Structure of the programme

Our Ph.D. is a three-year, full-time, residential programme delivered entirely in English. Candidates will engage in a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment, collaborating across the following research areas: Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Law; European Studies; Political Philosophy; and Public International Law. Candidates are required to actively participate in Sant’Anna’s academic life, immersing themselves in the dynamic research environment and taking part in various ongoing activities at the Sant’Anna School, including seminars, conferences, intensive courses, and research projects.
The first year of the Ph.D. programme includes a minimum of 150 hours of mandatory lectures. After the training period, candidates will proceed to supervised research work, producing an original dissertation to be discussed in a final, public examination. It is expected that candidates also produce articles publishable in international journals. Throughout their studies, participants will work under the supervision of a faculty member within the research areas of their interest. The supervisor will be appointed by the Board based on the proposal submitted by the Ph.D. candidates within one month from the start of the programme.
During the second year, candidates will be required to spend a research period abroad. A minimum of six months is compulsory, and an additional grant is provided for that purpose.
The third year is dedicated to completing the final dissertation, presenting the results of an original piece of research. The Ph.D. assessment includes an oral examination (viva) conducted by a committee of experts.