Education

PhD in Science and Materials Engineering

Shaping Science, Revolutionizing Materials

The PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, established in 2009/2010, has a duration of four years (240 ECTS) and offers advanced, multidisciplinary training, essential for innovation and industrial development.

This program aims to train specialists capable of working in the design, transformation, and functionalization of new materials, integrating them into innovative systems and devices. It covers areas such as Chemical Engineering, Electronics, Mechanics, Metallurgy, Biomaterials, Renewable Energy, and Sustainability.

This PhD provides rigorous and comprehensive training, preparing scientists and engineers to actively contribute to innovation and technological progress.

Why this PhD Programme?

  • Multidisciplinary and Integrated Approach – This program combines advanced knowledge in various areas of Materials Science and Engineering, enabling the design and optimization of materials for innovative applications.
    Interaction with the Industrial Sector – The strong link with industry facilitates the application of scientific knowledge in real-world contexts, promoting technological transfer and innovation in production processes.
    Excellence in Research and Development – The program fosters cutting-edge research in new technologies, processing methodologies, and material functionalization, from the macro to the nanoscale.
    Professional and Scientific Evolution Prospects – PhD graduates will be prepared to work in research centers, universities, and technological companies, as well as to drive scientific entrepreneurship.
    Sustainability and Technological Impact – The course promotes research into sustainable solutions, such as material recycling and the development of new energy systems, addressing today’s environmental challenges.

Applications 2025/26

1st Phase: Mar.14 to Abr. 7

2nd Phase: Jun. 2 to Jul. 18

Vacancies: 10

Duration: 4 year (240 ETCS)

Format: On-site

Language: English

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?

Course Coordinator: João Paulo Borges, pdcem.coordenador@fct.unl.pt

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

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Program

The doctoral program is organized into two specialties: Materials Science and Materials Engineering, both with a strong focus on advanced research and development of materials.

Each specialty requires the completion of 228 ECTS in mandatory curricular units within the corresponding scientific area. Additionally, doctoral students must complete 12 ECTS in elective units, which may include courses in Applied Social Sciences, Materials Science and Engineering, or other relevant scientific areas.

The thesis must demonstrate the doctoral student's ability to conduct original and innovative research in the field of Materials Science and Engineering, contributing to the advancement of scientific and technological knowledge. The work is supervised by experienced researchers and may involve collaborations with academic and industrial institutions, including CENIMAT|i3N – an internationally recognized laboratory in the field of Materials and Nanotechnology.

This structure provides solid and specialized training, promoting the integration of fundamental and applied knowledge in materials science and technology.

Curriculum

Career opportunities

  • Various industries (ceramics and glass, polymers and molds, automotive and aerospace, metalworking, electronics and computers, etc.) in the area of R&D,
  • Research and Teaching,
  • Consulting,
  • Entrepreneurship.

About the Department of Materials Science

The Department of Materials Science (DCM) of NOVA FCT has unique laboratory infrastructures in Portugal, internationally recognized, which, together with the excellent teaching for which we strive, have allowed us to train Materials Engineers with high scientific and technical quality.

More info