The Italian Doctorate "Dottorato di Ricerca " is the third level of university education and aims at providing specialized training with the purpose to perform highly qualified research activities at Universities and at public and private institutions. To be allowed to attend the courses it is necessary to be in possession of the Italian master degree "Laurea Magistrale" or equivalent qualification obtained abroad and pass the examinations foreseen by the competition notice. The qualification of Doctor "Dottore di Ricerca" is awarded at the end of the course, lasting 3 years and after passing a final exam which consists of the discussion of a doctoral thesis. From 2008, the research doctorate courses have concerned the School of Advanced Studies "G. D'Annunzio" and its sections, which are responsible for their organization and management.