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.
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
Course Coordinator: João Paulo Borges, pdcem.coordenador@fct.unl.pt
Academic divison: div.aea.helpdesk@fct.unl.pt
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.
The application fee is €51 (non-refundable).
Applicants must submit their application through the CLIP platform, including the following documents:
The candidate must meet at least one of the conditions stated in the following paragraphs:
The recognition referred to in paragraphs 2) and 3) of the previous conditions:
Will be based on opinions issued by two professors or PhD researchers, considered experts in the scientific field of the application and appointed by the Scientific Committee of the corresponding doctoral program.
Does not confer equivalence to the bachelor's or master's degree, nor does it grant its recognition.
Candidates will be selected and ranked based on the following criteria:
a. Academic and scientific curriculum;
b. Professional curriculum;
c. A text of up to five pages outlining the research topic the candidate is interested in pursuing.
The application process may include an individual interview to clarify the candidate's intentions, interests, and motivations.
Tuition fee - Portuguese students: 2.750€/year
Tuition fee - Foreign students: 2.750€/year
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.
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