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.
Advanced scientific and technical training focused on the development of cutting-edge knowledge and technology in key areas of Engineering applied to Earth Sciences.
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
Course Coordinator: Ana Paula Fernandes da Silva, pdeg.coordenador@fct.unl.pt
Academic divison: div.aea.helpdesk@fct.unl.pt
PhD graduates in Geological Engineering are qualified to perform high-level technical and scientific roles in various organizations, including:
Applicants to this study cycle must meet the admission and enrollment requirements for doctoral programs as outlined in the General Regulations for Doctoral Programs of NOVA FCT.
Additionally, candidates must meet at least one of the following conditions:
a) Hold a master’s degree in the scientific field of Earth Sciences or related Engineering Sciences, or a legally equivalent qualification. Candidates must have a minimum final grade of 14 (on a 20-point scale) in these study cycles.
b) Hold a bachelor’s degree in the field of Earth Sciences or related Engineering Sciences and possess an especially relevant academic or scientific curriculum, recognized by the Scientific Council of NOVA FCT as demonstrating the ability to undertake this study cycle.
c) Possess an academic, scientific, or professional curriculum in the field of Earth Sciences or related Engineering Sciences that is recognized by the Scientific Council of NOVA FCT, upon proposal by the Department of Earth Sciences Council, as demonstrating the ability to undertake this study cycle.
The recognition referred to in items b) and c) above will be based on assessments provided by two PhD-holding professors or researchers, considered experts in the relevant scientific field and appointed by the Doctoral Program’s Scientific Committee.
Tuition fee - Portuguese students: 2.750€/year
Tuition fee - Foreign students: 2.750€/year
The NOVA University Lisbon reinforces its commitment to equity in higher education by awarding scholarships that promote inclusion and equal opportunities.
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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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