training, which includes courses across all the disciplines of the program. The first year is designed as a period of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary training. It includes a compulsory Italian language course at the Linguistic Centre, worth 13 credits (ECHTS), and a research ethics laboratory, which aims to introduce doctoral students to both the written and oral presentation of scientific research. This laboratory also serves as a methodological training ground, allowing students to familiarize themselves with the doctoral community, refine their research projects, and begin selecting their supervisor.

The transition from the first to the second year is subject to the approval of the Faculty Board, which evaluates the training and research activities completed based on a report submitted by each doctoral student, and officially appoints the supervisor.

The second year focuses on specialized training and consists of courses in the field chosen by the doctoral student, taught by the supervisor either directly or through Italian or foreign colleagues, each worth 6 credits (ECHTS). Due to this specialization, second-year students are required to attend a laboratory dedicated to the knowledge of European and international research systems. This laboratory aims to broaden the scientific horizons of doctoral students, particularly in preparation for competitive research funding opportunities. In addition, the doctoral program organizes a common internal seminar for all curricula, which can be substituted by attending winter/summer doctoral schools organized elsewhere, an option strongly encouraged by the program.

The transition from the second to the third year is also subject to the approval of the PhD Board, following the submission of a special report by the doctoral student.

Finally, the third year is primarily dedicated to individual research and the writing of the doctoral thesis. It also includes a laboratory focused on dissemination and communication skills for research results, designed to prepare students for post-doctoral publication and outreach.

Throughout the three years of the program, a wide range of seminars and conferences are organized in various disciplines (see PhD Teaching Calendar), featuring speakers from outside the program, as well as professionals from various sectors and industries. These events are designed to foster collaboration with institutions and companies, promoting knowledge transfer to the local area. Attendance of these events is mandatory as part of the doctoral training program and also offers students the opportunity to publicly present their research and to practice defending their dissertations.

From the second year onwards, doctoral students can undertake research stays in Italy and abroad, which are strongly encouraged by the program. For research stays in Italy, see the “Student Services” page (under “Research Stays in Italy”), and for stays abroad, consult the “Internationalization” page.

For further information, please refer to the Course Catalogue webpage dedicated to Legal Science PhD (https://unisa.coursecatalogue.cineca.it/corsi/2024/500669).