The PhD programme in Human Rights is organized as a full time programme with the majority of the activities taking place at the administrative seat of the programme in Palermo, Italy. In exceptional cases, the Academic Board may allow a student to conduct his studies at distance.

In accordance with the University regulations, the Academic Board of the PhD programme adopts rules determining the details of the modes of study and students' obligations.

The following obligations apply to all students, without exception:

• All 1^st year students must participate in the Introductory Course which is organized at the beginning of the academic year and is intended to familiarize students with the fundamental concepts and methodologies of the disciplines featured in the PhD programme
• Students are required to attend the annual Human Rights Summer School, organized each June by the PhD programme in Human Rights as well as two additional cycles of seminars held between October and March
• Students must also actively participate in the organization of the seminars organized by the PhD programme
• Additionally, all students must in the course of their studies complete a research period of no less than 6 months and no more than 18 months at a foreign research facility (such as a foreign University, a research institute, an NGO etc.), conducting in-depth research on the topic of the one's dissertation