Why enroll in the PhD Program in Physics in Naples?

This is a PhD program with a long-standing tradition, rated as a program of "excellence" among the University's doctoral programs. It provides access to cutting-edge national and international research environments across all major areas of Physics. The study environment is international (each year at least two fellowships are reserved for non-Italian students), and the range of courses offered is broad and customizable.

How is the training program structured?

The training program includes all the academic and research activities that PhD students must undertake in order to obtain the final degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The detailed training plan for each PhD cycle is approved by the Academic Board.

Within the catalog of training activities offered by the PhD in Physics (though PhD students are not restricted to these only), only the courses included in the study plan of at least two students will actually be activated. Courses requested by a single student are often converted into "supervised individual study."

How long is the program and how is it organized?

The PhD program has a duration of three years. It is not possible to request a postponement of the thesis submission (although the discussion may be deferred by up to 6 months in certain cases).
At the end of each academic year, each student must submit a detailed report of the activities carried out. The Academic Board will decide whether the student is admitted to the next year or excluded from the program.

During the first two years—and particularly in the first year—students must attend advanced courses and pass the related exams. The courses offered and the rules for student choice may vary from cycle to cycle.

Are course suspensions allowed?

PhD students may request a suspension of their program for maternity, serious illness, military or civil service, or participation in TFA (teacher training programs). Suspensions lasting more than 30 days result in the suspension of the fellowship for the same period.

At the end of each academic year, the Academic Board determines whether students who were on leave have made up for the absence or whether they must defer the final exam. The deferral does not entitle the student to a scholarship beyond the regular duration of the program. If the suspension lasts one year, the student will be assigned to the following PhD cycle.

How is research activity organized?

By the end of the first year, each PhD student must define a thesis research project and select a supervisor—a faculty member or researcher from the department or associated institutions—who will guide them in their scientific work.

All PhD students are required to have at least one experience involving contact with the international scientific community during the three-year program, such as a research stay abroad, participation in an international conference, or an international scientific school.

The research results must be presented in the PhD thesis, which is the main component of the final evaluation.

How is the thesis defense organized?

Before the official administrative deadline, the Academic Board will assign at least two reviewers for each thesis. These reviewers are highly qualified professors—often from foreign institutions—and must not be affiliated with the University of Naples.

The reviewers will receive the thesis and issue a written evaluation, recommending either admission to the final exam in the regular session, or—if significant revisions are needed—a postponement of no more than 6 months (extraordinary session).

If a postponement is recommended, the revised thesis must be sent again to the reviewers within the specified deadline for a new evaluation. In all cases, no further deferrals are allowed. The deferral of the thesis defense does not extend the PhD program beyond its natural three-year duration.

The final exams will be held in two sessions:

• The regular session, approximately 3 months after the end of the program.

• The extraordinary session, only for students whose thesis required revision.

At the conclusion of the exam, the thesis may be approved or rejected. The examining committee will also issue an overall evaluation of the candidate's academic performance as "sufficient", "good", or "excellent." In exceptional cases, and only by unanimous decision, the committee may award honors (cum laude).

What are the rights and duties of a PhD student?

The main regulatory framework for the PhD in Physics is the Regolamento d'ateneo dottorato di ricerca.

It is not permitted to be simultaneously enrolled in the PhD program and another academic degree course.

Rights and Duties (excerpt from the university regulation)

PhD students may carry out part of their activity abroad, for a total period not exceeding half the duration of the program. Periods of up to 6 months require authorization from the Coordinator (with the supervisor's approval); longer periods must be approved by the Academic Board.

During periods spent abroad, the scholarship is increased by 50% for the corresponding number of days spent on mission.

According to Law 210/1998, Art. 4 paragraph 8, PhD students may be assigned limited teaching support or integrative teaching tasks, provided these do not interfere with their research training.

PhD students may voluntarily participate in teaching support activities. These activities are unpaid and do not grant preferential access to academic positions.

The Academic Board, with the students' consent, identifies the disciplinary areas in which teaching activities may be performed. The Board then proposes suitable teaching assignments to the relevant Degree Program Committees.

The Committees define such tasks as tutoring, lab work, or seminars. The maximum amount of teaching per year is 40 hours. These activities must be certified by a Board member supervising the student, and included in the annual PhD teaching activity report.

What department rules apply for access to facilities, mobility, and network resources?

PhD Student Offices:

Two dedicated rooms are available (rooms 0G28 and 1G10) for PhD students who do not have adequate space in their research groups. These are equipped with desks and computers.

University Email Account:

PhD students can request a university email account through the CSI – Center for Information Systems.

Supplies and Stationery:

PhD students may request materials needed for their research from the department's supply office. Access is regulated by the Coordinator and must follow these general rules:

• (i) If materials are for lab activities, use the research group's fund (unless it's individual research).

• (ii) Do not request expensive items (e.g., printer cartridges) unless they are for shared PhD student facilities.

• (iii) Items must have a demonstrable and justified use for research or study.

Abuse of these resources may lead to a reduction in access to PhD funds for other uses (e.g., schools or conferences).

Missions (Schools, Conferences, Research Stays):

All missions must be pre-authorized by the Coordinator using the official form, to be submitted before departure to the department administration.
If the mission is funded by PhD program resources, details of the expected expenses must be specified on the form.
Upon return, the reimbursement request must be submitted to the administration, signed by the Coordinator, and accompanied by supporting documentation (e.g., travel and accommodation receipts).