Graduation

Thesis writing guide
PDF icon Thesis writing guide
Deadlines and paperworks for near-graduates

Starting from the July 2020 graduation sessions, the degree process is managed online. The new web features are available in the student area of the online secretariat, accessible after authentication with unisiPass credentials, following the path:

☰ MENU ► Conseguimento titolo ► Bacheca conseguimento titolo

 

To support the procedures, the system automatically sends email notifications to all parties involved (student, supervisor and the Student and Teaching office) at each stage of the process. The procedures are described in detail in the guides dedicated to each feature and published on the homepage of the student area of the online secretariat.

In the online forms section of the Student and Teaching Office, students will also find the new memo for graduating students.

With the introduction of the anti-plagiarism service, provided by the University of Siena for both students and professors, the University aims to promote greater awareness of correct bibliographic citation practices.

 

For deadlines, administrative documents and forms, refer to the following link:

Paperwork
The final examination

The final examination consists of the defense of a thesis/dissertation (worth 6 credits in the study plan) before a Committee during a public graduation session.

The dissertation must be prepared under the guidance of a supervisor (relatore) and may be based on a research project or work/internship experience. The dissertation must be written in English and relates to one of the subjects of the master course. The dissertation should represent an original contribution to the chosen field of research.

The deadline to apply for the final examination session is set by the University Senate. Students must personally submit their application at least one month before the scheduled examination date in order to be admitted to defend their final dissertation. In exceptional cases, the Head of Department may authorise a delay. The supervisor must sign the student's application, which must then delivered to the Student and Teaching Office.

FORMAT OF THE FINAL DISSERTATION

The final dissertation must be submitted in hard copy, accompanied by any relevant visual and/or digital materials. It should be of appropriate length for a scientific report and must meet the following criteria:

a) it must result from thorough and accurate research;

b) it must demonstrate the candidate's ability to organise and present his/her work effectively;

c) it must include a consistent and precise bibliography, with correct source citations;

d) it must address the selected topic according with a rigorous scientific approach and demonstrate the candidate’s critical thinking skills.

EVALUATION AND GRADING

The maximum final grade is 110/110 (with the possibility of cum laude/with honors). The grade is based on the weighted average of the student’s exam results. The committee may award up to 6 additional points based on the supervisor’s and co-rapporteur’s evaluation. If the dissertation deals with a particularly complex and original research topic, and the student demonstrates exceptional skills, the Committee may assign up to 8 points. In this case, the supervisor must submit a written report to the Committee and the Head of Department at least one week before the defence. The Head of the Department will then inform the Committee Chair of the special request. The extra points may only be granted with unanimous approval from all the Committee members.

 

The committee, appointed according to Article 35 of the University Teaching Regulations, is chaired by the Head of the Department or the President of the Teaching Committee. If neither can attend, a senior faculty member will be designed as Chair.

There are four final examination sessions scheduled for each academic year (see ACADEMIC CALENDAR)

NOTE: These texts are for informational purposes only. For official forms, procedures and detailed information regarding access to the courses, please contact the International Office and/or the Student and Teaching office of the Department of Social Political and Cognitive Sciences (DISPOC).