The final exam consists in the discussion of a thesis written autonomously by the graduate student under the guide of a Supervisor. The thesis, with bibliographical references, tables, figures, thematic maps, sections, etc. will focus on topics specifically related to the objectives of the course and should represent an advanced and original stage of research.
Graduate students achieve 40 credits for the final test.

• The thesis is done under the supervision of a Master’s Degree professor supported by a co-supervisor or another teacher or external researcher acting as Co-relator.
• The outside examiner will analyze the thesis and send his/her judgment to the President of the Graduation Board before the graduation session.
• The final dissertation, in electronic format, must be English. The oral presentation is mandatory and will last 30-40 minutes, and will be followed by a discussion with the Board members.

• The thesis is publicly discussed before a Graduation Board, which ascertains the level of professional and cultural preparation achieved by the candidate and his/her autonomy in producing and processing data and observations.
• In the evaluation of the candidate the Board Members will take into account the candidate’s curricular qualifications as well as the final exam evaluation.
• At least six graduation exam sessions are scheduled in a calendar year.

The degree score is calculated on the basis of the overall average score of the exams and of the speed at which the degree is obtained, and derives from the following algebraic sum:

average calculated on the basis of the credits of the exams taken in the two-year period of the Master's Degree. 30 with honors will be evaluated as 30/30. This average, expressed in 30ths, is transformed into 110ths + 1 point bonus for students graduating within the second academic year + evaluation by the Graduation Board, which has at its disposal a vote between 0 and 9.

Therefore:
Degree mark =average score of Master's degree (in 110ths) + 1 (possible bonus) + Thesis Evaluation (0-9).
The Graduation Board may unanimously also grant honours (110 cum laude).

♦ All the bureaucratic procedures established by the University are available at the following link

♦ For the obligations requested by the Degree Course the contact names are the following:

President of the Graduation Board
Prof. Eusebio Stucchi, eusebio.stucchi@unipi.it
Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Via S. Maria 53 – PISA, tel. 050-221700

Secretarial Office
Dr. Tiziana Ciomei, tiziana.ciomei@unipi.it
Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Via S. Maria 53 – PISA, tel. 050-2215700

To take the final degree exam the student must:
- enroll at least 30 days before the date established for the exam, by completing the specific form to be delivered to the President of the Degree Board. The form must be accompanied by a summary of the thesis (in English). Registration can also be made electronically by sending an e-mail to the President of the Graduation Board (eusebio.stucchi@unipi.it). The forms can be downloaded here.
- send to the President of the Board and to the outer examiner, at least 15 days before the date fixed for the exam, both a paper and electronic copy of the thesis. The thesis must include the summary given to the President of the Graduation Board at the time of the application.
The outer examiner must receive the final dissertation 15 days before the graduation session and must submit his/her evaluation to the President of the Degree Board. A standard evaluation form must be appropriately completed by the outer examiner, who must then send it to the President (even by e-mail), using the WORD or PDF format at least one day before the graduation session.