Courses and Requirements

Please note that the study program might be subject to minor changes.

Classes start at the beginning of September and attendance is mandatory. 

You can not attend the program by distance learning.
 

The program features three curricula to be chosen when applying: 
Economics, Finance, Accounting

ACADEMIC YEAR 2026-2027

PhD in Economics and Finance - CALENDARS:

• 1st Year PhD Calendar
• 2nd Year PhD Calendar
   

First year - a.y. 2026-27 (42th Cycle) 
 

• 1 Preparatory course in Mathematics + 14 compulsory courses
• Seminars organized by the Departments of Economics, Finance and Accounting (attendance is strongly recommended) 
   

1 and 2- Principles of Research Ethics**                                                      2                                                                        SELF-MANAGED ONLINE course

**The course is available at ECR.unibocconi.it (login with Bocconi credentials). Students have to pass the final test and send the certificate to the PhD administrative assistant for the registration by the end of the academic year: 31st August 2027

*Joint course with PhD BA&M 

Second year — a.y. 2026-27 (41st Cycle)
 

• 2 fields have to be chosen
• 10 courses: 4 courses from the major field; 6 courses from any fields or off-field. Students must also attend at least one regular seminar series
• Writing of a field paper for one of the chosen fields
• Seminars organized by the Departments of Economics, Finance and Accounting
    

1 and 2- Principles of Research Ethics**                                                           2                                                                        SELF-MANAGED ONLINE course

**The course is available at ECR.unibocconi.it (login with Bocconi credentials). Students have to pass the final test and send the certificate to the PhD administrative assistant for the registration by the end of the academic year: 31st August 2026.

NEW! Open Science for Researchers: elective online workshop (90 minutes) offered by the Bocconi library, open to all PhD students from 2nd year.  

Third year (40th Cycle) - Fourth year (39th cycle) — a.y. 2026-27
 

• At least two reading groups per year
• Seminars organized by the Departments of Economics and Finance, respectively
• Study/research period at other Universities + TA/RA activities (optional)
• Writing of a third-year paper and the plan of the thesis (3rd year)
• Presentation of the third-year paper (3rd year)
• Presentation of the final work (4th year, internal seminar)
   

 
Note: The courses listed below refer to the a.y. 2026-2027. The 2027-2028 study program may be subject to changes; activation of reading groups depends on the choices made by students. 
 

1 and 2- Principles of Research Ethics**                                                      2                                                                        SELF-MANAGED ONLINE course

**The course is available at ECR.unibocconi.it (login with Bocconi credentials). 

Detailed requirements

Fields of study