Doctoral Programme in Sociology: Work, Organizations, and Inequalities

General Objectives of the Course

The Doctoral Programis an in-depth academic training program in Sociology, with its main objective being advanced training in social areas directly linked to social and employment policies, as well as in the field of social dialogue and resolution of labor conflicts, and also those relating to the problems of sexual equality, trade unionism and social movements. 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, this Program is intended to contribute to expanding scientific knowledge in the social sciences in areas considered decisive for understanding ongoing social transformations, in the current national and global context, as well as developing professional or associative qualifications and skills, deepening the analysis and critical diagnosis around these themes.

Admission Requirements

1. The following may apply for access to the study cycle leading to a doctorate degree: 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 the ability to carry out this cycle of studies by the scientific council of the Faculty of Economics; c) Holders of an academic, scientific or professional curriculum that is recognized as attesting the ability to carry out this cycle of studies by the scientific council of the Faculty of Economics. 2 - The recognition referred to in paragraphs b) and c) of paragraph 1 has the effect only of access to the study cycle leading to the doctorate degree and does not grant its holder the equivalence to the master's degree or the recognition of that degree.

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

Professional Goals

Doctorates are qualified to carry out multiple and diverse functions within the scope of public administration, companies, associations and non-governmental organizations, as well as teaching and research institutions, in the area of Sociology, particularly on topics related to work, social inequalities and trade unionism.

Mode of Study

Full-time attendance, presence required in daytime schedule. Teaching sessions will take place on Friday and Saturday.

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

Portuguese

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

The provisions of the University of Coimbra regulations relating to 3rd cycles apply. Attendance in the 1st year curricular units is mandatory, except in very specific and exceptional situations and as long as they are duly authorized by the Program coordination.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

This third cycle of studies aims, firstly, to acquire generic skills, in accordance with the provisions of article 28 of DL 74/2006, of March 24, essential for this level of university training. Among these skills we highlight: the comprehensive and detailed cognitive mastery of a given scientific area; the in-depth and systematic understanding of an area of specialization; methodological sophistication in the design, preparation and execution of research work, respecting the demands imposed by standards of academic quality and integrity; the ability to critically analyze and evaluate new theoretical proposals and complex realities; and the ability to construct and defend a consistent and original argument. Furthermore, this Doctoral Program seeks to provide a set of specific skills – in the field of Labor Relations and combating Social and Sexual Inequalities – to be activated by economic and institutional agents linked to the labor and trade union field.

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 qualification is governed by Decree-Law No. 74/2006 of 24 March, as currently amended.

Graduation Requirements

This Doctoral Program, lasting 4 years (8 semesters), includes a teaching component in the first year. Attendance and approval in seminars in the first academic year are a necessary condition for the presentation of the thesis project, on whose successful defense the subsequent development of the thesis depends, which will be defended in public examinations. This Program leads to a doctorate in Sociology from the University of Coimbra.
The approval of the curricular units in the first academic year (Collaborative Seminar, Class Analysis, Inequalities and Social Transformations, Work Trade Unionism and Emerging Transitions, Thesis Project Seminar, one Specialised Research Seminar and one option) totalizing 60 ECTS of this study cycle, will award a Advanced Specialization Course Diploma in Sociology: Work, Organisations and Inequalities.

Access to Further Studies

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

Study Programme

Sociology: Work, Organizations, and Inequalities

Academic year
2026-2027

Course Type
3rd Cycle Studies

DGES Code: D070

Qualification Awarded: Doutor

Duration: 4.0 Year(s)

ECTS Credits: 240.0

Annual Fee: 2000.0

Applications

Call for Applications

3rd Cycle Course

Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior: Nº Registo: ACEF/2526/0309977; 2026-07-31 a 2032-07-30
Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior: Nº Registo: R/A-Ef 1605/2011/AL02; 2026-05-04