Introduction to the PhD in Italian

The Italian Section in Cambridge has seven full-time faculty members available to supervise doctoral research. Their research interests span a broad range of topics in the Italian peninsula's languages, literatures, visual cultures, and history, from the medieval period to the present day.

Program Overview

The PhD (Doctorate of Philosophy) is traditionally awarded solely on the basis of a thesis, a substantial piece of writing in English that reports original research into a closely defined area of enquiry. The completion of the PhD thesis is generally expected to take three to four years, and most funding is based on this assumption. It's also possible to take a part-time route through research degrees, and the expected timeframe would be four to seven years.

Research and Supervision

During your research, the student will have the opportunity to work closely with a Supervisor who is a specialist in the candidate's research area. In addition to the Supervisor, the candidate will normally also be able to draw on the help and support of one further academic advisor and consult other academics working in related fields. The student might reasonably expect to see their Supervisor fortnightly or at least three times per term.

Professional Training

The Faculty runs a programme of professional training for the benefit of all research students. The programme includes seminars and workshops on library resources, giving conference papers, publishing, applications and interviews, teaching skills, specialist linguistics training, and film-making. The School of Arts and Humanities runs a central programme covering a range of topics from PhD skills training, to language training and writing and editing skills.

Teaching Opportunities

If you wish, you are likely to be given the opportunity to gain experience in small-group teaching from Colleges. There may also be opportunities to gain some experience in language teaching in the Faculty.

Admission Requirements

• For Cambridge students applying to continue from the MPhil by Advanced Study to a PhD, the minimum academic requirement is an overall distinction in the MPhil.
• For Cambridge students applying to continue from the MPhil by Thesis to a PhD, the usual academic requirement is a pass in the MPhil.
• All applications are judged on their own merits, and students must demonstrate their suitability to undertake doctoral-level research.

Study Mode and Duration

• Study Mode: Research
• Duration: 3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time

Department and Faculty

• Department of Italian
• Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics

Key Information

• Course type: Doctor of Philosophy
• Department: Department of Italian
• Faculty: Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics
• Study mode: Research
• Duration: 3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time

Application Deadlines

• Lent 2026 (Closed)
  • Applications open: September 4, 2024
  • Application deadline: October 2, 2025
  • Course starts: January 5, 2026
• Michaelmas 2026
  • Applications open: September 3, 2025
  • Application deadline: May 14, 2026
  • Course starts: October 1, 2026
• Lent 2027
  • Applications open: September 3, 2025
  • Application deadline: October 1, 2026
  • Course starts: January 5, 2027

Funding Deadlines

• Course funding deadline: December 3, 2025
• Gates Cambridge US round only: October 15, 2025

Similar Courses

• French PhD
• Literature, Culture and Thought (Research) MPhil
• English PhD
• English Studies MPhil
• Slavonic Studies PhD

University of Cambridge

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Overview:

The University of Cambridge is a prestigious public research university located in Cambridge, England. It is one of the world's leading academic institutions, known for its high-quality teaching and research. The university is comprised of 31 constituent colleges, each with its own unique character and traditions.

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The university offers a vibrant and diverse student experience. Students can expect to be part of a close-knit community within their chosen college, while also having access to the wider university's resources and facilities. The university boasts a rich history and tradition, with numerous historic buildings and gardens. Students can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, societies, and cultural events.

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Cambridge is renowned for its world-class academics and research.

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A degree from Cambridge is highly valued globally, opening doors to various career opportunities.

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The college system provides a supportive and intimate learning environment, fostering close relationships between students and tutors.

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The university offers state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, laboratories, and museums.

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Cambridge offers a rich and diverse student experience, with numerous opportunities for extracurricular activities and social engagement.

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