Unicollege & Westcliff University

The First Doctorate of the Italian SSML University Network

Program Overview

With over 60 academic partners across 20+ countries, Unicollege has established a growing network of prestigious international collaborations spanning the entire higher education spectrum—from undergraduate and graduate program to the Unicollege Graduate School and numerous opportunities for academic and professional mobility across four continents (Erasmus+, Exchange, Double Degree programs). This commitment to global education has now culminated in a groundbreaking addition to the Italian SSML network*: the launch of a Doctoral Program in partnership with Westcliff University, an institution accredited by the renowned WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)—the same accrediting body for globally recognized universities such as the University of California, Berkeley, the University of California, San Diego, and Stanford University. This collaboration further cements Unicollege’s position as one of the most international, dynamic, and interconnected academic institutions within the Italian SSML and university system.

*Scuole Superiori per Mediatori Linguistici (the university network of private institutions accredited by the Italian Ministry of University and Research specializing in applied languages).

Program Features

The Doctorate of Education (EdD) is an internationally recognized degree, which has been designed to deliver a truly impactful academic experience to pursue academic excellence, professional development, and curriculum enhancement, as well as international learning opportunities and accessibility.

Key Benefits:
– A globally accredited doctoral program aligned with international academic standards.
– Enhanced professional, academic, and research opportunities at an international level.
– An accessible, career-oriented program that combines academic rigor with practical application.

This innovative collaboration represents a milestone in international academic cooperation, providing students with unparalleled educational, biographical, and professional growth opportunities.

Join the first-ever doctoral program of its kind between Italy and the United States, and take your academic journey to the next level with Unicollege and Westcliff University.

The program offers a highly competitive and personalized duration, tailored to the candidate’s academic and professional background. Through a credit recognition system—a distinctive feature of the program’s flexible admissions approach—students can complete their doctorate in as little as 1.5 years or up to a maximum of 5 years.

The standard duration of the program is approximately three years. However, during the enrollment process, the exact length will be determined based on the candidate’s previous academic and professional experience. As the program consists of 48 total credits, prior credit recognition cannot exceed 50% of the total requirement – meaning a maximum of 24 credits may be transferred.

This self-directed program allows students to accelerate, pause, or resume their studies at their own pace. After completing the first semester, candidates with a strong academic standing (minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3) may request to fast-track their coursework, enabling them to complete multiple courses simultaneously and finish the EdD in a shorter timeframe, fully adapting to their professional and personal commitments.

For students who prefer a more gradual pace, the program allows them to return to the standard track or even pause temporarily via a Leave of Absence (LOA), preserving completed credits for future continuation. This unique self-paced structure ensures that candidates maintain full control over their doctoral journey, aligning it with their career and life goals.

Designed for working professionals, this program seamlessly integrates into the busy schedules of adult learners, ensuring a manageable yet academically rigorous experience.
The program is delivered entirely online, aligned with Italian time zones, while incorporating live interactions with faculty from Westcliff University in the United States.

The standard academic year consists of six courses, strategically distributed to avoid overlapping exams.
Weekly live online sessions (1 to 1.5 hours) take place during post-work hours (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM), accompanied by self-managed reading, research, and writing assignments.

A continuous assessment model allows students to track their progress through essays, presentations, and collaborative projects, while also providing opportunities to recover any academic shortcomings. Candidates can benefit from academic support services, including writing assistance and language mentoring, to enhance their success in the program.

Simplified Admissions Process

The doctoral program offers six enrollment intakes per year, approximately every two months.

Application Steps:

Email phd@unicollege.eu with the following details: full name, profession, most recent academic attainment (i.e., the latest academic achievement (MA, PhD, etc.).
Unicollege will schedule a virtual orientation session to assess the candidate’s eligibility and guide them through the next steps.
Within five business days following the consultation, the candidate will receive the official application documents.

Required Documents:

Official academic transcripts (list of completed courses and grades). Only candidates with a postgraduate degree (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent) are eligible to apply.
Certified copies of academic degrees obtained.
Proof of English proficiency (valid certification from an approved provider). Candidates without certification may request an internal assessment from Unicollege, which will be issued within 14 business days.
Officially translated documents: All academic records in Italian must be sworn and officially translated into English. Candidates without certified translations may request Unicollege’s validation service, which will provide translations within 10 business days.

Once all documents have been received (at least 35-55 days before the start date), eligible candidates will be contacted to finalize their enrollment with Westcliff University and commence their doctoral studies.

A Program for Everyone – Affordable & Competitive

According to College Board – Trends in Graduate Education 2023, the average cost of a three-year doctoral program in the United States is approximately:

$117,000 for public universities
$207,000 for private institutions

This program however offers a more accessible alternative while maintaining top-tier academic standards.

The 48-credit program at Westcliff University is structured as 16 courses (3 credits each), with a standard tuition cost of $780 per credit, totaling $37,440 (excluding additional administrative fees).

Exlusive Scholarships – Up to 75% Coverage

Unicollege is authorized to award substantial merit-based scholarships, covering up to 75% of tuition fees based on the candidate’s academic, professional, and personal background. This initiative ensures that qualified students can access world-class doctoral education at a significantly reduced cost, making the EdD program one of the most competitive and accessible US-accredited doctorate options internationally.

Info & enquiries phd@unicollege.eu