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Frequently Asked Questions
IMT PhD Programs
 
Ph.D Programs

Questions:

Answers:

  • What kind of Ph.D. Programs are offered at IMT?
    Competitions are open for admission to the following Ph.D. Programs at IMT:
    - Computer Science and Engineering
    - Economics, Markets, Institutions
    - Management and Development of Cultural Heritage
    - Political Systems and Institutional Change
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  • What kind of professional profile will I acquire attending IMT Ph.D. Programs ?
    Computer Science and Engineering:
    Research doctors are qualified to work in universities and research centers, or they may take on professional roles and high-profile tasks and responsibilities in both the private and public sector.

    Economics, Markets, Institutions
    The main job opportunities are c/o national and international, public and private agencies and institutions analyzing political economics, public finance, market analysis and evaluation of the reforms’ impact on the economic system; consultancy societies, sectoral or national authorities, big enterprises, national institutions (Ministries, Local Authorities) and EC institutions; national and international universities.

    Management and Development of Cultural Heritage
    The program will enable professionals to work at the highest levels in the following tipology of institutions:
    - Research Institutions involved in the field of Management of Cultural Heritage; History and modes of fruition of immaterial goods, their social, economical and political impact and the symbolic, economic, social and political value; History of legislation on Cultural Heritage; Analysis of modes of perception of Art.
    - Public and private Institutions dealing with the concrete management of Cultural Heritage; Promotion of Culture and Tourism; Urban planning; Organization of cultural events, etc.

    Political Systems and Institutional Change
    This course aims at forming students on the analysis and comparison of political processes and public policies. With this title, Doctors will then be able to apply for jobs in:
    - international organisations,European Union institutions, NGOs;
    - national public administrations, in positions where a particular competence is required in the evaluation of public policies and institutional change;
    - independent regulation authorities;
    - agencies producing geopolitical and geoeconomic analyses for private investors and think-tanks;
    - those private firms requiring competence in the fields of politics and public policies, especially if internationally-oriented;
    - consultancy to political decision-makers.
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  • How many students are enrolled in each Program?
    Up to 12 available student positions per Ph.D. Program.
    In the event of renunciation or exclusion within 90 days from the start of the Ph.D.course, the first eligible applicant according to the general ranking will be admitted to enrollment. In the case of renunciation or exclusion within the end of first academic year, the Scientific Board can cover the vacant position(s) with the first eligible applicant according to the general ranking.
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  • How is the Ph.D. Program organised?
    IMT Ph.D. Programs, a natural outgrowth of the Research Areas, are taught in English.

    Ph.D. Programs at IMT have a minimum duration of three years, including off-campus study periods, internships and research in Italy or abroad, at public or private institutions. The standard time for degree completion ranges from three to four years.

    Students play an active role within the School research projects, they are encouraged in being creative in problem solving,and can benefit from study periods abroad in companies and institutions.

    Currently, the Ph.D. Programs are divided into three phases:
    - 4 terms: dedicated to in-depth study through educational and activities seminars, to education interacting with research activity. Students have the opportunity to focus on the research fields they will work on in the succeeding years;
    - following year: dedicated to the completion of the course of study and to research activity, carried out mainly off-campus, in international universities and research centers. This period is focused on data gathering and analysis, as well as on reports on the various research phases;
    - final semester: students finalize their research project and write the thesis.
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  • How long does it take to complete the Program?
    Ph.D. Programs at IMT have a minimum duration of three years, including off-campus study periods, internships and research in Italy or abroad, at public or private institutions. The standard time for degree completion ranges from three to four years.
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  • Are courses held in English? Should I learn Italian?
    Knowledge of the English language is compulsory. Courses and seminars are held in English. English is the official language of all academic and administrative activities.

    Foreign Ph.D. students will benefit from Italian language and culture courses.
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  • Should I have to attend classes and/or take exams?
    Ph.D. candidates, scholarship holders or not, have to attend classes, and take exams in order to pass to next academic year. They have to carry out research and study activities scheduled in the program, at IMT or in another institution, as authorized by the Coordinator or by the Scientific Board.
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  • Could a Ph.D. Student be excluded from the Program?
    The Scientific Board may exclude students from the School, with the consequent loss of right to the scholarship, in the following circumstances:
    - Negative assessment by the Scientific Board of the PhD student's performance during the previous academic year. For this reason the Scientific Board will assess the achievement of expected results (Ph.D. students have to pass all exams) and the regular attendance as well as the commitment demonstrated by Ph.D. student in her/his study and research activities each year;
    - Unjustified and prolonged absences;
    - The acceptance of a job not consistent with students duties and not authorized by the Scientific Board;
    - False declarations;
    - Other serious cases specified in IMT Regulations.
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  • Could I work while attending the Ph.D. Program?
    Work and regular job can be accepted or covered with the Scientific Board authorization, if consistent with students duties.
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  • Is there a final exam?
    At the end of their Ph.D. Program, Ph.D. Students must submit a thesis dissertation, consisting of a suitable body of original academic research. The final exam takes place in front of the Evaluation Committee, and consists of the public discussion of the thesis. If sudents pass the final exam, they obtain the Ph.D. degree.
    In case of failure, the final examination can be repeated only once.
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  • Who can apply?
    Applications are open to applicants who meet the requirements mentioned herein, without regard to religion, nationality, age, or gender.

