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PhD in Geological Engineering

Resilient and sustainable societies

PhD in Geological Engineering, a joint program between NOVA FCT and the University of Aveiro, offers advanced training in Earth Sciences, with a particular focus on Georesources, Geotechnics, and Geoenvironmental Engineering. Its main goal is to foster the development of scientific and technological knowledge in Engineering, promoting innovation, infrastructure resilience, and the advancement of sustainable technologies applied to Geological Engineering. This responds to the emerging need for sustainable development, grounded in resource circularity, climate change, the green economy, and social well-being.

This study program aims to train highly qualified specialists and researchers capable of meeting the challenges and demands of contemporary society—namely, the responsible management of geological and energy resources, geotechnical site characterization, and the management of both natural and man-made assets. It also covers the assessment and mitigation of geotechnical and geoenvironmental risks, the protection of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and adaptation to climate change, among other areas of intervention.

Why this PhD Programme?

  • Advanced scientific and technical training focused on the development of cutting-edge knowledge and technology in key areas of Engineering applied to Earth Sciences.

  • Acquisition of skills to design, coordinate, and carry out innovative research projects aimed at developing solutions for the management and prevention of emerging issues related to human activity—namely in the responsible exploitation of georesources, geotechnical works, and geoenvironmental engineering.
  • Opportunity to conduct original scientific research at leading national and international institutions, with the potential for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
  • Deepening of the ability to systematically and critically analyze complex scientific information.
  • Promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship skills, essential to meeting current technological and societal challenges.

Applications 2025/26

1st Phase: Mar. 14 to Apr. 7

2nd Phase: Jun. 2 to Jul. 18

Vacancies: 5

Duration: 3 year (180 ECTS)

Format: On-site

Language: Portuguese

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?

Course Coordinator: Ana Paula Fernandes da Silva, pdeg.coordenador@fct.unl.pt

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

I want to apply:
NATIONAL APPLICATIONS
INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS

Career opportunities

PhD graduates in Geological Engineering are qualified to perform high-level technical and scientific roles in various organizations, including:

  • Companies involved in the exploration and consultancy of Georesources—both geological and energy-related—covering prospecting, characterization, evaluation, and responsible resource management.
  • Companies specializing in the assessment and management of geoenvironmental and geotechnical risks, including the prevention and mitigation of geological hazards, slope stability, erosion control, and soil and groundwater contamination.
  • Civil engineering design and consultancy firms, focusing on subsurface geotechnical characterization, foundations, excavations, tunnels, dams, and underground works.
  • Specialized geotechnical consulting firms engaged in the management, coordination, and supervision of complex geotechnical projects in both urban and industrial environments.
  • National and international higher education and scientific research institutions, in the fields of Georesources, Geotechnics, and Geoenvironmental Engineering, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the training of new generations of specialists.

About the Department of Earth Sciences

The Department of Earth Sciences (DCT) at NOVA FCT constitutes a graduate, postgraduate and research teaching unit, currently organized into 3 scientific areas: Geology, Geological Engineering and Agroindustry.

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