Information on writing a dissertation

WRITING A DEGREE DISSERTATION

How to choose the final paper learning activity and the supervisor

Candidates may choose a subject area or learning activity among those included in their study plan. Alternatively, students willing to choose a learning activity or subject area that is NOT included in their study plan are required to ask the authorization from the Director of Studies by email, explaining their reasons. Candidates may choose as a thesis supervisor any professor pertaining to the subject group specified in the relevant Degree programme teaching regulation (art. 18, paragraph 6 of the University teaching regulation).

Rules for dissertation format

• Each page is to contain 32-35 lines of text; each line must be 65-70 characters long in these fonts: TIMES or COURIER or HELVETICA;
• Pages written front and back;
• Figures and tables in format UNI (A4, A3, etc.).

Check this page for information on how to use the University trademark in Final examination.

Writing a degree dissertation in a foreign language (i.e., other than English)

Guidelines for writing a degree dissertation in a foreign language. The degree programme board may authorize a degree dissertation to be written in a foreign language. Those who may apply to do this are especially:

1. students on degree programmes where gaining foreign language credits is scheduled, as well as a compulsory foreign language test;
2. students who have done the work for their dissertation abroad or in liaison with international research centres;
3. students on degree programmes enjoying agreements with foreign universities geared to awarding joint or double degrees;
4. students who have spent a study period abroad;
5. students on degree programmes taught entirely or partly in a foreign language.

Dissertations may only be written in: French, German and Spanish, and must also contain an abstract in Italian. The supervisor must give his/her consent and vouch for the linguistic quality of the writing. Situations not corresponding to the above categories may be submitted, via the respective Degree Programme Board, to the judgment of the Joint Teaching Committee.

Final grade

The Board will assess the candidate's overall performance – dissertation, curriculum, time taken to complete their studies, transfers from another University or another programme – applying specific rules for each Degree Programme.
The Board expresses its assessment with a grade out of one hundred and ten. The exam is deemed to be passed with a minimum grade of 66/110 and a maximum grade of 110/110. In the case of granting a maximum grade, the Board may also grant honours (lode) by unanimous decision.
See the information on how to calculate the average score based on your study programme

The criteria to assess dissertations are:

• originality of the subject,
• correct methodology,
• level of in-depth analysis,
• adequate writing and editing,
• ability to express and present the dissertation.

Additionally, Boards evaluate dissertations as follows:
a) adequate: 0-2 points;
b) good: 3-5 points;
c) excellent: 6-8 points.

For further information on the matriculation of the previous years, see the website page.

The Final Examination Board, having taken into consideration the dissertation discussion and your curriculum, will decide the final grade, which will be proclaimed after the discussion (or published on the last day of the Graduation Session on Studenti Online).