Doctoral Programme in International Relations - International Politics and Conflict Resolution

General Objectives of the Course

The doctoral programme in International Politics and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has the qualified professionalization and research autonomy of its students as generic goals. Specifically, IPCR programme is structured in order to foster the training of advanced skills in the analysis of contemporary international politics, with a particular emphasis on the study of international peace, conflict and security dynamics, whether from the perspective of the causes and signs of the emergence of conflicts, or from the standpoint of technical and theoretical instruments of conflict resolution, thus combining the research agendas of conflict, security and peace studies. This programme gathers therefore the strengths of technical training with the strengths of the theoretical framework of international peace, security and conflict with the aim of furthering the understanding and positive transformation of conflicts.

Admission Requirements

As defined in Article 64 of the Academic Regulation of the University of Coimbra and in the Act creating this doctoral programme:

• holders of a master's degree or legal equivalent in International Relations or other Social and Sciences;
• lecturers which have been approved in educational aptitude and scientific capacity tests;
• holders of a bachelor's degree in International Relations or other Social Sciences (or its equivalent in other countries) with a particularly relevant academic or scientific curriculum recognized by FEUC's Scientific Council as providing the skills for attending the current study cycle;
• holders of other bachelor’s or master’s degrees, as long as the FEUC’s Scientific Council considers that their study plan is in condition to be effectively and usefully inserted in the programme;
• holders of a school, scientific or professional curriculum recognized by the Doctoral Programme Coordination Committee and by FEUC's Scientific Council as providing the skills for attending the study cycle. The recognition mentioned in points c), d) and e) only allows access to a study cycle conducting to a doctoral degree, and does not entitle its holder any equivalence to a bachelor's or master's degree or a recognition thereof.

Professional Goals

Doctoral graduates in International Politics and Conflict Resolution have advanced qualifications for exercising multiple different functions in the field of international politics in general, and on the subjects of peace, security and conflicts in particular, namely in international organizations, state bodies (diplomatic career), in international relations departments and offices at public bodies and non-governmental organizations, in the media and in teaching and research institutions.

Mode of Study

Full-time, Face-to-face, Daytime; part-time is possible only in Thesis

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. The following are examples of assessment items: written or practical work, individual and group projects that may require an oral defense, as well as class participation. Assessment for each Seminar 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 final assessment involves more than one item, the final grade is calculated by taking into account the relative weight of each item according to a formula published in the course outline under the terms of number 2 of article 7 of the UC Pedagogical Rules. It should be noted that only students that obtain the minimum grade of 14/20 in all PhD Seminars and that have successfully defended their thesis project, may register for Thesis. The assessment regime for this doctoral programme regarding admission to the PhD Thesis is dependent upon the conclusion of 65 ECTS corresponding to the Seminars, as well as approval in the Research Seminar (55 ECTS) by a jury nominated for this effect. The final classification in the Seminars ranges from 0 to 20. The students are only in condition to register in the curricular unit Thesis if they have obtained at least a grade of 14 in all PhD Seminars. The thesis final classification is defined in accordance to the academic regulations of the University of Coimbra.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

IPCR seeks, above all, to provide the indispensable skills for the most advanced and demanding level of higher education. Among them, we should highlight a few: the comprehensive and detailed cognitive mastering of a particular scientific area; systematic and in-depth understanding of an area of specialization; sophistication in methodological design; development and implementation of research work, respecting the requirements imposed by academic quality and integrity standards; capacity for critical analysis and evaluation of new theoretical proposals and complex realities; and the ability to construct and defend a consistent and original argument. In order to achieve this objective, the IPCR seeks, more specifically, to train consolidated and sophisticated skills on Peace and Conflict Studies. These specific skills include three types:

• Cognitive: thorough knowledge of the evolution of international conflicts and of contemporary debates on this topic; identification and analysis of tension and conflict areas; critical reflection departing from the different theories of peace and security; knowledge of the techniques and strategies to approach and peacefully transform international conflicts.
• Social: the ability to apply acquired knowledge in international negociation, conflict prevention, transformation and resolution, post-war reconstruction, particularly in complex institutional and uncertain environments; ability to plan and carry out fieldwork involving these analytical instruments.
• Ethics: ability to frame this knowledge and these tools in a normative reading of international reality. The organization of this syllabus clearly corresponds to the ambition of achieving these objectives. This is reflected in particular in the structure of this curriculum: the courses on Conflict Prevention, Crisis Management and Peacebuilding, Theoretical Constructions of Peace, Geopolitics of Peace and Conflict, Contemporary Perspectives in Peace Studies and New Trends in International Politics and Conflict Resolution reflect the cognitive, social and ethical requirements of our training in this area of expertise. Evidence of remarkable success in achieving these objectives are the quality of the work done for each uc and its publication by CES, as well as regular presentations at national and international conferences (showing interest on the part of a highly demanding audience).

Course Coordinator(s)

• André Filipe Valadas Saramago
• Paula Duarte Lopes

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

The doctoral programme lasts for a minimum of 4 years (8 semesters) and includes Seminars in the first two years. Attendance and approval in first-year seminars with a minimum grade of 14/20 are required for the presentation of a dissertation project, whose successful defence is required for advancing for the PhD thesis. The thesis will then be defended in a public examination. This programme leads to a doctoral degree in International Relations by the University of Coimbra.

Access to Further Studies

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

Study Programme

Doctoral Programme in International Relations

Academic Year

Change year

Course Type

3rd Cycle Studies

DGES Code

5231

Qualification Awarded

Doctoral degree in International Relations

Duration

4 Year(s)

ECTS Credits

240.0

Annual Fee

2000.0

Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior Nº Registo: R/A-Ef 1602/2011/AL01

Calendar

1st Semester

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

Universidade de Coimbra

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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)

---

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.