Although some people study theology to prepare for a particular religious order, others study it to understand the divine. Through reviewing religious and philosophical beliefs throughout history, students can gain a better grasp not only on each of the specific traditions but also on people’s beliefs in general.

Officially known as the Italian Republic, the country is found in southern Europe. The official language is Italian and the cultural rich capital is Rome. Many of the world's oldest universities are located in Italy, in particular the University of Bologna (founded in 1088). There are three Superior Graduate Schools with "university status", three institutes with the status of Doctoral Colleges, which function at graduate and post-graduate level.

Available at universities around the world, a PhD degree is an excellent choice for students who wish to pursue a career in academia or research. This type of degree is the highest qualification available in many fields and requires a great deal of study to obtain.