In August 2021, a Special Protocol of Cooperation (EPC) for a Joint PhD programme (Cotutelle de thèses) between the Department of Economics of the University of Patras and the Department of Business and Economic Studies (DISAE) of the University of Naples, Parthenope was signed by Professor Christos Bouras, Rector of the University of Patras and  Professor Alberto Carotenuto Rector of University of Naples, Parthenope. On August 21, the Cooperation Approval between the University of Patras and the University of Naples Parthenope of Italy for the preparation of doctoral dissertations in Economics under co-supervision was published (Government Gazette 3752 / 13.8.2021). Special Cooperation Protocol (21.7.2021).

The purpose of the joint Phd is to increase the mobility and extroversion of doctoral students, as well as members of the two universities, by promoting knowledge in the broader area  of economics. The language of the doctoral Thesis is English (extensive summaries of the PhD Thesis will be given in Italian and Greek) and after the successful completion, two doctoral diplomas are issued, each from the participating institutions, since the doctoral candidates are registered at the same time at both universities.

Admissions to the Joint PhD programme are determined by each party according to the relevant national regulations, including provisions about the admission selection committee and the content and language of the admission tests. The preparation of the doctoral thesis can be funded by European Union funding programmes, by the Special Accounts of the contracting Institutions, by public or private sector agencies, through grants offered by natural and legal entities or various other transparent financial inflows

A “coordination committee” manages the joint training, supervision and research activities. The coordination committee is composed by 3 members from University of Patras and by 3 members from University of Naples, Parthenope , appointed respectively by the boards of the two doctoral programmes.

The committee:

• is responsible for the design, planning and implementation of joint courses or seminars the and for proposing an overview of the joint training activities;
• validates the admission of students selected by the board of each doctoral programme to the exchange program.
• can remove a student from the exchange program if the student fails to meet the statutory obligations outlined in this agreement.