Advanced Materials and Processing
Programme Overview
The Doctoral Programme in Advanced Materials and Processing covers the scientific field of materials and their processing, a branch of knowledge identified by the European Commission as one of the five key technologies for development.
The main strategic objective is to contribute to the development of a professional, qualified, globally engaged, and diverse workforce, in line with European expectations, that will serve government agencies, industry, and academia.
Doctoral students must be prepared to be competitive in today’s global economy and within a sustainable environment.
* It is a joint program of the Instituto Superior Técnico (Universidade de Lisboa), the Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, the Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade de Coimbra, the Universidade de Aveiro, the Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, the Universidade da Beira Interior and the Universidade do Minho.
Programme Structure
The doctoral programme typically lasts four years (240 ECTS), with a strong emphasis on scientific research. Additionally, the Técnico Doctoral Programme provides flexibility to adapt each student’s path to their specific research goals.
Overall structure:
- Doctoral Programme: 30 ECTS
- Doctoral Thesis: 210 ECTS
The doctoral programme is organised into a three-block framework:
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6
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18
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6
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210
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Specialisation Courses (6 ECTS)
The Advanced Methods in Materials Characterisation (Advamtech) curricular unit provides doctoral students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of advanced techniques for characterising materials and their surfaces. Students apply these techniques to case studies involving polymeric, biological, ceramic, and metallic materials.
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Thesis Project (18 ECTS)
The doctoral students begin drafting their dissertation proposal, which marks their initial steps into the topic of their thesis. This process starts with a comprehensive bibliographic search and an in-depth literature review. Then, students learn the necessary techniques for conducting their research and perform preliminary tests, enabling them to make informed decisions about the direction of their work.
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Seminar (6 ECTS)
The doctoral students attend seminars at all participating schools within the programme. These seminars focus on topics aligned with their scientific expertise, exposing students to a variety of analytical techniques and methodologies.
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Doctoral Thesis (210 ECTS)
Flexible academic tracks with active participation in national and international research and innovation projects. The doctoral programme supports the development of the thesis and encourages an entrepreneurial spirit, aiming to expand the frontiers of knowledge.
Research Areas
The Doctoral Programme in Advanced Materials and Processing covers a wide range of scientific fields, showcasing the diversity and excellence of the research conducted at Técnico. Students have the opportunity to engage in advanced research on both fundamental and applied topics, including:
- Nano/Microelectronic, Optical, Magnetic, Polymeric, Energy-Related, 2D, and Biodegradable Materials…
- Advanced Materials Characterisation
- Electronics and Energy in Semiconductors
- Materials for High-Density Batteries
- Sustainability and the Environment
- AI and Data Science Integration
The doctoral programme strongly encourages interdisciplinary research, fostering collaborations with other scientific fields within Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, and international institutions. Research is conducted at one of the 25 Research Units (RU) affiliated with Técnico, particularly in those RUs that are most closely aligned with this doctoral programme:
Target Audience
Admission to the Técnico doctoral programmes is open to candidates with a strong academic background and a demonstrated motivation for advanced research.
Entry Requirements
- Holders of a master’s degree (or equivalent) in Science, Engineering or related fields.
- Holders of an undergraduate degree who have demonstrated exceptional academic and scientific achievements may be considered, pending evaluation.
- Candidates from other scientific fields may also be admitted and may be assigned preparatory curricular units.
The doctoral programme is intended for candidates with a background in Materials Engineering or related fields. A master’s degree is the typical entry requirement, but applicants with other relevant academic backgrounds may be admitted and may be assigned preparatory curricular units, when appropriate.
Student Community
PDEIC students are part of a vibrant, diverse, and supportive academic community, benefiting from multiple student-led and institutional initiatives:
- Técnico Doctoral School: Offers transversal training, seminars, and support services for all doctoral students.
- Técnico PhD Hub: Brings together the Técnico’s PhD community with experience, interests, and insights, promoting the value of the PhD.