The study of degrees at the University of Pavia has been the subject of careful and depth studies, at least as the medieval age is concerned. However, for the subsequent period, studies are still in an embryonic phase. This contribution aims at analysing the Doctoratus fund, which is the main (although incomplete) source for the study of instrumenta laureationis during the Spanish age (1525-1564). Furthermore, the work intends to integrate the main source with others, in order to give a partial but exhaustive answer to some relevant questions.