PhD in Civil Engineering

The Doctoral Program in Civil Engineering, offered since the 2009/2010 academic year, provides advanced and highly specialized training that combines a solid theoretical foundation with high-quality applied and experimental research.

With a duration of three years (180 ECTS credits), this program prepares professionals with strong scientific skills, critical thinking and autonomy, enabling them to tackle and solve complex challenges in the field of Civil Engineering.

Set within a research-driven environment of excellence, the program fosters innovation and actively contributes to the development and dissemination of new knowledge in the field. The main research areas include Construction Sciences, Structures, Geotechnics, and Hydraulics. Doctoral students are encouraged to participate in research projects and academic events, and to publish in scientific journals, which prepares them for demanding careers in academia, industry and institutions, at both national and international levels.

Why this PhD Programme?

Specialized and multidisciplinary training – This program offers advanced education in the main areas of Civil Engineering, promoting the integration of scientific knowledge, technical application, and societal challenges.

Innovative research – Doctoral students carry out applied and experimental research in collaboration with recognized research centers and often with companies and public entities.

Academic and scientific excellence – The curriculum and supervision follow demanding quality criteria, ensuring a rigorous, ethical and relevant research and development experience.

Development of independent thinking – The training emphasizes autonomy, critical thinking, and creativity in solving complex problems, preparing doctoral candidates to lead scientific and technological projects.

Professional integration and international recognition – Several graduates hold prominent positions in academia, industry and consultancy, both in Portugal and abroad, benefiting from the program’s prestige and scientific rigor.

Objectives

1. To train highly qualified professionals in the field of Civil Engineering, capable of applying the knowledge acquired through scientific methodologies, while demonstrating an up-to-date general background in diverse areas and a particularly solid expertise in the specific field of their Doctoral studies.
2.  To train Civil Engineering professionals with critical thinking skills and the ability to understand problems, formulate them, solve them and continue learning autonomously (lifelong learning). To this end, training that focuses on understanding problems, as well as on the attitudes and reasoning required for their resolution, is fundamental.
3. To provide the ability to design, plan, adapt and carry out research activities in compliance with high standards of academic quality and integrity.
4. To promote the development of original and innovative research in various areas of Civil Engineering, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and warranting international dissemination in peer‑reviewed publications.
5. To equip doctoral candidates with written and oral communication skills, including in foreign languages when necessary, enabling them to present their conclusions and the underlying reasoning clearly, precisely, and unambiguously to both specialists and non‑specialists.

More information here.

1st Phase: Mar.14 to Apr. 7

2nd Phase: Jun. 2 to Jul.18

3rd Phase: Set. 8 to Set. 18

4th Phase: To be announced in due course

Vacancies: 15

Duration: 3 years (180 ECTS)

Format: In person

Language: Portuguese