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Course Objectives

The PhD programme in Pedagogical, Educational and Training Sciences aims to develop the competencies required for pedagogical and educational research, both in historical-theoretical and empirical-experimental areas. It promotes the development of innovative practices, engagement with specialist literature, and systematic cooperation with national and international research groups.

Educational Activities

The educational programme of the SPEF doctoral course offers two curricula: the first (Pedagogical Sciences) covers the entire field of pedagogical sciences and spans all disciplinary sectors, taking into account both specific research pathways and more cross-disciplinary ones; the second curriculum (Research on Inclusion, Well-being and Sustainability in Education) is more specialised and focuses particularly on the themes of inclusion, well-being and sustainability, considering the broad international debate. For this reason, it is offered in a vehicular language, which also makes it possible to welcome international students from different countries.

The training offer of the Pedagogical Sciences curriculum consists of seven educational modules, each of which includes accredited courses and in-depth seminars/workshops. The modules are listed below

- Foundations of pedagogical and educational research

- Theory and history of educational processes

- Methodology, strategies, and tools of educational research

- Professional contexts, career and organizational development

- Learning, Design and Technology

- Inclusion: a universal design perspective between wellbeing and well-becoming

- Childhood, school, guidance

The training offer of the Research on Inclusion, Well-being and Sustainability in Education curriculum, delivered in English as the vehicular language, is structured around the same seven modules, adapted to the specific objectives of this curriculum. Each module includes accredited courses and in-depth seminars/workshops (with contributions from international colleagues from universities in other countries). The modules are listed below:

- Foundations of pedagogical and educational research

- Theory and history of educational processes

- Methodology, strategies, and tools of educational research

- Professional contexts, career and organizational development

- Learning, Design and Technology

- Inclusion: a universal design perspective between wellbeing and well-becoming

- Childhood, school, guidance

Research Areas

For the Pedagogical Sciences curriculum, the aim is to engage with the Italian pedagogical debate, recognise its different approaches and paradigms, and collaborate with institutions involved in education and training in formal, non-formal and informal settings. Research focuses on the historical and theoretical foundations of pedagogical, educational and training sciences, with particular attention to pedagogical epistemology, different reference paradigms, the history of pedagogy and educational systems, children’s literature, education and training across the life span, work pedagogy, training and ethics of educational professions, social pedagogy, family and intercultural pedagogy, principles of special pedagogy and inclusion, and education and care in contexts of vulnerability.

The main objective of the Research on Inclusion, Well-being, and Sustainability in Education curriculum is to train high-level doctoral students and future researchers in the field of Education and Pedagogical Sciences, enabling them to expand their knowledge and competences. Particular attention is given to three main dimensions: Inclusion, Well-being and Sustainability. Interdisciplinarity across different fields and approaches of educational research is strongly encouraged and promoted.

Professional Profile

The first possible career pathway is employment in scientific research within academia or in public and private professional sectors (research and training institutions; industry, business, publishing; the third sector). Employment opportunities are also relevant in initial and continuing training (Universities, Ministries, Regions, Local Health Authorities, social service cooperatives; international research bodies) for teachers, university staff, trainers, pedagogists, developers of technological tools, and professionals in school, corporate, social, cultural and family contexts.

  Curriculum

• Pedagogical Sciences
• Research on Inclusion, Well-being and Sustainability in Education (in English)

  Other information

• Calls and Admissions
• Administrative Information 
• The International PhD guide