International Joint Degree doctoral programme in the

Sociology of regional and local development

The International joint degree doctoral programme in the Sociology of regional and local development is organised and implemented by the University of Zadar (programme coordinator) and the University of Teramo (Italy).

The head of the doctoral programme at the University of Zadar is Karin Doolan, Ph.D., and Emilio Cocco. Ph.D. at the University of Teramo.

The study programme enrolled the first generation of students in the academic year 2010/2011. This is the first international joint degree doctoral programme in the Adriatic-Ionian region on the topic of regional and local development.

The programme has been set up and accredited in both countries after several years of successful cooperation between the University of Teramo and the University of Zadar. Cooperation on the doctoral programme followed from the International Master programme in Interadratic cooperation and local development (2007/2008).

In line with the Bologna process requirements regarding the structure of third cycle programmes, the length of the international joint degree doctoral programme is three years (180 ECTS). The course enables mobility within a structured programme which provides the opportunity for acquiring intercultural experience, useful for international employability.

Duration of the study: 6 semesters, 3 years

ECTS points: 180

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the doctoral programme students will have high level theoretical and empirical competences in the area of study. Together with an in-depth understanding of social, cultural, economic and political dynamics connected with regional and local development processes, students will acquire specific knowledge related to developments in the Adriatic-Ionian region and the European Union.

It is expected that the scope and academic excellence of the content offered within the study programme will enable graduates to gain employment not only within the academic community, but also public or private bodies which have links with the strategic development of regions and cities.

The programme's learning outcomes are closely related to its implementation. The programme is carried out through doctoral workshops and thematic conferences which take place at the University of Zadar and Teramo, as well as intense individual work of PhD candidates with their supervisors.

Workshops and thematic conferences enable students to learn about a variety of topics in the area of regional and local development. These workshops and conferences will include visiting lecturers and experts from Croatian and Italian institutions, as well as other institutions in the field.

Topics covered as part of the programme include sociological theories and development, theories of regional and local development, the influence of europeanisation on local and regional self-governance, theories and policies of decentralisation, social transformation and shaping public policies, regionalism, sustainability as criteria for development, sociology of tourism and mobility, urbanism, borders and ethnic minorities, creative cities and learning regions.

Structure of the programme

The structure of the doctoral programme is based on:

a) a scientific-teaching part aimed at supporting research work;

b) a scientific-research part aimed at supporting the development of a doctoral thesis.

It is important to note that even in the first part of the programme the aim is not to introduce students to knowledge from the field, even at advanced level, but rather to activate this knowledge as a resource for scientific-research work.

Specialised knowledge and skills are acquired during workshops in which students and lecturers cooperate. Students are introduced to the most recent research results in these workshops which are then jointly discussed.

Since workshops are organised at both the University of Zadar and the University of Teramo this gives students the opportunity to become acquainted with the culture of research in other localities and research traditions.

Scientific-research part of the programme includes original research, writing up, publishing, defending one’s PhD thesis.

Course list by semesters