Education

PhD in Climate Change and Sustainable Development Policies

Science with impact for a sustainable future

The PhD in Climate Change and Sustainable Development Policies (PDACPDS) aims to train a new generation of specialists capable of addressing the challenges of a world increasingly shaped by climate change and the complexities of sustainable development across social, economic, environmental, and governance dimensions. With an interdisciplinary approach, it integrates knowledge from natural and social sciences to develop innovative strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

This joint PhD programme is offered by the University of Lisbon (FCUL, ISA, IST, ICS, FL) and NOVA University Lisbon (FCT, FCSH), with prestigious international partnerships, including the University of East Anglia, PUC-Rio, the University of São Paulo, and PIK, providing a global and innovative educational experience.

The PDACPDS is a three-year programme that includes an advanced interdisciplinary training course covering physical, natural, social, and human sciences during the 1st and 2nd semesters. Research is conducted at the supervisor’s institution, with the possibility of co-supervision from other national or international universities.

The programme is designed for a diverse audience, including participants from backgrounds in environment, planning, and energy, among others, as well as students interested in pursuing an academic career.

Why this PhD Programme?

Interdisciplinary Excellence – Combines natural, social, and human sciences to develop integrated solutions for climate and sustainable development challenges.
Global Partnerships – Access to prestigious institutions such as the University of East Anglia, PUC-Rio, USP, and PIK, offering an international and innovative perspective.
Practical and Contemporary Focus – Aligned with 21st-century sustainability challenges, integrating multiple dimensions with a strong emphasis on mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Cutting-Edge Research – Opportunities to work within the research units of the seven participating schools, in international research networks, and on projects shaping the future of environmental policies.

Direct Social Impact – Capacity to develop concrete and applied solutions for critical areas such as energy, water, and food security, while building a diverse professional network.

Applications 2025/26

Applications are open at ICS/UL. For more information, click here. 

Duration: 3 years

Language: Portuguese, with the possibility of using English

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?

 Júlia Seixas (NOVA FCT Coordinator) | pdacpds.coordenador@fct.unl.pt

Luísa Schmidt  (ICS Coordinator) | mlschmidt@ics.ulisboa.pt

Academic divison: div.aea.helpdesk@fct.unl.pt

 

I want to apply:

Program

The course curriculum has been carefully designed with interdisciplinarity as its core foundation, integrating diverse scientific fields. This ensures that the programme is broad enough to accommodate students from a wide range of academic backgrounds while allowing them to tailor their learning and research paths.

The PhD programme comprises a total of 180 ECTS credits, distributed over six semesters:

  • 60 ECTS in the first year, dedicated to coursework.
  • 120 ECTS in the second and third years, focused on developing the doctoral thesis.


PDACPDS Brochure

Curriculum

For whom

This PhD programme is open to:

  • Nationals of Portugal and citizens of other European Union Member States.
  • Third-country nationals holding permanent residence permits or benefiting from long-term resident status, as certified by the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF), in accordance with Article 80 and Article 125 of Law No. 23/2007, of 4 July.

For research projects to be conducted partially or entirely in foreign institutions, only applicants—whether Portuguese nationals or foreign residents—who hold permanent residence in Portugal are eligible.

About the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering

The Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (DCEA), established in 1976, was a pioneer in the teaching of Environmental Engineering. It integrates fundamental skills from various scientific fields with new environmental and digital technologies, embracing interdisciplinarity and sustainability as core pillars.

More info