    Italian Degree holders:
    - "Laurea Magistrale" (or "Specialistica"), according to DM n° 509, of November 3, 1999
    - Four- or five-year degree according to the previous rules of the Italian higher education system

    Foreign Degree holders:
    Foreign degrees are considered and their eligibility is assessed by the Selection Committee.
    The minimum duration of university studies is equivalent to four years full time.
    If admitted, foreign degree holders are required to hand in a "Dichiarazione di valore". This document is not required to apply (see documents for enrollment).

    Graduating Applicants:
    applicants obtaining their degree by no later than December 24, 2009 may apply (Italian or foreign degree according to the previous descriptions). Graduating applicants will be accepted "under reserve" and must send by e-mail to phdapplications@imtlucca.it the MS certificate or a declaration under their own responsibility including a full list of exams with obtained marks, not later than the first working day after the announced deadline for graduating applicants.
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  • Are there any scholarships?
    6 scholarships will be assigned to eligible candidates for each PhD Program, according to the ranking order resulting from the
    admissions process.

    Some applicants may be eligible for 3 additional INPDAP (Istituto Nazionale di Previdenza per i Dipendenti dell'Amministrazione Pubblica) scholarships. More details about INPDAP in attachment "A" of the Call.
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  • How much is the scholarship amount?
    Annual scholarship amounts are +/- 13.638,00 Euros gross, corresponding to +/- 2.260,00 Euros gross paid every two months.
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  • Are scholarships concurrent?
    Scholarships cannot be combined with other scholarships awarded for any purpose, except for those obtained to support research activity during the study period abroad.

    Students who had already benefited from other Ph.D. scholarship in Italy, can't be entitled with a new one.
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  • Could the scholarship be increased for special needs?
    After the first 14-16 months dedicated to in-depth study through educational and seminar activities, other 6-12 months of the Ph.D. Program are dedicated to the completion of the educational path and to research activity, carried out mainly off-campus in international universities and research centers. This period is directed towards data gathering and analysis, as well as towards the drafting of reports on the various research phases.

    At least 50% increase of the scholarship amount may be granted for such periods spent abroad.
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  • What does it happen to the scholarship if I interrupt the Ph.D. Program?
    Scholarships may be stopped in cases of exclusion from the school and at the end of each year if a Ph.D. student performance is not considered satisfactory by the Scientific Board.
    In case of exclusion due to unjustified and prolonged absences, the Ph.D. student will be required to reimburse the amount paid for the period during which the PhD student did not attend courses and/or take part in the activities defined by the Scientific Board.
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  • Should a non scholarship recipient attend courses?
    All students who have enrolled must attend the doctoral courses and carry out scheduled research and study activities at IMT or in another institution as authorized by the Coordinator or by the Scientific Board.
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  • Are there any assigned accomodation?
    PhD students may benefit from free accomodation in shared double rooms en-suite with bathroom in Lucca (not available during research/study periods abroad). Accomodations will be assigned to eligible candidates, according to the ranking order resulting from the admissions process.
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  • Is the canteen service free for every student?
    All Ph.D. students benefit from free meals (lunch and dinner) 7 days a week, excepted during the closing period of the School (no more than 25 days a year).
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  • Are there other facilities?
    Ph.D. students:
    • Have access to the library facilities.
    • Are covered by insurance against accidents and injuries which may occur while they are carrying out their Ph.D. activities.
    • Benefit from IT experts support for: technical support, software download for study / research activities
    • Have access to other facilities
    • Benefit from these facilities until obtainment of the Ph.D. qualification.
    Foreign Ph.D. students will benefit from Italian language courses.
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  • When do classes start?
    Classes begin in March 2010.
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  • Who should I further inquire about?
    Please, contact:
    phdapplications@imtlucca.it
    +39 0583 4326 561
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