The PhD Program in Computer Science will challenge and help you to develop your potential to pursue scientific research, innovation, and leadership activities in the field of Computer Science and Informatics. The PhD Program in Computer Science is articulated with the research activities of NOVA Laboratory for Computer Science and Informatics within the Department.
Every student develops his PhD work within a NOVA LINCS research group, integrated from day one in a thriving atmosphere, featuring regular research seminars, and national and international contacts, and outreach opportunities. It is also possible for a student to enroll in a partnership program with foreign universities (e.g., Carnegie Mellon, UT Austin, IMT Lucca, U Dresden).
The program duration is typically four years, a first year preparation phase which includes some advanced courses and research planning, followed by three-four years of research, leading to the PhD thesis.
Objectives
This PhD program proposed as part of the Bologna process, aims to provide a high quality standard specialized training in fundamental and applied areas of Information Technology (Computer Science) and Computer Engineering at the basis of the following guiding principles:
Specialization based on a broad knowledge of Information Technology;
Learning in a research environment by integrating one of the two research centers of Informatics Departamente (CITI, CENTRIA);
Fostering openness and internationalization of research;
Application of strict quality control procedures.
The ultimate goal of this program is to train researchers, academics, and leaders in innovation processes in fundamental and applied areas of Information Technology (Computer Science) and Computer Engineering.
DURATION
The typical duration of the program is 4 years full-time (240 ECTS), corresponding to one year of a curricular component (PhD course) and 3 years to a research component.
Curriculum
Career opportunities
Information technology companies represent an important and dynamic area of the economy in which innovation and development of new solutions are fundamental aspects to companies’ statement. Thus, it is common for high-tech companies having research or research and development units or that hire PhDs in Computer Science.
Doctors in Computer Science have additional professional opportunities in research and research and development centers associated with public and private institutions, whether in the area of Information Technology or in areas that make a specialized use of information technologies, and also in higher education institutions.
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Regulation
Schedule
Daytime
Tuition fee
Portuguese students:
2 750 Euros/ year
Foreign students:
2 750 Euros/ year
Applications
1st phase: 14th march to 7th april 2025
2nd phase: 2nd june to 18th july 2025
3rd phase: to be announced
4th phase: to be announced
Applications
Entrance requirements for the 2025/2026 academic year
Vacancies for 2025/2026:
20
Admission rules:
The applicant must meet one of the following conditions:
- Hold a master's degree, or equivalent, obtained in a national or foreign institution in the IT area or recognized as appropriate by the Scientific Committee of the Programme. The applicant must have a minimum final grade of fourteen values in these study cycles (or C in the range of ECTS);
- Hold an undergraduate degree and a relevant academic or scientific curriculum recognized as attesting the capacity to accomplish this cycle of studies by the Scientific Council;
- Holds an academic, scientific or professional curriculum recognized by the Scientific Council, under proposal from the Scientific Committee of the program, as attesting the capacity to accomplish this cycle of studies.
Necessary documentation for the application process (on line):
- Qualifications certificate listing the obtained grades;
- Curriculum vitae;
- Proficiency Certificate in English (IELTS or TOEFL) - can be replaced by a declaration stating that obtain this certificate in the 1st year of the program frequency;
- Statement of Intent (Letter of Intent) in which the candidate explains why you are interested in doing this PhD program;
Ranking:
The selection of candidates is responsibility of the Scientific Committee by assessing the submitted documentation. Potentially eligible candidates may be called for an interview.
Course coordinator:
Professor Carla Ferreira
pdi.coordenador@fct.unl.pt
Accreditation and Registration
A3ES
- Publication date of the accreditation decision: 04/05/2020
Period of validity of the accreditation: 6 years from 31/07/2019
DGES
- Registration number R/A-Ef 3080/2011/AL01 on 11/01/2019
About the Department of Computer Science
The Department of Computer Science is a pioneer institution in advanced education and research in Computer Science in Portugal, and has already graduated thousands of informatics engineers and computer scientists. We currently host around 1200 students enrolled in various programs and courses.
Several of our academic staff are associated to the development of computer science and IT in Portugal, for instance, in the first national connection to the Internet in the 80s, in the graduation of the first PhD degrees, and in the development and consolidation of research and innovation in informatics and computer science.
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