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Free University of Bozen-Bolzano

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PhD in

Computer Science

The main goal of this programme is to train future scientists with a strong professional background who are capable of working in an international and highly competitive environment, such as the Information Technology (IT) sector.

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course description

What makes our PhD graduates ideal candidates to work as researchers both in academia and in the IT sector is their ability to research and understand theoretical and applied research topics, the collaborative approach to work, and their dissemination and writing skills. Moreover, problem solving skills and the ability to work autonomously enable them to become key players in every field of IT, as independent consultants or in management roles.

At the end of our programme, graduates are equipped with a vast knowledge of IT, from the formal and theoretical aspects to the latest developments in methodology and technology.

PhD students can choose any of the three research themes offered by the faculty. They are different not only in the main topics explored, but also in the research methodology applied. In the Knowledge and Data area, students investigate the topics of Intelligent Integration and Access to Data, Conceptual and Cognitive Modelling, and Process-aware Information Systems Management. In the Software and Systems Engineering area, work follows an empirical approach based on the implementation of prototypes and techniques and the carrying out and analysis of experiments. Finally, the Information and Database Systems Engineering area adopts a hybrid approach, with a focus on efficient implementation and user interaction. This large spectrum of topics offers PhD candidates a wide range of options to develop their own research and great flexibility to match their interests.

At a glance

Duration of the programme: 3 years
Courses will be taught in English
Places available: 23 with scholarship + 4 without scholarship  
Campus: Bozen-Bolzano
Tuition fees: € 180 per year

Programme Structure

The aim of the PhD programme is to allow students to acquire the abilities and skills to carry out independent research in the area of computer science. This also involves the ability to communicate ideas clearly and efficiently orally and in writing and the ability to work in groups.

In order to conclude the programme successfully, the PhD student has to elaborate a research topic independently and this research must contribute significantly to current knowledge in the area of computer science. Due to the time limits of the programme, PhD students will focus on their research work. To achieve this, they are supported by a structured PhD programme.

The Stages of the PhD

The programme is divided into four stages, respectively ending at months 6, 12, 24, and 36 of the programme.

  • Phase 1 first six months. The student identifies with the support of their supervisors the area of research, a specific topic within the area, and one or more possible approaches to the topic. The student acquires the necessary foundations for carrying out the research, for instance, by attending courses or supervised literature study.
  • Phase 2 second half of the first year. The student spends time both on the acquisition of skills, for instance, by attending courses or supervised study of literature, and on the first research steps.
  • Phase 3 second year. and is to be spent on an in-depth exploration of the research topic.
  • Phase 4 comprises the third year. The aim is to complete the research and document it in a thesis.

Course Offering

Fieldwork abroad

During the three years of the PhD programme, candidates are required to commit full-time to the PhD, and the programme will include both working on the research project and learning activities. Students are also strongly encouraged to carry out part of their research in another university or research center, for a longer period, ranging from 1 month and up to 18 months. This is an extremely valuable opportunity for a PhD candidate to study specific aspects of their research in depth under direct supervision of world experts in their chosen research topic. It is also an opportunity to carry out research in highly stimulating and competitive contexts, while exchanging ideas with other scholars and establishing an early network of colleagues in the world of research.

Partner Universities and Research Centres

We have established partnerships with many universities and research institutions in Italy and abroad, such as the Technical University of Dresden, the Universidade Nova of Lisbon and the Technical University of Vienna. In addition, members of our Faculty cooperate on a regular basis with other universities and research institutes, such as Oxford University, Rice University Houston, Zürich University, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Trento, and FBK Trento.

Some of the PhD positions are collaborations supported by external research and industry partners (Fondazione Bruno Kessler FBK, Südtiroler Informatik SIAG, NOI Techpark, Barbieri Electronic snc, University of Umea).

People

PhD Programme Coordinator: Prof. Antonio Liotta
Student representative in the Lecturer's Committee: Andrei Buliga

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Application and Admission

You can find key information to apply and gain admission to this PhD Programme. For detailed information browse the general and specific calls below.

In order to gain admission to the PhD programme, you will need to have obtained 300 ECTS credit points (Master degree) and have some relevant academic experience in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Electronics or in a related discipline.

1st Call

Application deadline: by 15 June 2023, 12:00 midday (GTM +2:00)
Admission interviews:  27/28 June 2023 (via MS Teams)
Publication of ranking lists: by 14 July 2023

Confirmation of the PhD position - 1st Call

Applicants with grant: starting from 14 July 2023 until 27 July 2023;
Applicants without grant: starting from 27 July 2023 until 04 August 2023.
Enrolment: Starting from 27 July 2023 until 31 October 2023, 12:00 midday (CEST)

2nd Call

Application deadline: by 18 July 2023, 12:00 midday (GTM +2:00)
Admission interviews: 31 July 2023 (via MS Teams)
Publication of ranking lists: by 7 August 2023

Confirmation of the PhD position - 2nd Call

Applicants with grant: starting from 7 August 2023 until 23 August 2023;
Applicants without grant: starting from 24 August 2023 until 31 August 2023.
Enrolment: Starting from 24 August 2023 until 31 October 2023, 12:00 midday (CEST)

3rd Call

Application deadline: by 11 September 2023, 12:00 midday (GTM +2:00)
Admission interviews: 18-19 September 2023 (via MS Teams)
Publication of ranking lists: by 28 September 2023

Confirmation of the PhD position - 3rd Call

Applicants with grant: starting from 7 August 2023 until 23 August 2023;
Applicants without grant: starting from 24 August 2023 until 31 August 2023.
Enrolment: Starting from 24 August 2023 until 31 October 2023, 12:00 midday (CEST)

1st Call

Application deadline: by 15 June 2023, 12:00 midday (CEST)

CALL GENERAL PART (PDF): ENITDE
CALL SPECIFIC PART (PDF): ENIT – DE

2nd Call

Application deadline: by 18 July  2023, 12:00 midday (CEST)

CALL GENERAL PART (PDF): EN – ITDE
CALL SPECIFIC PART (PDF): ENIT – DE

3rd Call

Application deadline: by 11 September 2023, 12:00 midday (CEST)

CALL GENERAL PART (PDF): EN – ITDE
CALL SPECIFIC PART (PDF): ENIT – DE

CORRECTION: The project "Conceptual Modelling of Ratings using ESG criteria for Social Sustainability - Co-funded by DATATELLERS SRL (CUP I52B23000400005)" listed in the specific part of the call for applications for the doctoral programme in Computer Science is replaced with the project "Ethical frameworks for the development, deployment, and use of AI technologies - Co-funded by DATATELLERS SRL (CUP I52B23000400005)" due to a material error - Decree of the Prorector n. 1304 of 24.08.2023.

Contact us by phone at +39 0471 012800 or send us an e-mail: phd@unibz.it.