In a Doctoral Degree, students prove their ability to do original research. Ideally, this research should lead to the publication of an article or a book. The formative value of a Doctoral Degree cannot be overestimated: acquiring and practicing skills of creative and original thinking, problem-solving, critical reading, analysis, and synthesis. The topic of the degree should contribute to our understanding of Roman civilization and its contribution to Western civilization (political theory, philosophy, religion, literature, theatre, film, religion, architecture, etc.).

Graduates have a sound knowledge of current trends in the field and are able to adopt a creative approach to the relevant source material. Graduates are equipped to work with original Latin documents, i.e. literary and diplomatic manuscripts, incunabula, paleotypes and old prints, being able to interpret and prepare them for publication and translation. Having been trained in philology and literary history and acquired the foundations of relevant historical disciplines (codicology, palaeography, diplomatic) and of cultural history, graduates are equipped to place mediaeval and early modern works into the context of their time and also to interpret them as a factor influencing the culture and society of subsequent eras.