Doctoral Programme in Economics

The Doctoral Programme in Economics aims at providing advanced scientific training in economic analysis. Doctoral graduates in Economics should be able to perform highly demanding tasks and to adapt to new micro- and macroeconomic contexts. The Doctoral Programme in Economics is taught by doctorate professors who advise students on the choice of their dissertation’s topic and guide them during research. Students will be integrated in regular research activities at the Faculty. Since 2009/2010, the Doctoral Programme has been offered together with the School of Economics and Management at the University of Minho.

General Objectives of the Course

The Doctoral Programme in Economics aims at providing advanced scientific training in economic analysis. Doctoral graduates in Economics should be able to perform highly demanding tasks and to adapt to new micro- and macroeconomic contexts.

Admission Requirements

1. Applicants for admission to the Doctoral Programme in Economics must be:
   a) Holders of a master's degree or legal equivalent, namely holders of a Master's degree in Economics with a Very Good classification or equivalent rank or holders of a master's degree in other fields, with a Very Good classification or equivalent rank, or holders of a bachelor's degree with Very Good classification or equivalent rank in the school part of master's in Economics or related fields;
   b) Holders of a bachelor's degree in the fields referred to in sub-paragraph a), 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 scholarly, scientific or professional curriculum that is recognized as attesting to the capacity to carry out this cycle of studies by the Academic Board of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the University of Coimbra.
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.

Professional Goals

Doctoral graduates in Economics have qualifications to exercise functions in several business fields, such as auditing and consulting, banking and insurance, studies and planning, teaching and research, namely in central, regional and local public administration, public bodies, and national and international companies and organizations.

Mode of Study

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

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

English.

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

As assessment is a pedagogical activity inseparable from the teaching process, its aim is to establish the students' competencies and knowledge, their critical sense, ability to recognize and resolve problems, as well as their written and oral presentation skills. Students may only register for exams for classes they are currently registered for under the terms of number 6 of article 4 of the University of Coimbra Pedagogical Policy. The following are examples of assessment items: Oral or written exams, written or practical work, individual and group projects that may require an oral defense, as well as class participation. Assessment for each class may include one or more of the above mentioned items. Grading is based on a scale of 0 to 20 and a grade of 10 is required to pass. Whenever the grade comprises more than one item, the final grade is calculated by taking into account the relative weight of each item according a formula published in the course outline under the terms of number 2 of article 7 of the UC Pedagogical Policy.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

The Ph.D. programme aims at providing the students with the skills required for full integration in the globalized job market. In particular, by the end of the programme, we expect students to be able to:

• Integrate new knowledge, handle complex problems and formulate judgements;
• Command the competencies, skills and research methods required in economic analysis;
• Develop learning and research skills that will allow them to conduct autonomous work of a scientific nature in economics;
• Identify limitations and weaknesses of economic theory, which can be used to foster original ideas;
• Demonstrate the ability to conceive, project, adapt and carry out relevant scientific research, while complying with the standards of economic integrity;
• Pursue original research work that pushes forward the frontiers of science;
• Communicate in a clear way the results of a research project.

Course Coordinator(s)

• Carlos Manuel Gonçalves Carreira
• Pedro Manuel Cortesão Godinho
• Tiago Miguel Guterres Neves Sequeira

ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)

• António Manuel Portugal Duarte
• Raquel Beleza Pereira da Silva

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

Graduation Requirements

At the end of the first year, composed by eight mandatory units of study, the student must undergo an exam on the main subjects taught during the first two semesters. Approval in this exam must be obtained for admission to the second year. In the third semester, the candidate must attend and obtain approval in the unit of study Thesis Proposal, and also submit a dissertation project, whose successful defence is required for subsequent dissertation development. The dissertation will then be defended in a public examination. This programme leads to a doctoral degree in Economics by the University of Coimbra.

Access to Further Studies

Doctoral graduates will be able to access post-doctoral programmes, namely in the field of Economics.

Study Programme

• Doctorate Program in Economics
  • Academic year:
  • Course Type: 3rd Cycle Studies
  • DGES Code: 9339
  • Qualification Awarded:
  • Duration: 4 Year(s)
  • ECTS Credits: 240.0
  • Annual Fee: 2750.0

Accreditations

• Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior
  • Nº Registo: R/A-Ef 1597/2011/AL01
  • Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior

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.