GUIDES TO THE UNIVERSITY

To be admitted to the graduation session students must earn all the credit points provided for in the program structure except for those credits of the thesis.

Students are awarded the degree after passing the Degree Final exam and after earning at least 120 credit points.

The thesis  is worth 18-20 credit points according to the program structure of the MSc Program.

The thesis preparation is divided into the following phases:

• Assignment of the thesis;
• graduation reservation
• thesis upload;
• admission to the graduation session;
• thesis oral presentation and awarding of the graduation grade.

In order to obtain the Master of Science degree, the final exam requires students to present and defend their written thesis before the Degree Assessment Board.

The thesis shapes the student's educational experience in a significant way. It is the result of research carried out under the supervision of the thesis advisor on a topic linked to the main subject area of the graduating student's curriculum. The topic of the thesis does not necessarily have to be associated with a course in the student's study plan. It can be based on work experience (internship) or a period of study in Italy or abroad.

The thesis must demonstrate the student's command of the basic methodologies of the subject areas he/she has studied. Students must also prepare an in-depth analysis of  a specific topic  addressing the theoretical, practical and empirical aspects in an original and critical way.

Students enrolled in Italian class groups can choose to write the thesis in Italian or in English. Students enrolled in English class groups must write the thesis in English.

For a student who acquired an advanced and specialized preparation writing the thesis generally corresponds to 4 month of full-time committment. The committment depends on the number of credit points of the thesis.

As a general guide the thesis is made of 50 pages (around 18.000 words). Thesis referring to the Department of Law and to the field of Economic History of the Department of Institutional Analysis and Public Management as a general guide are made of 150/200 pages (around 50.000/70.000 words).

Thesis is followed by an abstract which summarizes the thesis main topic.

It is possible to download the Guide for writing the MSc thesis  which has been written with the aim of give orientation to students in writing the thesis.

• Guide for writing the thesis (MSc Programs related to economics and Management);

For each MSc Program additional information could be provided for in, for the peculiarity of the courses of the Program. Any additional information will be given by each MSc Program Director and will come out when writing the thesis from the contact between Advisor and student.

We invite you to carefully check the correct procedures for the use of citations, in the above guide. 

The University pays particular attention to the originality of the students’ thesis.It must be the result of a personal contribution, must not be carried out with the aid of outside consulting firms, special attention must be paid to citations and must not contain texts taken from other sources.To this end the University has adopted ad hoc software in order to verify the originality of the work.

Should copying of work be discovered, the student will be referred to the Disciplinary Board and appropriate measures will be taken.

The University offers assistance as follows:

• each Department can provide assistance to students regarding the assignment of the thesis. Graduating students deal with the Thesis Service in the Advisor's Department of reference; 
• at the Secretary's Office of the Graduate School (via Roentgen Building, I floor E3 Rooms 03/04). NOTICE: starting with September 2012 the location of the Schools has changed. Check the attached table. The Service offers guidance for the phase of the IT procedure of the thesis (inserting the assignment and the approval for the submission of the thesis).

The thesis is formally assigned by the thesis advisor, who will supervise the progress of the work.

The advisor may nominate a second advisor:

• the thesis covers more than one field of study; the second advisor is chosen from a Department which is different from the advisor's, and collaborates in supervising the work.
• In case of long term Visiting Professor.

Once the thesis has been assigned, the thesis advisor will nominate a discussant to act as the interlocutor during the presentation (defence) of the thesis. There is only one discussant. The discussant is chosen from among the professors who can assume the role of thesis discussant according to rank and qualifications, as defined by the University.

The Department of reference for the thesis is the same as that of the advisor.

