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Understanding the Thesis Requirement for Graduation at Roma Tre
At Roma Tre University, completing a thesis is a fundamental requirement for earning a bachelor’s (Laurea Triennale) or master’s degree (Laurea Magistrale). The thesis requirement for graduation at Roma Tre involves writing an original academic paper under the supervision of a faculty advisor, followed by a public defense. This guide covers everything you need to know: thesis types, length, submission process, deadlines, and evaluation criteria.
Who Needs to Write a Thesis?
All students enrolled in degree programs at Roma Tre must complete a thesis. However, the nature of the thesis varies by program level:
- Bachelor’s (Laurea Triennale): Typically a shorter thesis (tesi) of 20-40 pages, often a literature review or a small research project.
- Master’s (Laurea Magistrale): A more extensive thesis of 60-100+ pages, involving original research, data collection, or a comprehensive project.
- Single-cycle master’s (e.g., Law, Medicine): Similar to Laurea Magistrale, with a substantial thesis.
Types of Thesis at Roma Tre
Roma Tre allows different thesis formats depending on the field of study and agreement with the advisor:
| Thesis Type | Description | Common in |
|---|---|---|
| Compilative | Critical review of existing literature, no new data | Humanities, Social Sciences |
| Experimental | Original research with data collection and analysis | STEM, Psychology, Economics |
| Project-based | Design, development, or implementation of a project | Engineering, Architecture, Computer Science |
| Case study | In-depth analysis of a specific case or organization | Business, Law, Education |
Step-by-Step Process to Fulfill the Thesis Requirement
1. Choose a Topic and Find an Advisor
Start early—at least 6 months before your intended graduation. Identify a professor whose research aligns with your interests. Most departments publish lists of available thesis topics. Approach the professor during office hours or via email with a brief proposal.
2. Submit the Thesis Proposal (Piano di Tesi)
Once the advisor agrees, you must submit a formal thesis proposal (Piano di Tesi) through the online student portal (Gomp or Segreteria Virtuale). The proposal includes the title, objectives, methodology, and timeline. It must be approved by the advisor and the degree program coordinator.
3. Conduct Research and Write the Thesis
Work closely with your advisor. Follow the departmental guidelines for formatting, citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago), and length. Typical milestones:
- Literature review completed by 2-3 months
- Data collection/analysis by 4-5 months
- First draft submitted to advisor by 1 month before deadline
- Final revisions and proofreading
4. Submit the Final Thesis
The final version must be uploaded to the online platform (usually Esse3 or a dedicated repository) at least 10-15 days before the graduation session. You also need to submit a printed copy to the department office. Check your program’s specific deadlines—they vary by faculty and session.
5. Defense (Discussione della Tesi)
The defense is a public event where you present your work (10-20 minutes) followed by questions from a commission of professors. The commission evaluates both your thesis and your presentation. After the defense, the commission assigns a grade increment (punteggio) of up to 5-7 points, which is added to your weighted average.
Deadlines and Graduation Sessions
Roma Tre typically holds graduation sessions three times a year: winter (February/March), summer (July), and autumn (October/November). Each session has specific deadlines for submitting the thesis and for the defense. For example:
- Summer session: Thesis submission by mid-May, defense in July.
- Autumn session: Submission by mid-September, defense in October.
- Winter session: Submission by mid-January, defense in February.
Always verify exact dates on your faculty’s website, as they may change annually.
Evaluation Criteria: How Your Thesis Is Graded
The commission assigns a grade increment based on:
- Originality and relevance of the topic
- Depth of research and analysis
- Quality of writing and structure
- Presentation and defense performance
Maximum additional points: usually 5-7 for Laurea Triennale and 7-10 for Laurea Magistrale. The final graduation grade is calculated as: (weighted average / 3) + thesis increment, then rounded to the nearest integer. The maximum possible grade is 110 cum laude (110 e lode).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting too late: Underestimating the time needed for research and writing.
- Ignoring formatting guidelines: Each department has specific rules; non-compliance can delay approval.
- Poor advisor communication: Not scheduling regular meetings can lead to misalignment.
- Plagiarism: Roma Tre uses anti-plagiarism software; any detected plagiarism can result in rejection.
- Missing deadlines: Late submission means waiting for the next session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I graduate without a thesis at Roma Tre?
No, a thesis is mandatory for all degree programs. There is no alternative exam or project that replaces the thesis requirement for graduation at Roma Tre.
How long does it take to write a thesis at Roma Tre?
Most students spend 4-8 months, depending on the thesis type and their schedule. Starting at least 6 months before the deadline is advisable.
Can I write my thesis in English?
Yes, many programs, especially at the master’s level, allow theses in English. Check with your advisor and department regulations.
What happens if I fail the thesis defense?
If the commission deems the thesis insufficient, you may be asked to revise and resubmit for the next session. This is rare if you follow your advisor’s guidance.
Is there a word count requirement?
No strict word count, but typical page lengths: 20-40 pages for bachelor’s, 60-100+ for master’s. Your advisor will specify.
Can I submit my thesis online?
Yes, the final thesis must be uploaded to the university’s online system. You may also need to submit a printed copy to the department.
Practical Checklist for a Smooth Thesis Process
- ☐ Choose a topic and advisor at least 6 months before graduation
- ☐ Submit the Piano di Tesi and get approval
- ☐ Set regular meetings with your advisor
- ☐ Follow departmental formatting and citation guidelines
- ☐ Complete a plagiarism check before submission
- ☐ Upload final thesis and submit printed copy by the deadline
- ☐ Prepare a clear presentation for the defense
- ☐ Practice answering potential questions
Meeting the thesis requirement for graduation at Roma Tre is a challenging but rewarding process. By starting early, communicating with your advisor, and following the guidelines, you can successfully complete your thesis and graduate on time. Good luck!
Photo by Jahanzeb Ahsan on Unsplash
Is there a minimum grade requirement on the thesis to be able to graduate?
Yes, the thesis is evaluated with a score out of 110, and you need at least a passing grade. The final graduation grade combines your exam average and the thesis score. Check your degree program’s regulations for specific thresholds.
Thanks for the detailed steps. I was confused about the Piano di Tesi process. Do I need to submit it before I start writing?
Yes, the Piano di Tesi should be submitted and approved before you begin full-scale research and writing. It outlines your plan and ensures your advisor and program coordinator agree on the scope. You can start preliminary reading, but formal work should wait for approval.
I’m a bachelor’s student in Economics. How long before graduation should I start looking for an advisor?
It’s recommended to start at least 6 months in advance. For a bachelor’s thesis, you can begin contacting professors about 8-10 months before your intended graduation to secure an advisor and topic.
Great guide! One thing I’m wondering: can I write my thesis in English even if my program is in Italian?
Yes, many programs at Roma Tre allow the thesis to be written in English, especially if your advisor agrees. However, you should confirm with your department and the Segreteria Didattica, as some programs may require an Italian summary.
What happens if I miss the submission deadline for a graduation session? Do I have to wait for the next one?
Yes, if you miss the deadline, you will need to register for the next available graduation session. Deadlines are strict, so plan ahead. Some departments may allow a short extension with a justified reason, but it’s not guaranteed.