Scientific research in Urban and regional planning and policies promotes a sound grasp of theoretical and methodological frameworks, developing the ‘policy approach ’ as a framing tool applied to the various instruments of urban and territorial action (plans, programmes, projects, and more or less integrated initiatives). This approach, characterised by a focus on the processes (political, administrative, technical, social) involved in defining the problems that policies aim to address, in (re)defining the ‘public interest’ nature of the issues addressed, in the interaction between the various actors who mobilise and/or are involved in the development and implementation of policies, and in the intended and unintended outcomes of the various policies implemented, is deepened in particular in relation to:

• the theory and practice of designing, implementing and evaluating public policies and plans, at various scales and in relation to different thematic areas (ranging from urban policies to territorial heritage and the landscape, and from local development to the management of processes of change at a global scale);
• citizen participation in policy-making and conflict resolution;
• land-use practices, the production of common goods and their regulation.

The cross-disciplinary nature required by these areas of action, as opposed to traditional disciplinary fields, is underpinned by a focus on interdisciplinary research practices. 

As regards the specific teaching and research activities that complement the interdisciplinary training provided by the Bembo Writing Workshop, the study programme for PhD students in the Urban and Territorial Planning and Policy programme is broadly structured as follows:

• first year: a programme of lectures and seminars, from January to July, including a module on theories, one on methodologies, and a third on the presentation and discussion of recent research practice. Special sessions will discuss the bibliographical essay required for the end of the first year evaluation, and the issue of formulating a proper “research question” for the thesis. 
  For admission to the following year: at the end of the year, PhD students must submit a bibliographic essay (state of the art) on a topic agreed with the relevant scientific committee, demonstrating their ability to contribute to the development of the field of urban and regional planning and policy;
• second year: PhD students are generally engaged in planning and advancing their thesis research, which in many cases includes a period of study abroad; progress reports are to be discussed with the Academic Committee, focusing on topics, methods and specific issues, and, where appropriate, seminars may be organised to address specific matters relevant to the research programme.
  For admission to the following year, a thesis progress report is required in which the research question is clearly articulated, along with the methodology or methodologies adopted to address it, the research work already carried out, and the work plan for completing the thesis;
• third year: PhD students focus on completing their research and writing their thesis. At least one meeting will discuss the intermediate progress of the thesis, which by the end of the year must be submitted as a complete draft to the Academic Committee.