Assignment procedures

Graduating students :

• Access to the Punto Blu function Graduation>Gradution-Application procedures, fill out the "Thesis Title Submission"section on the web by specifying thesis title, thesis language and thesis advisor’s name;
•  After submitting the title the graduating student can immediately upload, only upon approval of the advisor, attached files* (relating to the chapters or to sections of his/her thesis) via the Punto Blu,‘Thesis attachments’ function.
• print out  2 copies of the "Thesis Title" form previously filled out;
• contact their Advisor who completes the form by specifying the discussant and any second Advisor go to the Secretary's Office of the Graduate School (Via Roentgen 1, first floor E3 Rooms 03/04) to hand in the two copies of theThesis title form filled out (in order to have it inserted in the IT procedure). NOTICE: starting with September 2012 the location of the Schools has changed. Check the attached table.

 

*Uploading the attachments, in this phase, is not to be considered as final.

However the contents of each uploaded file will be made available to the professor.

 

Thesis title cancellation/change

Students who have NOT YET carried out the graduation reservation can cancel the title enetered via Punto Blu through the function GRADUATION - APPLICATION PROCEDURES> CANCEL THESIS TITLE. In such case graduating students who wish to submit a new title must repeat the whole assignment procedure. Students who have already made the graduation reservation and submitted the title form and wish to cancel the title or change it, they must print out via Punto Blu theform (Thesis title Cancellation/Change) and submit it to the Graduate School after filling it out.
Students who have already made the graduation reservation and wish to change the title upon the approval of the Tutor Professor at the ending phase of the Graduation procedure, can write on the Approval Form the final title that has been modified.

NOTICE: the first graduation session available for students enrolled in the second year of studies in the 2011-2012 academic year will be held in July 2012.

Graduating students:

• make the graduation reservation through the Punto Blu function "Graduation>GraduationApplication procedures>Graduation reservation". Students must respect the deadlines and timelines indicated on the Graduation Calendar.
  Students do not need to have passed all the exams in the program structure in order to make the graduation reservation. In fact, it is advisable to make the graduation reservation in advance than the thesis submission.
  The "Graduation Reservation" option the following checks will be carried out:
  • that the thesis title has been submitted;
  • the student's administrative status;
  • the student's financial position (whether fees, tuition, etc. have been paid).

          Students' administrative status regards:

• enrolment in the 2010-2011 a.y. for those students who intend to graduate within the first session of 2012 (March)
• enrolment in the 2011-2012 a.y. for those students who intend to graduate from the second session of 2012 to the first session of 2013 (generally the first session is held in March).
  Please note also that the above category students who intend to graduate:
  - in the second session of 2012, (June) upon payment of the first installment of university fees and tuition;
  - from the third session of 2012, (July) upon payment of all university fees and tuition;
• view:
  • their thesis title
  • the educational activities in the study plan to be completed;
  • the grade point average.
• specify:

• the delivery address where copies of the thesis should be sent
• the defence language of the thesis.

Via the yoU@B student Diary, after having made the graduation reservation students must fill out the following forms:

• the placement form which goes into a "CV Book" that will be sent to Bocconi contacts for recruitment purposes. These contacts include companies, public and private organizations as well as professional studios.
• the evaluation of university experience questionnaire. This questionnaire makes up part of a national survey and is designed to discover the perceptions of students who are about to graduate with reference to their overall university experience.

Students who have carried out the graduation reservation but they do not want to graduate in the session they registered for anymore can, by the deadlines scheduled in the graduation calendar, cancel their reservation by using the Punto Blu function "Graduation>Graduation-Application procedure>Cancel reservation".

After advisor professor has approved the contents of the thesis and its structure, students can proceed, only upon approval of the professor and by following his instructions:

1. uploading the PDF format file of the single chapters as they are written by using the function Thesis attachments on the Punto Blu or
2. uploading the complete final version of thework in one-single PDF file by using the Punto Blu function Thesis’ final attachment’ (see also paragraph 10.2 Thesis assignment)

With reference to phase 1, once the students have uploaded the attachments via Punto Blu, the files will be made available to the Advisor professor who can read them and suggest any corrections to the graduating students. In this phase the uploaded files cannot be considered as definitive and can be changed. Once the contents of the thesis are definitive (upon approval of the professor) and do not need to be modified the graduating student can upload the definitive file of the completed work (see ‘Submitting the completed thesis and the approval form’ paragraph).

