Quality Assurance in the PhD programme

The Accreditation System of University Venues according to the AVA3 model

The accreditation of university campuses in Italy is based on the AVA (Autovalutazione, Valutazione e Accreditamento - Self-Assessment, Evaluation and Accreditation) system, implemented by ANVUR (Agenzia Nazionale di Valutazione del Sistema Universitario e della Ricerca - National Agency for the Evaluation of the University System and Research). The AVA3 model, effective from 2022, introduces a set of updated criteria and indicators to ensure the quality of teaching, research and the third mission of Italian universities.

The periodic accreditation of universities is divided into five areas of assessment:

  1. Strategy, planning and organisation
  2. Resource management
  3. Quality Assurance
  4. Quality of teaching and student services
  5. Quality of research and third mission/social impact

Through these areas, the AVA3 model ensures the continuous improvement of the university system, paying particular attention to the strategic planning and sustainability of academic activities.

The introduction of the PhD in the University's Evaluation

One of the main novelties introduced by the AVA3 model is the inclusion of PhD Courses in the accreditation system. Previously, accreditation concerned Departments and First and Second Level Study Courses. With the new model, PhDs are also assessed according to quality and sustainability criteria.

The accreditation of PhD Courses provides for:

  • The initial authorisation for the activation of the course.
  • The periodic verification of the maintenance of quality requirements.
  • The monitoring of research and training activities offered to doctoral students.
  • The focus on international mobility and interdisciplinarity.

The inclusion of the PhD in the University's evaluation represents a significant step towards an integrated vision of academic quality. This makes it possible to assess more comprehensively the universities' ability to train highly qualified researchers and to contribute to the country's scientific and technological development.

Impact on the University of Sassari

For the University of Sassari, the introduction of PhD Courses in the accreditation means a further opportunity to enhance the excellence of its research. The University is committed to guaranteeing the quality of doctoral training, fostering collaboration with national and international research bodies and supporting PhD students in their academic and professional career.

Periodic accreditation according to the AVA3 model is a fundamental process to guarantee the continuous improvement of the University of Sassari's educational and research offer, strengthening its reputation and attractiveness at national and international level.

The UniSS PhD School's commitment

Acknowledging the University's indications, the UniSS PhD School has actively collaborated with the Quality Presidium of the University of Sassari in amending the University Regulations on PhD Courses, in order to integrate the principles and practices for an ongoing Quality Assurance (QA) process into the regulations. In addition, the PhD School has contributed to the drafting of the Guidelines for Quality Assurance of PhD Courses, ensuring an adequate application of the criteria provided by the AVA3 model.

The PhD Course Quality Assurance System

The University of Sassari has adopted a Quality Assurance System (QA-PhD) based on the Deming cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act), ensuring continuous improvement. This system envisages:

  1. PhD Course design: clear definition of the training and research project, with stakeholder consultation and integration of academic and professional needs.
  2. Planning and organisation of training and research activities: ensuring that doctoral students receive an interdisciplinary and transversal preparation, with international and mobility experiences.
  3. Monitoring and evaluation: use of indicators to analyse course progress, PhD students' satisfaction and research results.
  4. Periodic review: annual and end-of-cycle review of the PhD programme to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Moreover, following the most recent amendments to the University Regulations for PhD Courses, each Course is required to identify a number of individuals responsible for the PhD Course quality assurance process:

  • The Quality Contact Person(s);
  • The Review Group;
  • The Advisory Committee (or similar body involving the stakeholders).

Thanks to this approach, the University of Sassari guarantees high quality in the training of PhD students, in line with European standards of academic excellence and with the objectives of the AVA3 system.