Research Facilities
The PhD Programme in Political Science provides access to a wide range of facilities, services, and research resources that support doctoral training and scholarly activity throughout the programme. These include dedicated workspaces, digital infrastructure, specialised library collections and databases, research software, language training opportunities, and student support services.
Workspaces and Teaching Facilities
Doctoral candidates have access to dedicated study and research spaces within the Department and the University. These include a shared doctoral workspace at Palazzo Scannapieco (Via Cardinale Dusmet 163), a multimedia classroom at Palazzo Pedagaggi (Via Vittorio Emanuele II 49, Catania), and seminar rooms used for teaching activities, workshops, and research meetings. These facilities foster both individual study and academic exchange among doctoral candidates, faculty members, and visiting scholars.
Digital Infrastructure
The University provides a comprehensive digital environment supporting research, teaching, and collaboration. Microsoft 365 services (Teams, OneDrive, and eCloud) facilitate project management, document and data sharing, online meetings and seminars, and the secure storage of research materials. Doctoral candidates also benefit from access to institutional IT services and digital platforms that support academic and administrative activities.
Libraries and Research Databases
The University Library System and departmental libraries offer access to specialised collections, digital catalogues, scholarly journals, and borrowing services. Doctoral candidates can also consult a broad range of international databases and electronic resources, including JSTOR, Rivisteweb–Il Mulino, Torrossa, Project MUSE, HeinOnline, Scopus, and Web of Science. These resources provide essential support for literature review, bibliographic research, citation analysis, and the dissemination of scientific outputs.
Open Access Publishing
The University actively promotes Open Access publishing through transformative agreements negotiated within the CARE-CRUI consortium. These agreements enable doctoral candidates to publish in a wide range of international journals issued by publishers such as Springer Nature, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, and Cambridge University Press, enhancing the visibility and accessibility of their research.
Research Software and Digital Tools
A range of software and digital tools is available to support quantitative and qualitative research in the social sciences. These include R, Stata, SPSS, and ATLAS.ti, which may be used within training activities and individual research projects. Available infrastructure also supports data analysis, collaborative research, remote working, and research data management.
Language Training
The University Language Centre (CLA) offers foreign language courses at different proficiency levels, together with Italian language courses designed for international students. These opportunities support international mobility, academic collaboration, and participation in international research environments, while facilitating the integration of international students into university life and the local community.
Student Services and Well-Being
Doctoral candidates have access to a broad range of services aimed at promoting well-being, inclusion, and full participation in university life. These include dining facilities, mobility and transport services, sports facilities, counselling and support services, as well as a variety of initiatives and opportunities available across the University community.
Useful Links
Digital Services
- University IT Services
- Remote Access and VPN
- Wi-Fi Activation
- Central Authentication Service (CAS)
- Microsoft 365 Services
- Lab Services – Microsoft Azure Cloud Computing
Libraries and Research
- Department Library
- University Library System
- Open Access Publishing (CRUI–CARE Agreements)
- IRIS Research Repository
- Library and Documentation Services