NOTICE: the definitive version of the Thesis file MUST in any case be uploaded through the procedure 'Final Paper Title - Information Completion' - see phase 2.

With reference to phase 2,the graduating student uploads his thesis in one-single final file (thus avoiding uploading the various chapters); the attachment will be automatically made available to the Advisor Professor for the final reading.

In this phase the uploaded file isdefinitiveand cannot be modified.

 

Graduating students, after interacting with their Advisor for writing the thesis:

• through the function Graduation>Graduation-Application procedures>"Thesis Title-Information Completion"
  - enter their abstracts which summarize the thesis topic in a fixed number of predefined lines (around 250 words);
• access to the Punto Blu function Graduation>Graduation-Application procedures>"Thesis Title-Information Completion" and attaches one definitive file of his/her thesis [notice: to upload the definitive file you must follow the instructions described in NOTE] At the same time, by clickingthe appropriate flag he/she confirms that the work uploaded is definitive and complete.
• - authorize or not the thesis consultation.
• print the approval form in 2 copies through the function "Print Approval". This form includes the thesis title, the thesis advisor’s name, thesis advisor’s Department of reference, any second advisor, discussant, thesis abstract, authorization/non authorization to the thesis consultation;
• submit the thesis approval forms to the thesis advisor who will check the accuracy of the abstract, make any corrections to the thesis title and sign the forms
• hand in the signed approval form in duplicate to the Secretary's Office of the Graduate School;

 

NOTE: The definitive file must include as first pages the following 4 sheets ordered as follows:

1. 1^st page: title page
2. 2^nd page: a white page
3. 3^rd page:thanks (if not included a white page); 
4. 4^th page: a white page.

 

The text of one’s work (index,introduction, contents and so on) must start after the 4 pages above.

 

 

The final file uploading on the Punto Blu using the function Thesis final attachment is to be considered as definitive and replaces CD rom thesis submission phase ( thus students no longer have to submit any thesis or CD Rom).

In addition, once the file has been uploaded on the Punto Blu, changes are no longer possible. When the student prints out the approval form, the tutor professor receives the notification of the definitive upload and can proceed with final reading.

The deadlines regarding the various phases of the graduation procedure are specified on the graduation calendar.

1.The Thesis must be uploaded in a single file, PDF format and the name of the file will be TS, followed by the student ID number e.g., if the student ID number is 1234567, the name of the file is TS1234567.pdf. Students are requested to include 1 white sheet  after the title page of the thesis, 1 for the special thanks and 1 white sheet in order to obtain a correct formatting of the PDF document/file.

Formatting specifications suggested:

• Paper size: cm 29X21 (A4);
• Right and left margin: 2.5 cm;
• Lines per page: from 26 to 30 lines;
• Recommended font: Arial/Tahoma/Verdana;
• Front size (body): 12 points;
• Pages numbered;
• Title page carrying on it, in the following order:
  • Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi
  • Faculty
  • Master of Science
  • Thesis' title
  • Advisor
  • Any second advisor
  • Discussant
  • Master of Science Thesis of: name, surname and student ID
  • Academic Year
• The thesis must start from the right page (odd), because it will be back-and-front printed.

It is not possible to include any personal detail (name, student ID...) in other sections of the thesis (headings or notes at the bottom of the page) other than the front page.

It is not possible to use the Università Bocconi seal on the cover sheet or within the Thesis.

After the period for submitting the thesis has closed, the Graduation, Diplomas and Certifications Office will determine whether or not the student meets all the criteria to graduate by in checking that:

• the graduation procedure contains the abstract and approval from the thesis advisor;
• the thesis has been submitted;
• all educational activities included in the study plan are registered (except for the credit points for the thesis) - the appropriate offices periodically check the grades recorded in the academic career of all students;
• there are no pending obligations with the ISU Office;
• there are no outstanding obligations with the Library.

