The PhD

The PhD programme in Mathematics, Physics and Applications for Engineering aims to provide a solid scientific education of excellence in the fields of mathematics and physics, with particular attention to their interactions and applications in certain areas of engineering and applied sciences.

The programme promotes the development and application of advanced and cutting-edge analytical, modelling and computational methodologies, both in theoretical and experimental contexts, encouraging interdisciplinary training and autonomy in research.

The main objectives of the PhD programme are: to train researchers capable of conducting original and innovative research in academia and industry; to promote the integration of theoretical, numerical and experimental approaches; to foster interdisciplinarity between the three main components that characterise it; to encourage participation in research projects and national and international collaborations with periods of study at foreign institutions.

Learning objectives

The PhD programme in Mathematics, Physics and Applications for Engineering aims to train young researchers, providing them with the skills necessary for employment in universities, research institutions and high-tech companies, both in Italy and abroad. Doctoral students will acquire a solid foundation of knowledge updated to the latest international developments with an interdisciplinary approach to the analysis of complex systems, using cutting-edge tools and methodologies.

In-depth knowledge of theoretical aspects, the opportunity to analyse and study research topics ranging from theoretical and formal to applied and computational, and the wide spectrum of research topics lend themselves to fostering collaboration and the development of highly multidisciplinary exchange relationships, including with recognised national and international institutions, achieving a high degree of internationalisation and expertise. High qualifications, scientific autonomy and the ability to keep up to date will enable PhD graduates to tackle cutting-edge issues in order to achieve interesting and significant results in their field of research.

PhD students trained in this way will acquire sensitivity to issues related to technology transfer and innovative processes that facilitate collaboration between the worlds of research and business. The training acquired, both through the courses offered and through intensive research collaboration with institutions and companies, allows PhD students to have direct contact with the productive activities of the world of work, both public and private.

For the purposes of internationalisation, the programme is taught entirely in English and students are required to spend periods of study and research abroad at international universities, institutions and research centres. In addition, the PhD programme promotes collaboration with foreign experts and institutions through international co-tutoring programmes.

Career opportunities

A PhD graduate from the above-mentioned doctoral programme is an ideal candidate for research positions not only in academia and highly qualified institutions, but also in the engineering sectors of the industrial world.

The employment sectors that require a PhD are the public sector (universities, research institutions, services), for which the qualification is essential in order to continue in the field of research, and the advanced industry sector (electronics, electrical engineering, mechanics, advanced instrumentation, IT), for which a PhD is preferred.

A further employment opportunity is teaching and, finally, it is not uncommon for PhD graduates to find employment in companies operating in the financial markets or dealing with complex interdisciplinary problems.

Self-assessment and guidance committee

In order to monitor the progress of doctoral activities as a whole, assess the consistency of the activities carried out with the educational objectives, and improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of the doctoral training process, also in relation to its employment opportunities and the integration of highly innovative professional paths, the Coordinator identifies, from among the members of each Teachers' Council of the three active cycles, the members of the Self-Assessment Committee and the Steering Committee.

Alumni Committee

PhD students' opinions

Every year, Vanvitelli University conducts a survey to gather feedback from PhD students at the end of each academic year, with the aim of gathering information on the various aspects of the research training program and the services and opportunities that accompany it.

• For the I and II year, access to the evaluation questionnaire is via the University’s institutional credentials, and complete anonymity of responses is guaranteed - Go to the teaching evaluation questionnaire

• For the III year, the end-of-course evaluation questionnaire is managed by Alma Laurea and can be accessed once the PhD student has registered, prior to the final examination - Go to the questionnaire

Results

• For the I and II year: PhD Student Opinions (SISVALDIDAT system)
• For the III year: PhD students’ opinions (AlmaLaurea)

In addition, the AlmaLaurea inter-university consortium compiles annual data on behalf of the University regarding PhD graduates’ academic trajectories and employment status after obtaining their degree.

• Employment status of PhD graduates (AlmaLaurea)