The PhD programme aims to train highly qualified professionals in the field of historical studies, understood in its multiple dimensions as a means of understanding the past and fostering critical awareness of the contemporary world and the evolving dynamics of human societies. This includes perspectives that are both local, national and international in scope. The PhD program is structured into three curricula, allowing doctoral candidates to pursue their specific research interests within a comparative and interdisciplinary framework:

• Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and Contemporary History;
• Studies on Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage;
• International and Area Studies.

In this regard, the programme integrates its research focus and educational activities into the training process along three distinct yet complementary directions: 1) history broadly defined, encompassing the traditionally recognised chronological periods (ancient, medieval, modern, etc.); 2) the study of archaeological, artistic, ethno-anthropological, cinematic, and musical heritage, within a framework that encompasses both Sardininan traditions and specificities, and a broad European and Mediterranean perspective; 3) international and area studies, with a focus on field research in Asian, African, Middle Eastern contexts and the global landscape of the contemporary age.

Goals

Young scholars will be able to conduct research with analytical maturity and methodological awareness within the relevant academic fields. The PhD programme is structured into three curricula, allowing doctoral candidates to pursue specific research directions within a comparative and interdisciplinary framework: 1) Ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary history; 2) studies on tangible and intangible cultural heritage; 3) International area studies. Consistent with this overarching goal, teaching activities are organised into collective training sessions that provide a shared foundation in research methodology within the humanities. Particular emphasis is placed on the historical approach—both from a synchronic perspective, which analyses and connects objects or phenomena within the same temporal context, and from a diachronic perspective, which traces their transformations over time and identifies structural links with the contemporary world.

Study plan

The three-year training programme includes a structured component (of at least 50 hours of attendance), delivered through activities coordinated by the doctoral board and involving external lecturers. This programme, entitled “Metodologie della ricerca: modelli e confronti” (Research methodologies: models and comparative approaches) consists of biannual meetings scheduled at specific times to complement the candidates’ ongoing research activities. These sessions provide doctoral candidates with opportunities to develop and refine their methodological skills in two key ways: first, through the comparative discussion of their individual research fields with fellow candidates, allowing for critical engagement and peer feedback; and second, through seminar-style sessions focused on significant, cross-disciplinary research themes. These seminars are also designed to support candidates in exploring future career pathways. Each year, the programme includes three progressive methodological seminars: 1. Organising and Conducting Research; 2. Planning and Writing the Thesis; 3. Publishing Research Findings – as well as three doctoral research discussion workshops and a series of interdisciplinary seminars or lectures.

The training programme also includes attendance of cross-disciplinary courses offered by the University, focusing on European research funding programmes, research sources, tools, and evaluation (in collaboration with the University Library System), and public speaking for research purposes.

Doctoral candidates are also encouraged to participate in a series of seminars held throughout the three-year programme, organised by members of the doctoral board, often within the framework of individual university or national research projects. These seminars, featuring contributions from both Italian and international guest scholars, explore a wide range of topics related to one or more of the PhD programme’s thematic areas. Emphasis is placed on themes of strong research relevance, with the goal of fostering active participation, promoting the exchange of experiences, and supporting the development of the candidates’ research skills.

Doctoral candidates who have not yet attained C1-level proficiency in English are required to do so during the programme. Relevant courses and proficiency assessments are organised by the University Language Centre (CLA).

Research topics

The PhD programme focuses its research on historical developments from antiquity to the contemporary age, as well as on archaeological, artistic, cinematic, and musical heritage. These topics are explored primarily from a Euro-Mediterranean perspective, with a strong emphasis on the interaction between local and global contexts, the valorisation of diverse forms of memory, and both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Particular attention is given to the public dimension of heritage studies. In addition, the programme engages with international relations and area studies, with specific reference to American, African, and Asian contexts.

Sbocchi occupazionali e professionali

The PhD program prepares candidates to work both within academia and in other professional contexts that require a high level of cultural knowledge, critical thinking, and advanced argumentative and communicative skills. In particular, it offers training for careers in public administration and education; in associations and organizations engaged in social work; in institutions and bodies active in politics, culture, and the promotion and dissemination of historical knowledge; in the management and promotion of sites dedicated to the preservation of memory; as well as in media, communication, and political, parliamentary, and opinion journalism.