The thesis will be submitted to the Examining Board for assessment only if all the criteria to graduate are fulfilled.

Students will receive notification about acceptance to graduation via an online message sent to their yoU@B student Diaries.

The thesis is evaluated by the Degree Assessment Board, of which the thesis advisor is a member.

The Boards are appointed by the Rector or by one of his delegates, and are presided by a tenured Professor (1st or 2nd level), who can also take on the role of thesis advisor and a second advisor and/or discussant of one or more theses which are subject to assessment.
 
The Boards are made up of professors, researchers and professionals who are experts on the thesis topic and on the other educational activities which  are included in the Program Structure.
The Board consist of at least 5 members including:

• the thesis advisor;
• a second thesis advisor (only if appointed);
• the discussant;
• at least 3 other examiners (2 if a second advisor is present).

Students enrolled in class groups taught in Italian can opt to present and defend the thesis in either Italian or English even if it would be better to defend the thesis in the same language chosen to write the thesis. However students enrolled in class groups taught in English must present and defend the thesis in English.

The graduation (thesis presentation) includes:

• an oral presentation (approximately 20 minutes);
• the defence, which includes answering questions and discussing issues raised by the members of the Degree Assessment Board. Those theses considered to be excellent will involve the participation of the discussant.

On completion of the presentation the candidate exits; the Board then determines the student's graduation grade.

The overall classification is expressed out of 110.
Students pass the final exam if they obtain a grade of at least 66.

The graduation grade takes into account all the educational activities included in the student's academic career. The grade point average (GPA) is calculated by the weighted mathematical average on the credit point values of all marks expressed out of 30 and converted into a mark out of 110. Up to 8 points may be added to this score based on evaluation of the thesis and the student's overall curriculum.

With reference to the "GPA" it should be noted that:

• in calculating the graduation grade a mark of 30 "cum laude" is expressed as 31;
• a maximum of 2 additional exams (or equivalent educational activities) are taken into consideration (in cases where students have passed more than 2 additional exams, the 2 best results will be used);
• for exams passed at other Italian or foreign universities with a mark that is not expressed out of thirty, the marks are converted to a mark out of thirty on the basis of a specific conversion table.

Points awarded for thesis evaluation and overall curriculum, for MSc Programs regard:

• the thesis: a maximum of 8 points (out of 110)
• the overall curriculum: 1 point (out of 110) if "excellent"; this is awarded only if the thesis has earned from 0 to 7 points (out of 110).

The thesis is evaluated on contents, presentation and defence.

The contents of the thesis are evaluated on clarity and accuracy of the written work, as well as the student's ability to summarize. The points awarded are based on the complexity of the topics covered, thoroughness and depth of analysis, literature cited, methodology applied and the quality and accuracy of empirical analysis. Originality and degree of innovation are also important factors. In addition, the adequacy of the conclusions reached is also assessed.

The presentation is evaluated on the ability to express oneself clearly, plan and organize a well-structured presentation, apply critical reasoning and analytical skills, and respond appropriately to the questions and issues raised by the Board.

A high GPA does not guarantee a high thesis score. On the other hand, a comprehensive and original thesis can be awarded a high score regardless of the student's GPA.

The Board calculates the rounding of the graduation grade; if the decimal point is equal to or higher than 5 then the score is rounded up, whereas if the decimal point is lower than 5 it is rounded down.

For the  Master of Science programs the Board can unanimously award "lode" (cum laude) to students who satisfy the following conditions:

• thesis evaluation  and overall curriculum of at least 7 points;
• graduation grade of at least 111.

In the graduating student's presence, the Board will proclaim that the student has graduated and announce the graduation grade.

