PhD programmes at University of Lugano

The doctoral programmes at the University of Lugano (USI) contribute to broadening knowledge and research through high quality of teaching, excellence of content, and competitive scientific projects. Research aims at international recognition, but responds also to local or federal research mandates. Collaboration among scholars, researchers, and doctoral students of different disciplines and faculties enables a rich, vibrant, multi-disciplinary research environment.

Students during a lecture

Economics

The doctoral programmes generally last a minimum of three years. Students are required to attend seminars in Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced Macroeconomics and Advanced Monetary Economics. The PhD thesis, written under the supervision of a faculty member, is meant to prove the candidate’s significant and ground-breaking contribution to knowledge in the chosen research field.
Students at the university

Communication Sciences

The PhD programme in Communication Sciences is open to graduate students holding a Master degree in Communication Sciences or an equivalent degree in analogous disciplines. The programme includes advanced studies into the foundations of communication sciences, training in research methods, and individual research work under the supervision of a faculty member.
Students in a laboratory

Informatics

The doctoral programme in Informatics forms professionals interested in academic or industrial research careers. The PhD programme is highly selective and gives students the opportunity to participate in national and international research projects. Working with one or more faculty members, the candidate will contribute with original, useful, and scientifically valid ideas in the chosen area of research.