PhD in Sustainable Energy Systems

The Sustainable Energy Systems (SES/EfS) doctoral program is included in the Energy for Sustainability initiative (EfS) and aims at developing its student’s abilities to contribute to interdisciplinary interventions in areas such as the efficient use of energy, centralized or decentralized energy production, or the distribution of energy, always under a sustainable development perspective.

General Objectives of the Course

Students that earn a PhD through this program have developed competences in the technological domains associated to these areas, as well as the domains of economics and the environment; they acquired capacities to analyze systems and their interrelations; they are able to develop research activities and tackle highly complex problems concerning the energy environment binomial, addressing topics such as the evaluation of system’s sustainability, using life-cycle models, materials flow analysis, decision support systems, market economics analyses, or market regulation mechanisms.

Admission Requirements

• Hold a master's degree or equivalent
• Hold a bachelor's degree with a relevant academic or scientific curriculum, duly recognized by the PhD’s Coordination Committee and by the FCTUC's Scientific Committee, attesting the ability to carry out the course
• Hold an academic, scientific or professional curriculum, duly recognized by the PhD’s Coordination Committee and by the FCTUC's Scientific Committee, attesting the ability to carry out the course

Professional Goals

• Sustainability Departments at large companies
• Companies acting on the fields of Energy, Environment or Construction
• Research and Development Departments
• Design and Consulting companies
• Education
• Transportation companies
• Urban Planning

Mode of Study

Full-time

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

English/Portuguese

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

Given the fact that pedagogical assessment is inseparable from teaching, it is intended to ascertain competences and knowledge that students acquired, their critical thinking, their ability to point out and solve problems, as well as their written and oral expression.

• Examples of the assessment elements are the following: written or oral exam, tests, written or practical assignments, as well as individual or group projects that may have to be orally defended and students’ participation in classes
• The mark obtained by each student in each curricular unit consists of a whole number between 0 and 20 points and students who obtain the minimum final mark of 10 points are successfully assessed

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

The Sustainable Energy Systems (SES/EfS) doctoral program at the University of Coimbra aims at developing its students' abilities to contribute to interdisciplinary interventions in areas such as the efficient use of energy, centralized or decentralized energy production, or the distribution of energy, always under a sustainable development perspective.

• Students that earn a PhD through this program have developed competences in the technological domains associated to these areas, as well as the domains of economics and the environment
• They acquired capacities to analyze systems and their interrelations
• They are able to develop research activities and tackle highly complex problems concerning the energy-environment binomial, addressing topics such as the evaluation of systems' sustainability, using life-cycle models, materials flow analysis, geographical information systems, market economics analyzes, or market regulation mechanisms

Course Coordinator(s)

Manuel Carlos Gameiro da Silva

ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)

• Telmo Miguel Pires Pinto
• Vanessa Sofia Melo Magalhães

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning is carried out in accordance with the Academic Regulation of the University of Coimbra

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

The SSE is composed of 4 years, in which students are asked to complete 240 ECTS, according to DL 74/2006, of 24 March, as amended by the DL 107/2008, of 25 June, by the DL 230/2009, of 14 September, and by the DL 115/2013, of 7 August

Graduation Requirements

To earn the degree of Doctor in Energy for Sustainability it is necessary to successfully complete mandatory and elective courses totaling 60 ECTS credits, plus a PhD dissertation corresponding to 180 ECTS credits.

• YEAR 1: mandatory Curricular Units (CUs) totaling 30 credits (ECTS) plus 30 ECTS in elective CUs chosen among those offered by UC and the institutions with similar programs with which there is collaboration (UP and UL)
• The mandatory CUs provide the backbone of the curriculum, over which each student can design its own specialization preferences
• All students gain a common background on sustainability, energy systems and environmental issues, but also the necessary tools to develop applied research work that leads to innovative products and services

Access to Further Studies

Not applicable

Study Programme

Sustainable Energy Systems

Academic Year

Change year

Course Type

3rd Cycle Studies

DGES Code

5271

Qualification Awarded

Doctor in Energy for Sustainability

Duration

4 Year(s)

ECTS Credits

240.0

Annual Fee

2750.0

Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior

• Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior
• Nº Registo: R/A-Ef 1534/2011/AL01

Calendar

• 1st Semester:
  • Start date:
  • End date:
• 2nd Semester:
  • Start date:
  • End date:

Partners

• Universidade de Lisboa
• Universidade do Porto

Universidade de Coimbra

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Overview:

Universidade de Coimbra is a public research university located in Coimbra, Portugal. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, with a rich history dating back to 1290. The university is renowned for its academic excellence, particularly in the fields of law, medicine, and humanities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university offers a vibrant campus life with a wide range of cultural and sporting activities. Students can participate in the university's theater, music, and dance programs, as well as its sports teams. The university also has a number of student clubs and organizations.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Historical Significance:

Universidade de Coimbra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering students a unique opportunity to study in a historic and culturally rich environment.

Academic Excellence:

The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in Portugal and internationally, offering high-quality academic programs.

International Reputation:

Universidade de Coimbra has a strong international reputation, attracting students and faculty from around the world.

Research Opportunities:

The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects.

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Academic Programs:

Universidade de Coimbra offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Undergraduate Studies:

  • Licenciaturas (Bachelor's degrees)
  • Mestrados integrados (Integrated Master's degrees)

• Postgraduate Studies:

  • Mestrados (Master's degrees)
  • Doutoramentos (Doctoral degrees)

• Other Courses:

  • Ensino a distância (Distance learning)
  • Cursos preparatórios (Preparatory courses)
  • Aprender português (Portuguese language courses)

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Other:

The university has three campuses, 16 libraries, two museums, one theater, two stadiums, one botanic garden, 14 residences, and 18 canteens and cafeterias. It also has a strong commitment to sustainability, with initiatives such as solar panels and waste sorting programs.