The PhD

Coordinator: Stefania Mazzone
Deputy Coordinator: Mara Benadusi

The PhD Program in Political Science at the Department of Political and Social Sciences of the University of Catania has as its primary mission the promotion and enhancement of advanced post-graduate education and specialization. This is achieved through an interdisciplinary training program designed to provide doctoral students with the academic and research tools necessary to master the methodologies of individual disciplines within a complex cultural environment. The program is thematically organized according to the institutional framework proposed by the Academic Board and, with regard to the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan), aligned with the scholarships established under the national plan.

From a methodological perspective, the PhD program is structured around five key areas: political and social sciences (SPS), legal sciences (IUS), humanities (M), economic and statistical sciences (SECS), and linguistics (L-LIN).

The program is grounded in the awareness of the multidimensionality and complexity of the present era. Understanding, analyzing, and interpreting current realities can only be achieved through a plurality of social, historical, political, institutional, and geopolitical perspectives. The intersection of these different dimensions and cultural strategies is a valuable tool not only for intellectual understanding but also for developing practical approaches to resolving tensions, conflicts, contradictions, and diverse perspectives and interests.

The program encourages active participation from scholars across disciplines to define new research goals and innovative methods capable of explaining contemporary complexity, including new communication forms, the transformation of global political culture, the local-global dynamic, and emerging modes of internationalization.

The DSPS PhD in Political Sciences belongs to the EuroMedMig Marie Curie Doctoral Network (hyperlinked) funded by the European Union via the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (hyperlinked to: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu ). The DSPS PhD actively participates in the teaching and research activities of the EuroMedMig Consortium. Prof. Stefania Panebianco stefania.panebianco@unict.it is the Marie Curie PhD supervisor for University of Catania.

 

The DSPS PhD in Political Sciences belongs to the EuroMedMig Marie Curie Doctoral Network funded by the European Union via the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions. The DSPS PhD actively participates in the teaching and research activities of the EuroMedMig Consortium. Prof. Stefania Panebianco stefania.panebianco@unict.it is the Marie Curie PhD supervisor for University of Catania.

 

Course Overview and Educational Aims

significant topic through research and to provide doctoral students with the appropriate training to deepen the skills needed to become researchers. It also offers solid preparation for competitive employment opportunities.

A second key objective is to develop the ability to conduct independent academic work and to train and promote young scholars who can contribute to the advancement of political, legal, and human-social sciences.
A third goal is the professionalization of research, ensured by the opportunity for PhD students to participate in research projects, attend specialized seminars, and engage in Third Mission activities.

A fourth core objective is to foster a comprehensive understanding of the political, historical, legal, social, economic, statistical, and cultural factors that influence decision-making and negotiation processes at national, European, and international levels.

Overall, the program aims to train analysts with a multidisciplinary background, enabling a deep understanding of the systemic implications of their specific fields of study. Graduates will be equipped to interact competently with various administrations, international organizations, civil society, and businesses.

PhD holders in Political Science are well-prepared for research roles in both the public and private sectors, as well as for positions of leadership and governance in international, national, and local institutions, companies, NGOs, and non-profit organizations.

Job Opportunities

A) Training of qualified researchers in the SPS, IUS, M, and L-LIN fields, with a focus on political dimensions.
B) Training of highly skilled professionals for:
B1) Advising and managing public institutions at national and international levels in political-administrative sectors;
B2) Social activities and the foundational aspects of citizenship;
C) Cultural training for professionals interested in specialization in Public Administration and International Organizations;
D) High-level professionals in political sectors: public policy, opinion polling analysts, journalism, political consulting, diplomacy, foreign diplomatic academies, experts in specific cultural areas;
E) Criminologists, prison officials;
F) Officials at the European Commission;
G) Qualified professionals in social policy, intercultural mediation, protection of cultural minorities, and equality.

Curricula and Unified Teaching Component

1. Curriculum in Historical, Political, and Legal Studies:
   This curriculum focuses on in-depth study of specific issues and promotes active student participation through discussions. The curriculum explores themes set annually by the PhD Academic Board, with emphasis on disciplinary methodologies in historical, political, philosophical, and legal-international sciences (Modern History, Contemporary History, Theoretical Philosophy, Political Philosophy, Political Science, History of Political Doctrines, History of Political Institutions, Criminal Law, European Union Law).
2. Curriculum in Social, Cultural, and Environmental Studies:
   This curriculum also centers on the in-depth exploration of specific issues, emphasizing student participation and discussion. In line with the academic calendar set by the PhD Board, it focuses on disciplinary methodologies in social, cultural, and environmental sciences (Cultural Anthropology, Economic and Political Geography, Economic and Labor Sociology, General Sociology, Sociology of Law and Deviance, Environmental and Territorial Sociology, Sociology of Political Phenomena, Applied Economics, English Language).

Other information

Language Training
Language training activities include lectures and seminars in English, delivered by the English language professor on the PhD Board and other invited scholars. Language proficiency is essential to the program, which traditionally has an international focus.

Seminar Activities
Seminars enrich the educational offerings of the PhD program and align with the annual themes set by each curriculum. They are a constant and valuable part of the PhD experience, often featuring scholars or experts from foreign universities. These seminars expose students to innovative and sometimes unconventional methodological approaches.

Core Principles
Some lessons focus on theoretical exploration of key principles such as ethics, gender equality, and integrity, with reference to political-philosophical, socio-political, historical-legal, and environmental-anthropological dimensions, as well as theories of justice. Topics are drawn from interdisciplinary research streams already active in the program, including fundamental freedoms, distributive justice, ethics and politics in the digital age, legal-institutional processes and changes, cultural and social differences, gender studies, and environmental issues.

Laboratory Activities
A portion of the PhD teaching is dedicated to lab activities supported by national and international experts in social, anthropological, and quantitative political research. Writing workshops are also provided to assist students in preparing articles for top-tier (Class A) academic journals, led by editors of leading journals.

Research Management and Knowledge of European and International Research Systems
Another component focuses on developing national and international research projects, with support from experts, to encourage participation in major research and innovation funding programs.

Contacts
Coordinator
Prof. Stefania Mazzone
stefania.mazzone@unict.it

Vice-Coordinator
Prof. Mara Benadusi
mara.benadusi@unict.it