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Why Finding the Right Supervisor at Sapienza Matters
Your thesis supervisor will be your academic guide for months—or even years. At Sapienza University of Rome, a large public university with over 100,000 students, choosing the right supervisor can significantly impact your research quality, timeline, and overall experience. This guide walks you through the practical steps to identify, approach, and secure a thesis supervisor at Sapienza.
Step 1: Define Your Research Interests Early
Before you start contacting professors, clarify your own interests. Ask yourself: What topics excite me? What problems do I want to explore? Sapienza offers a vast range of disciplines, from humanities to engineering. A focused topic makes it easier to find a matching supervisor.
Practical exercise: Write down three research questions or areas you’d like to explore. Then rank them by feasibility and personal interest. This will guide your search.
Step 2: Explore Sapienza’s Faculty Profiles
Sapienza’s website hosts detailed faculty pages for each department. Visit the department page of your program (e.g., Dipartimento di Ingegneria Informatica, Automatica e Gestionale). Look for professors whose research areas align with your interests. Pay attention to:
- Recent publications (check Google Scholar or Scopus)
- Ongoing research projects
- List of supervised theses (often available on personal pages)
- Office hours and availability
Pro tip: Use the university’s search tool with keywords like “tesi di laurea” + your topic to find past theses and their supervisors.
Step 3: Narrow Down to a Shortlist of Potential Supervisors
From your exploration, create a list of 3–5 professors. For each, note:
- Their specific expertise
- How your topic overlaps with their work
- Any previous theses they supervised on similar topics
This preparation will help you write personalized emails and show genuine interest.
Step 4: Prepare a Strong Email Request
Your first email should be concise, respectful, and informative. Use your university email address. Include:
- A clear subject line (e.g., “Request for Thesis Supervision – [Your Name] – [Topic]”)
- A brief introduction (name, program, year)
- Your research interest (2–3 sentences)
- Why you chose that professor (mention specific work)
- A short proposal (what you want to explore and how it fits their expertise)
- A polite request for a meeting (in person or online)
Sample email template:
Dear Professor [Last Name],
I am a [year] student in [program] at Sapienza. I am writing to ask if you would consider supervising my thesis on [topic]. I have read your recent paper on [specific paper] and found your approach to [specific aspect] particularly inspiring. I would like to explore [your research question] under your guidance. Would it be possible to schedule a brief meeting to discuss this? Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
Step 5: Follow Up and Prepare for the Meeting
If you don’t hear back within a week, send a polite follow-up. When you get a meeting, come prepared:
- Bring a one-page outline of your thesis idea
- List specific questions about methodology, timeline, and expectations
- Show enthusiasm and openness to feedback
Common questions to ask:
- How often would we meet?
- What is your preferred communication style?
- Are there any ongoing projects I could contribute to?
Step 6: Evaluate the Fit Before Committing
Not every match works out. Consider these factors:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Availability | A busy professor may have limited time for you. |
| Expertise | Ensure your topic truly aligns with their research. |
| Personality | You’ll work closely; a good rapport is important. |
| Resources | Does the supervisor have lab access, data, or funding? |
If something feels off, it’s okay to politely decline and continue your search.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Finding a Supervisor at Sapienza
- Waiting too long: Start at least 3–4 months before you plan to begin.
- Mass emailing: Generic emails show lack of effort. Personalize each one.
- Ignoring department rules: Some departments require a formal application or have specific deadlines.
- Overlooking co-supervision: Some professors may suggest a co-supervisor if your topic is interdisciplinary.
What If You Can’t Find a Supervisor?
If you’ve contacted several professors and received no positive response, consider these alternatives:
- Ask your current professors for recommendations during office hours.
- Expand your topic slightly to match a professor’s expertise.
- Contact early-career researchers (assistant professors, postdocs) who may be more available.
- Check the department notice board or website for thesis proposals offered by professors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a supervisor from outside Sapienza?
Yes, but you usually need an internal co-supervisor from Sapienza. Check with your department for specific rules.
How many professors should I contact?
3–5 is a good range. More than that can become unmanageable; fewer may not yield results.
What if a professor says no?
Don’t take it personally. Thank them and move on. Ask if they can recommend another colleague.
Is it better to approach a professor in person or by email?
Email is the standard first contact. If you meet them after a lecture, that can also work, but be brief and professional.
Can I change my supervisor after starting?
It’s possible but complicated. Discuss with your department coordinator if issues arise.
Do I need a full thesis proposal before contacting a supervisor?
No, but a clear idea and a short outline help. The proposal will be refined with the supervisor.
Next Steps After Securing a Supervisor
Once you have a supervisor, ask about the administrative steps: registering the thesis title, required forms, and deadlines. Set up a regular meeting schedule. And most importantly, start your research early. A good supervisor can make your thesis journey rewarding—choose wisely and prepare thoroughly. Good luck!
Photo by Jutta Elisabeth on Unsplash
Thanks for the sample email template! I was struggling with how to start. One more tip: check if the professor has a personal website or ResearchGate profile—sometimes they list topics they’re currently looking for students to work on.
Excellent tip! Many professors do post thesis proposals or ongoing projects on their personal or lab websites. That can give you a clear idea of what they’re actively seeking. Also, don’t forget to look at the department’s thesis archive—it can show you which professors have supervised topics similar to yours.
I’m an international student and worried about language barriers. Do Sapienza professors expect thesis supervision in Italian or is English okay?
It depends on the program and the professor. Many programs at Sapienza, especially at the master’s level, are taught in English, and professors often supervise theses in English. However, some departments or individual professors may prefer Italian. It’s best to check the program guidelines and, when you email, you can politely ask about the language of supervision. Most professors will appreciate your initiative.
I’m a first-year master’s student at Sapienza and this guide is super helpful. One thing I’m unsure about: should I contact multiple professors at the same time, or wait for a reply before reaching out to the next?
Great question! It’s generally fine to contact multiple professors at the same time, as long as you personalize each email. Professors understand that students are exploring options. Just be respectful and don’t accept supervision from more than one without letting the others know. Good luck!
What if I don’t get a response after a week? Should I send a follow-up email?
Yes, a polite follow-up after about a week is appropriate. Professors are busy, and emails can get buried. In your follow-up, briefly restate your request and mention that you sent a previous email. Keep it short and courteous. If you still don’t hear back after a second attempt, it may be best to move on to another professor on your list.