Doctoral Programme in Sociology – Sustainable Cultures, Cities and Territories

General Objectives of the Course

The PhD in in Sociology – Cultures, Cities, and Sustainable Territories is an advanced training program aimed at developing scientific research skills and high professional qualifications in a specialized branch of sociology and interdisciplinary dialogue between this and other scientific areas: one that focuses on the social and cultural dimensions of urban ways of life and the forms of organization and planning of contemporary cities. Organized in cooperation between the Faculty of Economics of the University of Coimbra and the Center for Social Studies (CES), as a host institution for doctoral students, the Doctoral program establishes a strong commitment to highly topical themes for understanding and the ability to intervene in contemporary urban contexts, at different scales.

Admission Requirements

1 - Applicants for admission to the Doctoral Programme in Cities and Urban Cultures:
a) Holders of a master's degree or legal equivalent;
b) Holders of a bachelor's degree, holders of a particularly relevant academic or scientific
curriculum that is recognized as attesting capacity to carry out this cycle of studies by the Academic Board of the Faculty of Economics;
c) Holders of a school, scientific or professional curriculum that is recognized as attesting to the ability to carry out this cycle of studies by the Academic Board of the Faculty of Economics.
2 - The recognition referred to in subparagraphs b) and c) of paragraph 1 only allows access to the cycle of studies leading to a PhD Degree and does not grant its holder the recognition or
equivalence to a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree.

Candidates should check the admission requirements available on this site, in addition to the information provided here.

Professional Goals

Doctorates in in Sociology – Cultures, Cities, and Sustainable Territories are qualified to perform multiple different functions within the scope of public administration, companies, associations and non-governmental organizations, as well as teaching and research institutions, in the field of Sociology, particularly in areas related to the planning, management and governance of urban dynamics.

Mode of Study

Attendance full-time, face-to-face during the day. Academic sessions take place on Fridays and Saturdays

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

Portuguese

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

The regulations of the University of Coimbra on 3rd cycles are applied here, particularly the UC Academic Regulation and the FEUC Assessment and Examinations Regulations.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The recognition of prior learning is carried out in accordance with the Academic Regulations of the University of Coimbra.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

The legal framework for the qualification is established by the decrees: Decree-Law nr 74/2006, 24th March, in its current wording

Graduation Requirements

This Doctoral Program, lasting 4 years (8 semesters), includes a teaching component in the 1st year, within which it is necessary to obtain approval for all curricular units. At the end of the first year, doctoral students will present a thesis project, which will be assessed by a jury and on whose approval access to the thesis preparation, which will be defended in public tests, depends. This Program leads to a doctorate from the UC.
The approval of the curricular units in the first academic year (City, Citizenship, Participation, and Sustainability; Sociological Research Methodology; Seminar 1: Strategies for Approaching Cultural and Urban Dynamics; Culture, Creativity, and Inclusive Innovation; Seminar 2: Thesis Project on Cultures, Cities, and Territorial Sustainability and one option) totalizing 60 ECTS of this study cycle, will award a Advanced Specialization Course Diploma in Sociology – Cultures, Cities, and Sustainable Territories.

Access to Further Studies

PhD holders are in a position to access a post-doctorate, particularly in the area of Sociology.

Study Programme

Sociology – Sustainable Cultures, Cities and Territories

Academic year
2026-2027

Course Type
3rd Cycle Studies

Qualification Awarded: Doutor

Duration: 4 Year(s)

ECTS Credits: 240.0

Applications

Call for Applications

Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior: 2026-07-31 a 2032-07-30
Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior: 2026-05-11