Sustainable Energy Systems
Programme Overview
The Ph.D. Program in Sustainable Energy Systems promotes the design, implementation, and management of innovative and sustainable energy systems.
The programme prepares students to ensure the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of critical energy systems, ranging from power grids and the use of renewable energy sources to sustainable mobility systems, with a focus on different territorial scales, particularly at the city level.
It fosters technological innovation, resilience, and sustainable development, equipping its students to contribute to a safer, more sustainable, and smarter energy future in academic, industrial, and governmental contexts.
This doctoral programme is offered in partnership with the Faculty of Sciences (Universidade de Lisboa, the Faculty of Engineering (University of Porto), the Faculty of Science and Technology (University of Coimbra) and the Faculty of Economics (Universidade de Coimbra), as part of the MIT-Portugal Program.
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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Mandatory (30 ECTS)
Advanced scientific curricular units in Energy, Environment and Sustainability, Research and Innovation Methodologies and Entrepreneurship, providing an in-depth understanding of topics directly related to the thesis.
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Options (30 ECTS)
Curricular units on topics relevant to sustainability and energy, divided into two semesters.
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 Sustainable Energy Systems 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:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Architecture
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 topics relevant to energy systems, including Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Architecture, 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.