Climate Change and Sustainable Development Policies
Programme Overview
The Doctoral Programme in Climate Change and Sustainable Development Policies aims to prepare future leaders capable of shaping change across every dimension of sustainability.
Inspired by the rapid and far-reaching transformations driven by climate change, this doctoral programme covers various areas, including Environmental Sociology, Water Engineering and Management, Ethics and Environmental Diplomacy, Spatial Planning and Public Policies.
With the experience of 16 editions, the programme boasts a vast network of alumni dispersed globally, working at key positions in public administration, public policy, education, climate action, and the private sector.
* The programme is a joint initiative of Universidade de Lisboa (Instituto Superior Técnico, Faculty of Sciences, Faculdade de Letras, Instituto de Ciências Sociais, Instituto Superior de Agronomia) and NOVA University of Lisbon (School of Science and Technology, School of Social and Human Sciences), in partnership with the University of East Anglia.
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: 60 ECTS
- Doctoral Thesis: 180 ECTS
The doctoral programme is organised into a two-block framework:
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48
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12
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180
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Specialisation Courses (48 ECTS)
Advanced scientific curricular units in Climate Change and Sustainable Development Policies or related fields, providing an in-depth understanding of topics directly related to the thesis. The curricular units are divided between Environmental Sciences (28 ECTS) and Social Sciences (20 ECTS).
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Options (12 ECTS)
Areas such as research methodology and practice, or Social Sciences, or Environmental Sciences, or Technology.
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 (180 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 Climate Change and Sustainable Development Policies 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:
- Environmental Sciences
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Environmental Engineering
- Geography and Planning
- Forestry Engineering
- Agronomic Engineering
- Sustainable Energy 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 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.