Education

PhD in Environment and Sustainability

Transform the future, lead the transition to sustainability

Leadership in the business sector, public administration, non-governmental organisations, academia, and society at large requires deep technical and scientific knowledge, combined with an understanding of the environmental, social, cultural, economic, and institutional dimensions of sustainable development. Addressing contemporary challenges demands an integrated and interdisciplinary approach that combines innovation, applied research, and the ability to connect various scientific fields.

The complexity, scale, and unpredictability of sustainability transition challenges are shaped by new scientific and technological paradigms, as well as emerging conflicts, crises, values, and societal frameworks. These factors call for scientific research that pushes the boundaries of knowledge. The PhD Programme in Environment and Sustainability offers a dynamic and collaborative environment, fostering integration into international scientific networks.

This doctoral programme creates opportunities for academic and professional careers in business and public organisations, preparing PhD students to lead transformation in strategic sectors and accelerate the sustainability transition at different scales—local, regional, national, and global.

Why this PhD Programme?

  • Strong and integrative scientific training – Develops a robust scientific culture in environment and sustainability, providing a holistic and integrated view of sustainable development challenges.
  • Capacity to solve sustainability problems – Equips students with tools to analyse and address complex challenges, focusing on applied research as a foundation for creating innovative solutions.
  • Interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary approach – Integrates knowledge from various scientific fields, fostering a systemic and collaborative perspective to effectively address sustainability issues with societal impact.
  • International research opportunities – Enables integration into global research teams and international scientific networks, facilitating cooperation and mobility between leading institutions and expanding career perspectives.
  • Support for employability and entrepreneurship – Prepares PhD graduates for the national and international job market, encouraging the creation of businesses in sustainability and strengthening the connection between R&D and the economic and business sector.

Applications 2025/26

1st Phase: 14 march to 7 april

Vacancies: 15

Duration: 3 years. 180 ECTS

Format: Daytime and tutorial-based regime

Language: English

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?

Course Coordinator: Tomás Barros Ramos, pdas.coordenador@fct.unl.pt

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

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Program

The PhD Programme in Environment and Sustainability is formally supported by research conducted by two research units classified as “Excellent” by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT): CENSE (Centre for Environmental and Sustainability Research) and MARE (Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre).

Curriculum

Career opportunities

  • Technical-scientific consultant
  • Corporate sustainability manager
  • Creation of start-ups in environment and sustainability (e.g., development of new technologies or business models)
  • University professor
  • Researcher in universities, research centres, or laboratories
  • Specialist or advisor in public organisations
  • Science and R&D project manager

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