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Type

PhD Programme

Access mode

Programmed

Length

3 years

Location

Modena

Language

Italian

Department

Department of Physics, Informatics and Mathematics

Course presentation (FOR PhD course/Specialisation school ONLY)

The program is offered by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in agreement with the University of Parma and the University of Ferrara. For the 41st cycle, the administrative headquarter is the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.

At the sole discretion of the Academic Board, doctoral candidates will be assigned to the research groups of the three partner universities based on the affiliation of the supervisor (tutor) appointed by the Board.

Upon completion of the program, a joint degree will be awarded by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, the University of Parma, and the University of Ferrara.

It is open to students who are interested in a career in academic research and teaching, as well as in the private and public sectors. Candidates to the program should have a background in hard sciences, including engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, as well as mathematics.

Doctoral students have the chance to attend courses in their areas of specialization. They also perform an extensive period of research, in collaboration with their supervisor. Finally they write and defend a doctoral thesis.

The Universities of Modena/Reggio Emilia, Parma and Ferrara offer a wide training in mathematics and its applications. About 60 scholars in pure and applied mathematics are member of the PhD board, with a strong expertise in fields as diverse as partial differential equations, probability theory and stochastic processes, geometry and combinatorics, numerical analysis and scientific computation,number theory, mathematical physics.

Info

Department: Department of Physics, Informatics and Mathematics
Didactic method: PRESENCE

More information

Italian second cycle master's degree (“Laurea Magistrale”, under D.M. 270/04 or “Laurea Specialistica”, under D.M. 509/99) or Italian degree obtained prior to D.M. 509/99 (the previous Italian regulations) or Second cycle Master's degree obtained abroad, equivalent to the above-mentioned Italian degrees and recognized as suitable for the admission to doctoral program.
Further information available in the Call.

The PhD Program in Mathematics offers numerous career opportunities, thanks to the high level of training in mathematical research and its applications provided throughout the course of study. Potential career paths and professional opportunities include research positions in both academic settings and public or private institutions, roles as science education coordinators in schools and private organizations, as well as positions in technologically advanced sectors of services and production.

Among the most common career options are:

Academic Researcher: A PhD in Mathematics is the most common path to becoming a university professor or researcher in various areas of mathematics and applied mathematics, both in Italy and abroad.

Industrial Research: Mathematical skills are in demand in many companies, particularly in the fields of technology, finance, and data management.

Data Analyst: Data analysis has become a highly sought-after field in recent years, especially in the context of artificial intelligence. A PhD in Mathematics can provide the necessary skills to work as a data analyst.

Financial Analyst: Banks and other financial institutions often hire experts in financial mathematics, who use mathematics to analyze financial risks and develop investment strategies.

Programming Manager: Programming requires a solid understanding of mathematics and computational logic. A PhD in Mathematics can prepare students to take on leadership roles in software development for complex projects.

Qualified Secondary School Teachers or Administrators, thanks to their advanced skills in mathematics and, more generally, scientific subjects.

Experts in European Union Research Program Development, including for public/private research centers capable of designing and implementing applied research and innovation projects.

Advanced skills in mathematical models and methods are also in high demand in other areas, such as insurance companies, biomedical and pharmaceutical centers, managerial positions in public and private institutions, public administration leadership, and professional consulting and service companies. In these fields, mathematics graduates may be employed to carry out high-level analysis, develop new models and mathematical methods, and contribute to solving complex problems.

As highlighted in meetings with representatives of key production and professional organizations, mathematical training offers added value compared to other STEM disciplines. Profiles capable of understanding modern scientific literature and translating it clearly and effectively for their team members are increasingly essential in companies focused on technology and innovation development. To support this important aspect, the PhD program will include appropriate consultation sessions with stakeholders involved in defining the desired professional profiles, through public events such as meetings and workshops involving all PhD students.

The aim of the training program is to develop a PhD student's ability to work as part of a team. Therefore, educational activities must also support the ability to promote an understanding of the current transformations in productive systems. Given the growing need for mathematical formalization, mathematical skills can make a decisive contribution.