The PhD programme has an innovative structure, which includes various types of training activities.

SFIPOL is divided into two curriculums: history, and philosophy and political science. The programme is composed of lectures and seminars on methodologies, history, philosophy, political and social sciences. These contact hours aim to develop methodological, theoretical and historiographical skills, providing students with a well-rounded and multidisciplinary knowledge base. Educational activities also include 80 hours of compulsory training, spread over three years. In the first year, students take the same modules while in the second they may choose from different pathways. 

Beyond traditional lectures, seminars and workshops aim to develop students' technical and transversal skills in areas such as management of research projects, data processing and enhancement of intellectual property. Particular attention is given to the dissemination of research in the humanities, also through digital tools for scientific communication. This programme promotes participation in conferences, workshops and research periods abroad, encouraging contact with the international research community. 

Each PhD student has an individual educational programme, developed with their supervisor and approved by the doctoral teaching body, which defines all planned activities, including any periods abroad. The doctoral teaching body annually assesses students’ progress for admission into the following year as well as their research thesis.