Phd programs
On-Campus
36 Months
Dottorato di Ricerca (Ph.D. Degree)
Full Time
OPEN
PhD in Global Studies 2025-26 (Cycle 41). Thematic area covered: International Economic Policy, Business & Governance. Basic information: Three-year programme bridging economics, business and politics offered by the University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Italy. 10 positions in total, 9 fully-funded scholarships available. Teaching and working language: English. Programme structure: Year 1 - coursework, data labs, weekly seminars in Urbino; Year 2 - thesis development and international research visits; Year 3- research at Urbino and other international institutions, thesis completion, publications and conferences. Stipend €16,243/yr (+50% abroad). Services: workspace, rich library facilities, cafeteria, language support. Entry requirements: 4-yr degree, or Laurea Magistrale/Master degree by Oct 2025, B2 English, 1,500-word thesis abstract, 2,500-word research plan. Deadlines: Applications open 8 May; deadline 10 June 2025 (13:00 CEST). Online interviews 1 July 2025. Top international faculty, stimulating learning environment and extensive networking with world-wide institutions.
Programme overview
Join the University of Urbino, Italy – a 500-year-old, UNESCO-listed institution renowned for the social sciences – for the ninth edition of its interdisciplinary PhD in Global Studies. The 2025/26 cycle investigates how economic, business and political actors interact across borders in an era of economic crises, AI-driven transformation and climate challenges. Ten positions are offered (nine with full scholarships). English is the working language.
Research themes
- Growth, inequality, and structural transformation in response to economic crises, technological shifts, AI, and environmental challenges.
- Evolution of firms, industry and labor in a fragmented and unstable global economy.
- Geopolitical dynamics and institutional policies shaping globalization and international governance.
Structure & training (3 years)
- Year 1 - Urbino: intensive coursework (maths & stats, economics, politics, global governance, data analysis, econometrics), data labs and seminars with leading scholars.
- Year 2 - Mobility: funded research visits or internships at partner universities, plus summer/winter schools.
- Year 3 - Thesis: completion, journal submissions and conference presentations, supported by weekly seminars and advanced courses.
Funding & facilities
- Scholarship: €16,243/yr (tax-free, +50% when abroad) for nine candidates; one additional place without scholarship.
- Workspace, IT, libraries, language center (Italian classes) and help finding housing in Urbino’s historic center.
- International faculty from Rutgers, Reading, Sussex, Sant’Anna, Wien, Sciences Po, Villanova, WIIW and more.
Eligibility
- Four-year degree (or equivalent) in economics, business, political/social or legal sciences by 31 Oct 2025.
- English at B2 level or higher.
Submit online:
- Europass CV.
- Master’s thesis abstract (≤ 1,500 words).
- Research project (≤ 2,500 words) aligned with programme themes.
- Up to three other relevant titles/certificates.
Selection
- Phase 1: evaluation of documents (max. 20 pts; min. 12 pts to proceed).
- Phase 2: videoconference interview (max. 60 pts; min. 40 pts to pass) on 1 Jul 2025.
Key dates (all times CEST)
- Call opens: 8 May 2025.
- Application deadline: 10 Jun 2025, 13:00 CEST.
- Results of document screening: 25 Jun 2025.
- Interviews: 1 Jul 2025 (may extend to 2 Jul).
- Final ranking published online thereafter.
How to apply
Complete the electronic form on the PICA portal (https://pica.cineca.it/uniurb/dottorato41/) and upload all PDFs before the deadline.
Contact
- Scientific queries: phd-global-studies@uniurb.it.
- Administrative help: dottorato@uniurb.it (subject: “PhD in Global Studies, Cycle 41”).
- Discover full details, faculty profiles and FAQs at www.uniurb.it/global-studies.