The PhD Programme in Political Science aims to provide students with a high level of theoretical, methodological, and historical training in the areas of expertise (history, sociology, political studies, and geopolitics), as well as to foster the development of specialized skills within the chosen research topic and the disciplinary area relevant toresearch projects. In line with these objectives, the teaching offering of the PhD Programme consists of:
- advanced methodological lessons dedicated to first-year doctoral students, held by professors of the PhD Academic Board and professors from outside the University of Pisa;
- specialist conferences held by scholars of recognized standing;
- the annual National Seminar for PhD Students in Political Science, which attracts the participation of PhD students and professors from within and outside the University of Pisa.
The training programme agenda can be consulted at the following link.
PhD students are required, unless they have justified and documented reasons, to participate in all the aforementioned initiatives. PhD students in incoming co-tutelle (see the paragraph Co-tutelle in “Mobility and Internationalisation”) agree on participation in teaching activities and any tests with the local supervisor, who will provide adequate information to the PhD Academic Board.
In addition to internal training programme, the PhD Course aligns with the initiatives of the University of Pisa, which, starting from the 2017/2018 academic year, have organized transversal teaching modules. Activities are designed to promote knowledge of systems for the exploitation of research results and the protection of intellectual property, as well as learning effective communication and academic teaching techniques.
Other courses cover technology transfer and offer valuable preparation for participation in European funding programs, such as open science, digital culture, the ethical implications of research, and gender issues. There is also an academic English language course designed to refine skills in research, publication, and presentation.