The cycle of studies leading to the doctoral degree does not have a fixed duration or a defined number of ECTS credits. It typically lasts between 6 and 8 semesters and corresponds to 180 to 240 ECTS credits.

Its structure comprises:

• the preparation of an original thesis specifically developed for this purpose, appropriate to the nature of the field of knowledge or specialisation, or the compilation of a coherent and relevant set of research works, or, in the field of the arts, a work or set of works or achievements, accompanied by a written rationale;
• the possible completion of curricular units aimed at research training (if provided for in the respective regulatory framework), collectively referred to as the Doctoral Programme.

The doctoral degree is awarded to those who have successfully passed the public defence of the thesis.

The doctoral degree corresponds to level 8 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).