Co-tutoring of doctoral dissertations

Doctoral thesis co-tutoring is an international collaboration that is carried out through the conclusion of binding bilateral agreements, signed by two universities, located in two different countries, in favor of individual doctoral students enrolled at the University of Rome “Foro Italico” or at foreign universities.

The preparation of the doctoral dissertation, under the supervision of two Dissertation Directors (tutors), one for each location, is carried out in alternating periods of research within the home university and the partner university and is aimed at the award of the double degree of Doctor of Philosophy, provided that the terms stipulated in the agreement are met and following successful completion of the final discussion.

As stated in the ministerial FAQs and further information available at the MUR web page, a doctoral student who benefits from concurrent enrollment under the current regulations cannot also participate in a co-tutel program. It is understood that this is without prejudice to the doctoral student’s ability to close a career other than the one where he or she intends to apply for co-tutel and subsequently participate in a co-tutel program.

Doctor Europaeus

The additional certification of “Doctor Europaeus” may be granted by the University, at the request of the doctoral student, when the following conditions are met:

• favourable opinion of the Board of Professors;
• positive evaluation of the thesis by at least two reviewers appointed by the Board of Professors and affiliated with foreign universities in two different European countries; the reviewers’ reports shall be attached to the minutes of the final examination;
• presence on the Committee of at least one member affiliated with a foreign university institution in a European country;
• the thesis defence shall take place in English;
• during the PhD pathway, completion of at least three months of research abroad in a European country other than that of enrolment (or enrolments, in the case of joint supervision or other forms of agreement).