International Doctorate in Education and Communication Sciences
Indulge your passion for research and develop your doctoral thesis in an international, flexible and collaborative environment, with expert support and access to high-level scientific networks.
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Discover your research potential in an international environment
The International Doctorate in Education and Communication Sciences is a joint and cooperative programme between universities recognised for their academic excellence. Designed to train high-level independent researchers, it combines a solid scientific basis with an interdisciplinary approach and a clear international scope.
There is the possibility of studying part-time, with a minimum duration of three years and a maximum of six, and a total of 180 ECTS credits.
From the first day to the final defence, you will have the support of an international academic team and a structure that guarantees training, support and scientific visibility. This programme allows you to complete your doctoral thesis with methodological rigour, publishing results and actively participating in the global research community.
The Doctorate in Education and Communication covers a wide variety of areas of research that allow you to explore, from an interdisciplinary perspective, educational and communicative phenomena in local and global contexts. These areas are as follows:
30 September 2025
8 - 10 October 2025
21 November 2025
Phases of the doctorate programme
The programme is structured into four main phases, each designed to progressively guide you towards the successful completion of your doctorate:
Phase 1 – Academic training
| Areas | Type | ECTS |
| Theoretical Concepts in the Field of Education | Compulsory | 5 |
| Research in Education and Communication | Compulsory | 5 |
| Doctoral Seminar I and II | Compulsory | 5 |
| Contemporary Trends in Educational and Communication Research | Compulsory | 5 |
| Writing Scientific Articles and Presenting Results | Compulsory | 5 |
| Communication and Culture Theories | Compulsory | 5 |
| Pedagogy of Higher Education | Compulsory | 5 |
| Advanced Research Approaches in Education Sciences | Compulsory | 5 |
| Thesis Work / Research Credits | 20 | |
| Publishing Credits | 10 |
In this phase, you must present your research proposal, a document that defines the topic, objectives, methodology and approach of your thesis. This proposal will be prepared and agreed with your assigned tutor, who will support you throughout the research process.
Phase 2 – Research
| Areas | Type | ECTS |
| Seminar /Individual Research with Supervisor | Compulsory | 5 |
| Seminar /Individual Research with Supervisor | Compulsory | 5 |
| Thesis Work/Research Credits | (2x10) | 20 |
| Publishing Credits | (2x15) | 30 |
Phase 3 – Scientific production
| Areas | Type | ECTS |
| Individual Research with Supervisor | Elective | 6 |
| Active Participation in Conferences, Workshops, Scientific Seminars | Compulsory | 10 |
| Thesis Work or Research with Supervisor | Compulsory | 17 |
| Thesis Work or Research with Supervisor | Compulsory | 17 |
| Publishing Credits | Compulsory | 10 |
During this phase, you must carry out two predoctoral follow-ups to evaluate the progress of your thesis. These reviews, carried out before an academic committee, allow us to identify progress, detect possible improvements and receive expert guidance. Each follow-up is an opportunity to strengthen your research and prepare for the final defense.
Phase 4 – Final defense
In this phase you will submit the final version of your thesis, in English, together with an executive summary, the thesis booklet (20 - 25 pages), your CV, list of publications and the declaration of authorship.
Once the thesis has been approved by the evaluators and the defence has been carried out, you will receive the doctorate degree (PhD), which is internationally recognised by all the universities in the consortium.
Key aspects for your success in the doctoral programme
Each year you must submit a report signed by your supervisor. This allows for an evaluation of progress and documentation of changes in the research plan.
In order to defend the thesis, you must publish your scientific results in indexed journals and present them at international congresses. Credits are only granted for formal publications.
In addition to your supervisor, you will have the support of the Scientific Directorate of the programme, based in Eisenstadt, and an academic committee that will support you throughout the process.
You can request up to two semesters of temporary leave for personal or health reasons. During that time, the payment of fees will be frozen but progress in academic activities will not be permitted.
Before the final submission, your thesis must pass a linguistic review in English and pass an anti-plagiarism test.
