University of Turin

What you'll study

The PhD programme is centred on an original, supervised research project in areas across medicine and surgery, with scope for basic science, translational studies, clinical trials, epidemiology and health systems research. Core elements include:

• Personal research project: an in-depth experimental or clinical research programme designed and carried out under a supervisory team, leading to a written thesis and peer-reviewed publications.
• Advanced research methods: training in experimental design, biostatistics, bioinformatics, molecular and cellular laboratory techniques, imaging methods and clinical trial methodology.
• Translational and clinical modules: courses and seminars on translational medicine, surgical techniques and perioperative research, diagnostic methods, patient-centred outcomes and medical ethics.
• Supplementary skills and professional development: scientific communication, grant writing, research integrity, teaching practice, project management and careers skills aimed at academic and non-academic pathways.
• Seminars and journal clubs: regular departmental seminars, Morbidity and Mortality rounds (where applicable), case conferences and international guest lectures to situate research within current clinical practice.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: collaboration with neighbouring disciplines such as oncology, cardiology, neurosciences, immunology, public health and biomedical engineering.

Assessment is primarily through evaluation of the thesis, publications, annual progress reports and a final viva voce defence. Doctoral candidates are expected to disseminate results at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant postgraduate degree: a medical degree (MD/Laurea Magistrale in Medicina e Chirurgia) or a Master’s degree in a biomedical or health-related discipline. Typical requirements include:

• A strong academic record in medicine, biomedical sciences or a closely related field.
• A detailed research proposal or indication of preferred research area; successful applicants commonly propose projects aligned with supervisors’ expertise.
• Evidence of research experience where possible, such as publications, conference presentations, or a research thesis.
• Letters of reference supporting the candidate’s research potential and suitability for doctoral study.
• Satisfactory language proficiency: many research activities and written assessments are conducted in English, while clinical work and interactions with patients may require Italian; specific language requirements are set by the doctoral programme.

Admission usually involves a formal selection process that may include evaluation of academic documents, interviews and, for some posts, competitive examinations or project-specific selection criteria. Candidates who are medical doctors should also ensure they meet any clinical training or professional registration requirements relevant to patient-facing research.

Career prospects

Graduates from the PhD in Medicine and Surgery pursue a range of professional roles in academia, clinical practice and industry. Common career paths include:

• Postdoctoral research fellowships and academic appointments (researcher/lecturer) within universities and research institutions.
• Clinical academic positions combining patient care with research in hospital departments and specialised units.
• Roles in clinical research organisations, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including clinical development, regulatory affairs and translational research.
• Positions in public health, health technology assessment, medical policy and research management in governmental and non-governmental organisations.
• Leadership roles in hospital-based research centres, surgical research units and interdisciplinary translational initiatives.

The programme is designed to equip graduates with the methodological skills, publication record and professional networks needed for competitive career progression in both Italy and internationally.

Why study at University of Turin

The University of Turin is a long-established comprehensive university with strong ties to major clinical facilities and biomedical research centres in the region. Doctoral students benefit from:

• Access to affiliated hospitals and clinical networks, enabling patient-oriented and surgical research across a range of specialties.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with research institutes and centres in molecular medicine, imaging, immunology and public health.
• A structured doctoral training environment offering methodological courses, transferable skills workshops and opportunities for international mobility and collaborations.
• Supervisory teams composed of experienced clinician-scientists and laboratory researchers, supporting translational pathways from bench to bedside.
• A research culture that encourages publication, conference participation and engagement with regional and national health research priorities.

Collectively, these features provide a supportive environment for developing independent researchers capable of contributing to advances in clinical practice, surgery and biomedical science.