The PhD programme’s research and training activities are strongly interdisciplinary and coherently integrate history, philosophy, and political studies, both at the empirical and at the theoretical-normative level. The programme aims to provide doctoral students with a solid common methodological background and, at the same time, specialised training in the different research areas, fostering their ability to address complex problems, design innovative research, critically use sources and international bibliography, and produce high-level scientific results to be presented at conferences and published.

Great attention is also devoted to the applied and public dimension of research: the programme promotes the dissemination of knowledge, public engagement, collaboration with institutions, social stakeholders and public decision-makers, as well as the development of transferable skills related to communication, teamwork, and the management of complex projects.

Particular emphasis is placed on the international dimension. Teaching is delivered in English, and the programme encourages exchange with scholars from different contexts, participation in international academic networks, research periods abroad, and collaborations with foreign universities and research centres, including within the T4EU network and through cotutelle and joint degree programmes.