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 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.

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.

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).