Doctorate programmes

It is mandatory to spend a minimum of six months in one of the universities signing this agreement in a country different from the home one. As a rule, doctoral students also have to take credits of any doctorate programme at some of the abroad universities or of the courses given in the PCAM European summer schools. 

A supervisor at the home institution shall be appointed for each student registering under the joint doctorate programme, and a second supervisor shall be appointed at the guest university. They shall co-ordinate the student’s academic and research programme, and any additional study requirements. They will also be required to submit reports on the student’s progress. Co-tutoring with partner universities will also be possible. The joint doctorate programme will in due time develop interdisciplinary courses, and an itinerant summer school.

Award of doctorate:

Students enrolled under the joint doctorate programme will present their thesis in English.  Before the final exam the thesis has to  be reviewed by two scientists not belonging the country of the candidate. At least an examiner from the universities signing the present Partnership Agreement, but not belonging to the home university, will be appointed to be a member of the jury. The criteria for the award of a doctorate degree at the home university shall apply. In addition, students will receive an additional diploma stating its European significance.

Towards a European attitude:

Address speech to the colleagues of the European network PCAM, the final thesis defence Commission and the PhD candidates before awarding the first European certificate of the University of Milano-Bicocca, delivered by the European PCAM Coordinator, Prof. Gian Paolo Brivio, at the University of Milano-Bicocca on 12 December 2008.