Admission to the PhD Programme in International Studies (40th Cycle, Academic Year 2024/2025)

Applications Open

Online Application for the academic year 2024/2025 is open from April 4, 2024, following the publication of our call for applicants on April 2, 2024. The submission deadline is May 8, 2024, at 4 p.m. (CEST).

Overview

Candidates joining our Doctoral Programme will participate in a comprehensive and multidisciplinary curriculum combining rigorous methodology and disciplinary insights. Our programme is specifically designed to develop skills essential for academic excellence and career advancement, including training in soft skills and academic writing. All PhD students who enrol will receive a scholarship consistent with Italian legislative standards.

Our School specialises in select areas within International Studies; therefore, we encourage prospective students to align their research interests with our faculty and the research ethos of the School. We also recommend that interested applicants should then present a proposal that is in line with the research profile and activities of the School of International Studies, consulting the research profiles of the Faculty and the Programme Committee

Research activities at SIS revolve around four main topics:  

• International Security;
• European Studies and Integration;
• Global Environmental Problems;
• Human Rights and International Relations

Admission Requirements

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, or nationality. Applicants should hold an M.A. degree, or an Italian Laurea Magistrale or a four-year Italian laurea (vecchio ordinamento), or equivalent in disciplines related to International Studies (e.g., economics, history, law, political science, political philosophy, sociology) with excellent marks. Projects from other disciplines may be considered if they engage with the field of International Studies.

Language Proficiency

The programme is conducted entirely in English. Proof of English proficiency at a C1 level or higher, as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), is required for admission.

​These certificates and tests are acceptable proof if they have been issued within the last five years: IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 7 or above; Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) minimum grade B or Cambridge C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE); TOEFL IBT minimum score of 95; Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic minimum score 75; Centro Linguistico Ateneo, CLA - CAE (C1).

Non-native speakers are also encouraged to learn Italian to enhance their experience living and studying in Italy.

Application Checklist

Ensure your online application includes:

• A scanned copy of an ID card or passport
• Transcripts and diploma for your M.A. degree
• A detailed curriculum vitae in English
• A research proposal and motivation letter
• Proof of English language proficiency (C1 level)

Optional:

• Up to two letters of recommendation
• Any additional documents demonstrating research capabilities

Admission Process

The admission process is twofold. It starts with a review of submitted materials by our admissions committee to shortlist candidates, followed by a thirty-minute interview for those shortlisted. Interviews can be conducted via video conference. The final rankings will be published after the interviews.

Scholarships

The 40th cycle offers 5 full scholarships, covering three years, contingent on satisfactory academic progress. These merit-based scholarships are free of tuition; however, an annual student tax of approximately €150.00 is required.

Tuition Fees

The PhD programme currently does not charge tuition fees. Admitted students, however, are required to pay an annual student tax of roughly €150,00.

Residence Requirement

The PhD is a full-time commitment, and students are expected to reside locally. A limited number of subsidized apartments are available for international students. The programme begins on November 1, 2024.