The PhD

The PhD programme in Legal and Social Sciences for Innovation (SGSI) is characterised by an interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach, consistent with the research priorities of the Department of Political Science and the University’s Strategic Plan. The programme combines methodological innovation, internationalisation and adherence to the principles of Open Science, offering PhD students advanced tools for analysis and research.

The main thematic areas covered include:

• In the legal sphere: regulatory innovation, the relationship between individuals and institutions, the theory of legal sources, the circulation of legal models, innovative enterprises, technologies in financial markets, and the digital transformation of public administration (PA), with a focus on digital citizenship and digital public services.

• In the cultural and tourism sphere: the connection between cultural heritage and experiential tourism, enhanced through digital technologies.

• In the economic sphere: a comparative study of innovative economic systems, the impact of Fintech and financialisation on corporate governance, and new challenges relating to sustainability.

• In the field of political science: analysis of the language of politics, institutional crises, the future of democracy, and the political significance of art.

• In the sociological sphere: the study of innovative processes, collective behaviour and new forms of social control, with a focus on conflicts and deviance.

Learning objectives

The PhD programme in Legal and Social Sciences for Innovation aims to train researchers who are experts in innovation processes linked to digitalisation, globalisation and sustainability, using an interdisciplinary approach that takes into account legal, economic, political, social and historical dimensions.

The programme:

• Provides a solid theoretical foundation for tackling the practical applications of research;

• Fosters skills such as teamwork, scientific dialogue, event organisation and original research;

• Includes a first year of common study focusing on research methods, followed by a specialisation phase on topics chosen by the PhD student;

• It emphasises internationalisation, with periods abroad and participation in scientific events;

• It involves PhD students in teaching, outreach and third-mission activities;

• It focuses on the development of transferable skills (languages, IT, open science, international research systems);

• It aims to forge a strong link between research and the world of work, opening up career opportunities in academia, public institutions, the corporate sector and the freelance sector.

Career opportunities

The PhD programme in Legal and Social Sciences for Innovation aims to train researchers who are experts in understanding and managing innovation processes linked to digitalisation, globalisation and sustainability, through an interdisciplinary approach encompassing legal, economic, political, social and historical fields.

The programme comprises:

• a solid initial theoretical grounding;

• a specialisation phase in scientific and cultural areas chosen by the PhD student;

• international activities, such as periods spent abroad and participation in scientific events;

• involvement in teaching, research and public engagement activities.

Particular attention is paid to the development of transferable skills (language skills, IT skills, knowledge of European and international research systems) and to the dissemination of research findings, including through open access.

The programme prepares students for careers in both academia and sectors such as public administration, business and the liberal professions, promoting dialogue between research and the world of work.

Self-assessment and guidance committee

In order to monitor the progress of the PhD programme as a whole, to assess the alignment of the activities carried out with the educational objectives, and to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and quality of the PhD training process – including in relation to its employment outcomes and the integration of highly innovative career pathways – the Coordinator appoints, from among the members of each Academic Board of the three active cycles, the members of the Self-Assessment and Steering Committee.

The committee is composed as follows:

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)