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.
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
Course Coordinator: Tomás Barros Ramos, pdas.coordenador@fct.unl.pt
Academic divison: div.aea.helpdesk@fct.unl.pt
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).
Applicants to the PhD Programme in Environment and Sustainability must meet the admission requirements outlined in the General Regulations for PhD Programmes at FCT NOVA, fulfilling at least one of the following criteria:
Additional Application Assesment Elements
Applicants of any nationality may apply.
A minimum master's degree grade of 16/20 (or equivalent) is generally required, though candidates with lower grades may be admitted in well-justified cases, subject to assessment by the Scientific Committee.
Candidate selection is the responsibility of the PhD Programme’s Scientific Committee, based on the evaluation of the submitted documents. Pre-selected applicants may be invited for an interview. The selection process involves the following components:
Academic and scientific record (70% with an interview or 100% without an interview), including:
Interview (30%), conducted on a case-by-case basis, either in person or via video conference. The interview assesses:
Tuition fee - Portuguese students: 2.750 €/year
Tuition fee - Foreign students: 2.750 €/year
A3ES - Publication date of the accreditation decision: 20/12/2022
Period of validity of the accreditation: 6 years from 31/07/2020
DGES - Registration number Registration No. R/A-Cr 64/2014 on 20/05/2014
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.
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