In British universities the PhD (Doctorate of Philosophy) is traditionally awarded solely on the basis of a dissertation, a substantial piece of writing which reports original research into a closely defined area of enquiry. The completion of the PhD dissertation is generally expected to take three 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 five years.

During your research, you will have the opportunity to work closely with a Supervisor who is a specialist in your research area.  In addition to your Supervisor, you will normally also be able to draw on the help and support of two other lecturers, who will form part of your supervisory team.  You might reasonably expect to see your Supervisor fortnightly or at least three times per term.

In addition to providing specialist supervision, 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. If you wish, you are likely to be given the opportunity of gaining experience in small group teaching from colleges. There may also be opportunities to gain some experience in language teaching in the Faculty.

Continuing

For those applying to continue from the MPhil to PhD, the minimum academic standard is a distinction on the MPhil.

Feedback

Feedback on progress is provided through regular meetings with the Supervisor.  Termly supervision reports are written and are made available to the student online.  Yearly progress interviews are held for which written work is submitted. 

Assessment

Thesis

There is a normal word limit for the thesis of 80,000 words (including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography). The thesis should represent a significant contribution to learning through the discovery of new knowledge or through the connection of previously unrelated facts, or the development of new theory, revision of older views or some combination of these. In writing the thesis you are expected to take account of previously published work on the subject and the thesis should be clearly and accurately written, paying due attention to English style and grammar. Candidates for the PhD in Cambridge are guided by a supervisor, though they will normally also discuss their work with a number of other experts in their field.

Following submission of the thesis, an oral (viva) examination is held.

Other

Annual progress interviews for all PhD students should normally take place between the start of the Easter term and the end of the academic year. The annual interviews constitute a system for the formal monitoring by the Degree Committee of the progress of all students working towards a PhD.

Graduate students are admitted in the first instance for a probationary period during which they are not registered as a candidate for the PhD degree. The first-year interview is the context in which registration as a candidate for the PhD is formally considered. Candidates for registration submit a piece of written work, usually of around 10,000 words, for consideration by their interviewers. Satisfactory progress is a condition for being registered as a doctoral student and for remaining on the register.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Research Proposal. 500-1000 word research proposal
• Sample of Work. A sample of recent research writing of approximately 5,000-10,000 words.  The sample can be either an essay produced during masters-level studies or a section of a dissertation, and must be a single-authored work. This work can be submitted in English or Italian. 
• Personal Reference

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Enroll in the course

Financing studies for Italian at the University of Cambridge are structured to provide students with comprehensive financial support options throughout their academic journey. The university offers a diverse range of funding opportunities including scholarships, grants, and bursaries specifically targeted at students pursuing language and area studies. Prospective students are encouraged to explore departmental and university-wide funding programs, which often require separate applications and have specific eligibility criteria. Scholarships such as the Cambridge International Scholarships and various college-specific awards may cover part or all of tuition fees and living expenses. Furthermore, students can benefit from external funding sources, including government grants, private foundations, and international organizations that support studies in Italy or in language and cultural fields.

The university also provides guidance on applying for loans and financial planning to ensure that students can manage their academic and living costs effectively. Financial aid is often awarded on the basis of academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both, with priority given to candidates demonstrating exceptional motivation and proficiency in Italian language studies. Additionally, the university’s career services support students in gaining part-time employment opportunities during their studies, further alleviating financial burdens. For international students, there are specific resources and advice available related to visa requirements, work restrictions, and funding eligibility. Overall, the financing landscape aims to make Italian language studies accessible and sustainable, fostering an inclusive academic environment for all enrolled students.

The University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive program in Italian Language and Literature designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of Italian language, culture, history, and literary traditions. The program emphasizes the development of advanced language skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension, alongside critical analysis of Italian literary texts spanning from the medieval period to contemporary works. Students have the opportunity to study both classical and modern Italian literature, engaging with authors such as Dante, Petrarch, Boccaccio, and contemporary writers, fostering a nuanced appreciation of Italy's rich cultural heritage.

The curriculum typically includes courses in Italian language, literary history, cultural studies, and specialized topics such as Italian cinema, philosophy, and art history, depending on the year's offerings. The program promotes linguistic proficiency through regular language classes, conversation practice, and writing assignments, often supplemented by immersive experiences such as language exchange, film screenings, guest lectures, and trips to Italy.

Students are encouraged to undertake research projects, dissertations, or essays that deepen their understanding of specific literary periods or authors. The program also lays a strong foundation for careers in translation, academia, journalism, international relations, or cultural management. Throughout the course of study, students benefit from the university's renowned faculty members who are experts in Italian language and literature. The program is structured to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness, making graduates well-equipped for diverse professional paths.

In certain years, the program may incorporate opportunities for study abroad at Italian universities, providing first-hand cultural immersion and language practice. With a history of academic excellence and a focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the Italian program at Cambridge prepares students to become knowledgeable global citizens with a deep appreciation of Italy's cultural contributions.