Teaching & Education
The curricular training activity comprises 60 ECTS credits (CFU) distributed over the first two years, in addition to a series of practical workshops in language, computer science, and project design.
Both lectures and other training activities serve as starting points for defining and clarifying research paths and themes in an interdisciplinary manner, as well as providing PhD candidates with the necessary foundation to carry out in-depth scientific research.
During the first year, the PhD candidate will complete 30 ECTS credits of lectures, structured as follows: 30 ECTS credits designed to provide transversal skills related to cultural heritage, including its management, protection, and conservation. Candidates will attend lectures on research methodologies in the following disciplinary fields: archaeology, philology, classical and patristic literature, ancient philosophy, classical, medieval, modern, and contemporary history, archival and library science, history of music and art, performing arts, economics of culture, geography, archaeometric and diagnostic methods in geology, physics, and geophysics, and digital skills.
In addition to lectures, the programme will include the following workshop activities:
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40 hours of computer science workshop aimed at acquiring specific skills in database management, digital image processing, and major graphics software.
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40 hours of language workshop, organized by the University, which in alternating years will offer courses in Academic English aimed at enhancing scientific article writing skills; optionally, a language workshop in Spanish, French, or German designed to provide basic skills for reading and comprehending written texts with dictionary assistance.
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20 hours dedicated to research methodology.
During the second year, the PhD candidate will complete 30 ECTS credits through lectures, seminars, and conferences related to the main field of investigation of their research project. The primary supervisor, and where applicable the co-supervisor, in agreement with the PhD Programme Director, will be responsible for arranging the lectures based on ongoing research activities.
PhD candidates will also have the option to attend the computer science and language workshops offered during the current year.
Finally, during the second year, a series of seminars will be dedicated to:
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writing European research grant proposals;
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enhancing soft skills.
During the third year, the PhD candidate will dedicate themselves entirely to writing their doctoral dissertation.
Lectures will take place two weeks per month from December through March of the active academic year. Workshops will be held between April and May. The schedule will be established at the beginning of each academic year and communicated to PhD candidates in a timely manner prior to the start of classes.
This structure provides a pathway of progressive specialization while guaranteeing a shared foundation of skills in cultural heritage for all PhD candidates, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and the use of innovative, high-quality methodologies, while leaving adequate scope for the completion of individual research projects.
The course schedules for the respective academic years are attached below.
