Aerospace Engineering
Programme Overview
The Doctoral Programme in Aerospace Engineering enables students to develop personalised research pathways in various topics, including aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, control systems, electronic systems, telecommunications, robotics, and space exploration.
This cutting-edge programme is designed for candidates who can apply advanced technical knowledge to tackle complex challenges within the aerospace sector.
The goal is to train researchers with high scientific qualifications who are capable of conducting independent research in both academic and industry settings.
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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12-24
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6
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0-12
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210
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Specialisation Courses (12-24 ECTS)
Advanced scientific curricular units in Aerospace Engineering or related fields, providing an in-depth understanding of topics directly related to the thesis.
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Transversal Skills (6 ECTS)
Training in essential skills for both academic and non-academic careers, covering areas such as science communication, ethics, teaching, innovation, project management, and entrepreneurship. Alternatively, students may complete a short-term non-academic internship, subject to approval by the programme coordinators.
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Free options (0-12 ECTS)
Flexible activities such as teaching, internships, research abroad, or curricular units from other doctoral programmes.
The core structure of the doctoral programme focuses on research, scientific output, international mobility, and the public defense of the doctoral thesis, which typically takes place in the fourth year.
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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 Aerospace Engineering 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:
- Flight Dynamics
- Air Traffic Management
- New Aircraft Configurations
- Helicopters
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
- Launch Vehicles, Satellites, and Drones
- Space Probe Trajectories
- Avionics Systems
- Artificial Intelligence and Decision-Making Systems
- Telecommunications, Radar, and Navigation Systems
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 Aerospace Engineering, though it may also be open to candidates with a background in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, 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.