Physics

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Academic year 2025/2026
Dept. of Physics and Astronomy "Augusto Righi"
Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna
EQF level: 8
41° cicle
Field of study: natural sciences, mathematics, physics and statistics
Place of teaching
bologna (BO), italy
Attendance methods
Full time
Teaching
Classroom-based
Languages in which the course is held
Italian, English
Cost
157,04
Duration of the course
Nov 2025 - Oct 2028
Scholarships
23 

Course contents

The Ph.D. in Physics at the University of Bologna lasts three years and is divided into five distinct curricula: Theoretical Physics (TEO), Physics of Matter (MAT), Nuclear and Subnuclear Physics (NSN), Applied and Complex Systems Physics (APP), and Didactics and History of Physics (DID). Each of these curricula offers a specialized and in-depth track that enables students to develop advanced skills in specific areas of physics.
PhD students participate in advanced courses specific to each curriculum, as well as interdisciplinary courses that offer a broader view of the physical sciences. These courses include lectures, labs, and technical seminars that cover a wide range of topics, from fundamental theories to more advanced experimental techniques. In addition, doctoral students take courses to improve their ability to attract research funding, an essential skill for a successful academic career.
In addition to internal teaching activities, doctoral students participate in both national and international lecture series and doctoral schools. These external programs provide additional learning and networking opportunities, allowing doctoral students to interact with colleagues and researchers from other institutions and expand their knowledge and skills.
Each doctoral student is supervised by a professor or senior researcher (supervisor) who supervises his or her research activities. In addition, at least one co-supervisor has the same duties as the supervisor.
Such a supervisor guides the doctoral student along the research path, offering valuable support and advice. Training is also provided for supervisors and co-supervisors.
Research activities can vary widely, including theoretical studies, laboratory experiments, complex numerical calculations, and innovative technological applications.
Ph.D. students are integrated into the strong research groups existing within the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Bologna and in the local branches of the National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN). These research groups offer a stimulating and collaborative environment where PhD students can work alongside established scientists and participate in high-level research projects.
Teaching and mentoring activities are strongly recommended during the three years of research to work alongside academics and get closer to university activities.
One of the main goals of the doctoral program is to prepare students to become independent researchers who can contribute significantly to the advancement of physics. Educational activities complement research training so that each doctoral student, at the end of his or her three years, can enter any operational field of the working world, in addition to the world of scientific research. At the end of the doctoral program, the publication of scientific articles in international journals of high impact is expected. This publication process is crucial to their academic career, as it demonstrates their ability to conduct original and high-quality research.
In addition, doctoral students actively participate in national and international conferences and workshops, where they present the results of their scientific research. These events provide valuable opportunities to compare and exchange ideas with other researchers, as well as to build a network of professional contacts that can be useful for future collaborations.
Graduates of the University of Bologna's doctoral program in physics find employment opportunities in a wide range of fields. Many continue their careers in academia, taking on research and teaching roles in universities and research institutes. Others find employment in high-tech industries where advanced physics skills are highly valued, such as in electronics, telecommunications, energy, and medicine.
In addition, the interdisciplinary training and skills acquired during the doctoral program enable graduates to work in fields not strictly related to physics, such as scientific consulting, research project management, and leadership positions in government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
The PhD in Physics at the University of Bologna provides a unique opportunity to develop a high-level scientific career. With a well-structured curriculum, skilled supervision, and a stimulating research environment, doctoral students are prepared to meet the challenges of modern research and contribute significantly to the advancement of science.
Page of the course on the University's website

Teaching

Place of teaching
bologna (BO), italy
Duration of the course
Nov 2025 - Oct 2028
Attendance methods
Full time
Compulsory attendance
Teaching
Classroom-based
Languages in which the course is held
Italian, English

Admission requirements

Type of degree required
2nd Level Degree
Field of study
natural sciences, mathematics, physics and statistics
Foreign language skills
English
During the oral examination, the English language proficiency shall be assessed.

Admission

Available places
23
Admission
Admission selection
Qualifications' evaluation Oral examination
Cost
157,04 €
Scholarships
23
15 scholarships funded by the University of Bologna general budget and /or by departmental budget
8 scholarships funded by external bodies or companies

Employment opportunities

The natural employment outlet for the Ph.D. in Physics is employment as a researcher at national and international universities and research centers, as well as at industrial research centers, where the Ph.D. is a highly sought-after title for teaching and research roles. Another important employment opportunity is teaching in national upper secondary schools, where advanced physics skills and research backgrounds offer significant added value to students' curriculum. PhD students in physics, with their solid theoretical-practical training, are particularly qualified to teach science subjects, imparting to students not only advanced knowledge but also the scientific method and enthusiasm for research. This career offers stability and the opportunity to influence future generations of scientists positively.
Certainly, at universities and research centers, Ph.D.s can continue their scientific research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge by publishing papers, participating in international conferences, and collaborating with other scientists. Roles can range from postdoctoral researcher to full professor, with opportunities for professional and personal growth.
PhD students in Physics also find employment very easily in many public or private sectors that require high scientific skills: Data Science and Big Data, software development, financial modeling, business consulting, human resource management, materials industry, chemical and biophysical industries, electronics and advanced technologies, Public Administration, finance and business.

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Other editions of the same course
Academic year edition 2024/2025Academic year edition 2023/2024Academic year edition 2022/2023
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