• The thesis presentation agenda (day, time, room and Degree Assessment Board) can be checked in the yoU@B student Diary. It is also posted on the bulletin boards located on the ground floor of the University building at via Sarfatti 25. It is released around one week prior to the presentation.
• After the presentation students can ask the Board to return the printed copy of the thesis. The Office for Graduation, diplomas and certifications will not return any copies.
• in the following days after the thesis defence, graduates can print graduation certifications at Punto Blu or request them at the Academic Affairs Division Desk. Graduates who require a certification with "marca da bollo" (pre-paid stamp duty) can make the request at the Academic Affairs Division Desk. Please note that the official certification will only be issued if graduates bring along the correct "marca da bollo".
• The degree diploma will be sent to the graduate's address which he/she provided when the graduation session was reserved.
• As a general guide the pictures taken during the degree defence will be available on the yoU@B student Diary 15 days after the graduation session. It is also specified that such pictures are free.

After reserving a graduation session students can no longer enrol in the new academic year unless they renounce the graduation reservation. Renouncement to the reserved graduation session after the set deadlines must be done in writing and handed in to the Academic Affairs Division Desk. After re-enrolling in the new academic year and settling any pending financial obligations, students can make another graduation reservation via Punto Blu. 

The graduation calendar can be consulted on the website in the section "Timetable, calendars and rooms". It also contains the following information:

• period for reserving the graduation session;
• deadline for taking the last exam;
• deadline for submission of the thesis.

ATTENTION: for updated information on the procedure please check the whole chapter 10 (and the summary) of the Guide to the University 2012-2013.

Below please find the step-by step procedure that students must carry out to complete the graduation application procedure at best and without any issues.

For detailed information we suggest you to carefully read the chapter 10 ‘Thesis and Graduation Session of this Guide.

Students, after deciding which is the session they wish to graduate in, must:

1. Access, via Punto Blu to the Graduation>Graduation application procedures section and fill in the Thesis Title Submission section;
2. print the form already filled out by using the Thesis Title-Print Form function and submit two copies of it signed by the Advisor Professor to the Secretary’s Office of the Graduate School (Via Roentgen 1 1st floor E3 rooms 03 and 04) NOTICE: starting with September 2012 the location of the Schools has changed. Check the attached table;
3. pay the graduation fee;
4. carry out the graduation reservation via Punto Blu by using the function Graduation>Graduation-Application procedures>Graduation Reservation;
5. upload, via Punto Blu and only upon Advisor Professor’s request, the files of the thesis as soon as they are drawn that will be made available to the Advisor Professor for the reading (notice: the thesis attachments upload in the drawing phase of the thesis must be requested by the professor. If not requested the students must upload only the definitive thesis as described in point 8);
6. sit for all exams provided for in the study plan;
7. enter, via Punto Blu, the abstract summarizing the thesis topic by using the Thesis title - Information completion function;
8. upload, via Punto Blu Thesis title - Information completion function, in one-single attachment in pdf format and in accordance with details and format specifications published in the Guide to the University, the definitive file of the thesis and the flag to confirm that the uploaded thesis is the definitive one (notice: once the uploaded thesis is confirmed as the definitive one, the thesis can no longer be modified);
9. print out two copies of the approval form via Punto Blu;
10. submit the approval form signed by the Advisor Professor to the Secretary’s Office of the Graduate School (via Roentgen 1, 1^st floor Sector E3 rooms 03 and 04) NOTICE: starting with September 2012 the location of the Schools has changed. Check the attached table;
11. fill in the following by the relating deadlines, via yoU@B, as soon as they can be viewed:

• the placement form;
• the evaluation of university experience questionnaire.

Students will subsequently receive via yoU@B:

• confirmation message on the admission to the graduation session
• information on the date of the graduation session.

Students are invited to:

• verify in the Uploading the completed thesis and submitting the approval form the rules to be respected for the correct upload of the work in the Punto Blu
• check the Guide for writing the Thesis"  which has been written with the aim of giving orientation to students in writing the thesis and pay particular attention to the rules for writing citations and bibliography;
• respect the deadlines for each graduation session published on the website in the Timetable, Calendars and rooms>Graduation section;
• verify that their financial status is in line with what published in Graduation Reservation.