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Information on writing a dissertation

Choosing the subject and the rules on preparing the dissertation for the final examination.

Choosing and proposing a subject

To graduate, you must propose a dissertation subject to a teacher within your Degree Programme, who will assess the validity of your proposal in relation to your study plan.  You will have to prove to be able to put together and summarize a bibliography on the subject and re-elaborate it based on the required editorial rules.

Editorial rules

Basic editorial rules to write a dissertation:

  • length: between 50,000 and 100,000 characters (including spaces);
  • font: Times New Roman or Arial;
  • font size: 12 or 13 (10 for footnotes);
  • right-left and top-bottom margins: 2.5 cm;
  • spacing: 1.5 cm.

If you want to use the University trademark, follow the instructions at the page Use of the University trademark in final examination.

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.

Up to 8 points can be added to the final mark deriving from the average score (0-3 from the Supervisor, 0-3 from the "Controrelatore", 0-1 from the Board). 1 point will be added if the candidate is obtaining the Degree in the standard duration of the Programme.

(Resolution of the Degree Programme Board – 1st June 2023)

Given that honours (lode) must be granted by the Board unanimously (art. 31 of the University Teaching Regulations) and that candidates must show a high preparation - both in the exposition and in the supervisor's opinion - honours (lode) can be proposed if candidates - considering the final mark, including the Graduation Points - reach 112 points (without rounding for excess). Should the Board unanimously find that candidates are particularly worth it during the graduation, in exceptional cases honours (lode) can be proposed even if they don’t completely satisfy the aforementioned condition.

The Board will decide the final mark, which will be declared at the end of the Graduation Session.

(Resolution of the Degree Programme Board – 23rd June 2023)

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.