To be admitted to the second year, each PhD student must obtain a total of 60 credits during the first year:

• 30 credits for attending educational activities amounting to no less than 90% of compulsory lessons;
• 30 credits subject to approval by the Board, for two written essays, one in Italian and one in a foreign language (English, German, French or Spanish). The Board will deliberate accordingly to the advice of a special commission appointed by the same Board. The Commission may invite PhD candidates to an interview.

The written essay must focus on subjects discussed in the educational activities in which the PhD students participated during the first year.

The essays which must not exceed 80,000 characters (spaces and footnotes included), must be delivered by 15th September to the PhD Secretariat (dottorato.sgce [at] unitn.it).

Admission to the second year is approved by the Board once acquisition of the necessary credits has been verified.