The PhD program provides students with a solid foundation in the theoretical and empirical tools drawing heavily on the discipline of international economics, development economics, financial markets and commodity markets. The department prepares students for careers in research and teaching at the world's leading academic institutions. It aims to give to the students a common theoretical and applied background. During the first year of the program, attendance is compulsory for the following subjects: macroeconomics; microeconomics; econometrics; finance, applied maths and quantitative methods. Optional field subjects are offered too according to students' research programs. The participation to additional courses and summer schools is supported by the doctoral program as well. Students are encouraged to spend visiting research periods and/or do part of their training abroad in one of the partner institutions of our network where they could also take advantage of external supervisors (e.g., Lille2 University, Birkbeck University of London, University of Sussex, Stern School of Business New York University, Loyola University di Chicago, University of Florida, Department of Economics Sussex University, ESSEC in Paris, Birkbeck University of London, SOAS of London, Erasmus University di Rotterdam, London School of Economics, Cass Business School e Imperial College of London, University of Paris 13, University of Jena). Specific agreements to carry out double degrees with these partner academic institutions is also encouraged.