EQF and NQF Competencies
The expected learning outcomes are formulated in terms of knowledge, skills, and competencies, in accordance with the National Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). These outcomes are directly correlated with the requirements of the corresponding occupations, as defined in the relevant national occupational standards and the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations classification (ESCO), which specifies the key competencies required for the targeted professions. The expected learning outcomes are formulated so as to correspond to the competencies acquired upon completion of doctoral university studies, in correlation with level 8 qualifications in the EQF and the National Qualifications Framework. These outcomes are further developed and detailed in the curriculum and in the course syllabi, which specify the competencies, objectives, content, and assessment methods for each discipline.
Learning outcomes are defined in terms of Knowledge, Skills, and Responsibility and Autonomy.
| Learning Outcomes | EQF Description | Description of Learning Outcomes Corresponding to Level 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | Knowledge is described as theoretical and/or factual. | Knowledge at the most advanced frontier of a field of work or study and at the interface between fields. |
| Skills | Skills are described as cognitive (involving the use of logical, intuitive, and creative thinking) and practical (involving manual dexterity and the use of methods, materials, tools, and instruments). | The most advanced and specialized skills and techniques, including synthesis and evaluation, required to solve critical problems in research and/or innovation and to extend and redefine existing knowledge or professional practice. |
| Responsibility and Autonomy | Responsibility and autonomy are described as the learner’s ability to apply knowledge and skills independently and responsibly. | Demonstrating substantial authority, innovation, autonomy, scholarly and professional integrity, and sustained commitment to the development of new ideas or processes at the forefront of work or study contexts, including research. |
The outcomes described above reflect skills specific to a qualification appropriate for a trained researcher, academic staff member, research model designer, or research-development-innovation expert in areas such as the following (identified based on defended doctoral theses and research topics proposed by doctoral supervisors), applicable to all doctoral students (general competencies):
- Conducting research activities: demonstrating expertise in a specific discipline/field; carrying out frontier scientific research; conducting interdisciplinary research; preparing scientific documents; applying the principles of research ethics and integrity.
- Achieving impactful results: participating in the publication process; disseminating results to the research community; carrying out teaching activities in academic or professional contexts; communicating research results and emerging research directions to the general public; contributing to increasing the impact of science on policy and society; promoting open innovation; promoting knowledge transfer.
- Research management: mobilizing resources for research; managing research projects; negotiation skills; evaluating research activities; promoting open-access publications.
- Research tools management: managing research data; promoting science in society; managing intellectual property rights; using software;
- Teamwork: interacting professionally with others; developing cooperation networks; working in research teams; supporting workplace well-being; developing mentor-mentee relationships; promoting inclusion and diversity.
- Self-management: managing one’s own professional development; demonstrating an entrepreneurial mindset; planning and organizing one’s own activities; resilience under pressure.
- Cognitive skills: abstract thinking; critical thinking; analytical thinking; strategic thinking; systems thinking; problem-solving ability; creativity.
At SD-AC level, the specific professional and transversal competencies are those corresponding to the doctoral fields, as specified in Art. 7(9) and Art. 7(10) of the Framework Regulation on Doctoral University Studies (Ministerial Order No. 3020/2024 of 8 January 2024).
Field-Specific Competencies
- a)advanced knowledge in the field;
- b)the ability to identify, formulate, and creatively solve research problems;
- c)mastery of advanced research methods and techniques;
- d)knowledge of research project management;
- e)mastery of new research procedures and solutions;
- f)skills in documenting and disseminating scientific work;
- g)the ability to write scientific papers and other academic materials at an advanced level, in a style appropriate to the field of study and in compliance with its specific standards at national and international level;
- h)the ability to process and analyze data at an advanced level, including through the use of specialized software, depending on the field;
- i)academic-level language skills in internationally used languages, necessary for documentation and the preparation of scientific papers;
- j)understanding and the ability to apply the principles and values of scientific research ethics in the relevant field.
Transversal Competencies
- a)written and oral communication competencies in science and culture;
- b)advanced language competencies in internationally used languages, including the ability to express and formulate ideas in multicultural and multilingual contexts;
- c)advanced digital skills and competencies, as part of societal digital transformation, including the use of artificial intelligence;
- d)interpersonal and teamwork skills;
- e)knowledge of human, material, and financial resource management;
- f)knowledge of career management, as well as techniques for job searching and creating employment opportunities for others;
- g)knowledge of risk, crisis, and failure management;
- h)knowledge of critical thinking, including the ability to analyze, interpret, or formulate reasoning in different contexts;
- i)knowledge of the legislation governing intellectual property rights;
- j)the ability to innovate and to understand concepts related to economic, technological, and social entrepreneurship.
Career Prospects
Graduates of doctoral university studies may hold academic positions such as university assistant (a doctoral degree being required for all academic positions: assistant, lecturer / senior lecturer, associate professor, professor) or research positions in academia, research institutes, or private companies that also conduct research activities in their field.
At the level of university assistant / scientific researcher, the following professional competencies are required, deriving from the learning outcomes of doctoral university studies: conducting research collaboratively and under supervision; contributing to the development of field-specific research methodologies; demonstrating a strong understanding of a field of study and research; critically analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing new and complex ideas; explaining research results and their value.
