Digital Media
Programme Overview
The Doctoral Programme in Digital Media offers an opportunity for in-depth study and research on digital media and its complex interactions with technology, various scientific fields, and society.
It is designed to provide comprehensive training at the highest academic level, ensuring that graduates can effectively navigate and shape this rapidly evolving field.
The programme aims to remain a pioneer in advanced education in digital media and human-computer interaction, especially in light of the increasing number of novel applications, the growth of social media and advancements in artificial intelligence.
The programme is a joint initiative of Universidade de Lisboa (Instituto Superior Técnico), University of Porto and NOVA University of Lisbon, in partnership with the Carnegie Mellon University.
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 three-block framework:
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30
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30
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180
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Specialisation Courses (30 ECTS)
Advanced scientific curricular units in Digital Media or related fields, divided into two semesters, providing an in-depth understanding of topics directly related to the thesis.
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Options (30 ECTS)
The curricular units are offered as part of an inter-university programme, in a hybrid format, across the three universities.
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 Digital Media 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:
- Data Analysis and Digital Methods
- Audiovisual Production and Interactive Media
- Management, Markets and Consumers
- Human–Computer Interaction
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 an engineering background in scientific and technological fields related to digital media, information and communication sciences, design 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.