Italy: PhD in International Studies, University of Trento

The University of Trento, is now inviting applications for its three-year doctoral programme in International Studies. The programme focuses on the study of International Law, International Economics and International Politics. It will be composed of at least 200 hours of structured coursework; a period of study outside Italy, and a dissertation, written under the supervision of faculty members and an external reader. All coursework will be in English and will be taught by members of the university’s multi-national faculty. Starting with the academic year 2008-2009 significant changes will be introduced to the programme of studies. Students interested in applying to the programme are advised to carefully read the annoucement of selection.

An application package plus the full text of the announcement can be downloaded from the download box on the right-hand side of the page.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MONDAY MARCH 17, 2008

Please note that applications must arrive at the University by the deadline. Applications received after the deadline will be disregarded.

Admission Requirements
Applications will be accepted from candidates, regardless of gender, age and nationality, who have graduated with excellent marks from a masters course, a four year Italian laurea, or an equivalent programme in one of the disciplines comprising international studies (economics,history, law, political science, political philosophy, sociology). Candidates from other disciplinary backgrounds may also apply, provided that their research project clearly falls within the field of international studies.

Students who intend to carry out research in the following areas are particulalrly encouraged to apply: European and International Politics; European, Comparative and International Law; Open Economy Macroeconomics, International Trade and International Financial History. One scholarship will be reserved for applicants with a research project in the area of trans-national crime. An additional scholarship is reserved for candidates with a research project in the area of politics of European and regional integration.

Language Requirements
The programme is conducted entirely in English and an excellent working knowledge of that language, including a proven writing ability, is an indispensable requirement for admission. Foreign students are required to obtain a working knowledge of the Italian language.

Applications
Applications must include :

• a photocopy of the applicant’s identity card or passport;
• a curriculum vitae in English;
• a research proposal (max 5 pages/2500 words) in English, in one of the areas studied in the International Studies programme. Candidates who also wish to be considered for one of the scholarships reserved for the fields of “Trans-National Crime” or “ Politics of European and Regional Integration”, must clearly indicate the field on the first page of their project;
• Applicants who hold a foreign degree should attach their degree certificate(s) and grade transcript(s) both in the original language and in English,
• two letters of recommendation in English or Italian (Appendix A and B) from experts in the doctoral research areas. The letters must be received in sealed envelopes and must be sent directly by the referees to the following address: Prof. Luigi Bonatti, School of International Studies, University of Trento, Via Verdi 8/10 – I-38100 Trento, Italy;
• certificate(s) attesting the knowledge of the English language (e.g. TOEFL, Certificate of Proficiency in English, or others), if English is not the mother tongue of the applicant;

Applications may include:

• A list of publications
• copies of (selected) publications;
• any other qualifications such as international examinations (GRE or equivalent);
• any other documents that attest to the research skills and abilities of the candidate.

Selection Procedure
The admissions process consists of two separate stages. In the first stage, the admission committee produces a short-list of candidates based on the evaluation of the application materials. In the second stage, thirty-minute interviews will be conducted with the short-listed candidates. Candidates who do not reside in Italy may avail themselves of the possibility to conduct the interview by telephone. After the conclusion of the interviews the admission committee will publish the final ranking. The interview stage will normally take place in early May and successful candidates will be notified in short order.

Scholarships***
The programme offers a limited number of full scholarships renewable for three years subject to satisfactory academic appraisal. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, meaning that they will be offered to the top candidates of the final ranking. One scholarship will be reserved for applicants with a research project in the area of Trans-national Crime. An additional scholarship is reserved for candidates with a research project in the area of the Politics of European and Regional Integration.

Tuition Fees
The PhD programme currently does not charge tuition fees. Admitted students however are required to pay an annual student tax to the amount of roughly €120,00.

Residence Requirement
Studying for a PhD programme is a full-time commitment and we expect all our students to take up residence in the area. Students re required to be resident in Trento for 24 months during the 3-year programme. A limited number of subsidised apartments will be made available to foreign students. An orientation day will be held in September 2008 and coursework will start towards the end of that month.

Deadline: March 17, 2008

Via: official announcement