Computer Science and Engineering
About the Programme
The Doctoral Programme in Computer Science and Engineering offers an outstanding research-oriented environment dedicated to generating original and rigorous knowledge of international importance.
With over 150 active students engaged in cutting-edge research and publishing regularly in leading international conferences and prestigious scientific journals, it is recognised as a top doctoral programme in Computer Science and Engineering in Portugal.
It promotes intellectual autonomy, critical thinking, creativity and advanced scientific communication skills, equipping doctoral graduates for successful careers in academia, industry and competitive technological and scientific sectors.
Programme Structure
The PhD has a standard duration of four years (240 ECTS) and is strongly research-focused, while offering flexibility to adapt each student’s path to their research goals.
Structure overview:
- Doctoral Coursework: 30 ECTS
- Doctoral Thesis: 210 ECTS
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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 courses allow students to deepen expertise directly aligned with their doctoral research.
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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, international research stays, internships, or courses from other doctoral programmes.
The remaining credits are fully dedicated to doctoral research, publications, international mobility, and the public defence of the PhD thesis, typically 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 Computer Science and 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:
- Algorithms and Computational Complexity
- Distributed Systems and Computer Networks
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Computer Security and Cryptography
- Software Engineering and Information Systems
- Computer Graphics, Multimedia, and Human–Computer Interaction
- Cyber-Physical Systems and Internet of Things
- Data Science and Database 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 Computer Science, Computer 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.