Doctoral Programme in Sociology Cities and Urban Cultures

General Objectives of the Course

The Doctoral Programme in Cities and Urban Cultures is an advanced training programme aimed at developing both scientific research competences and high-level professional qualifications in a specialized branch of sociology, as well as an interdisciplinary interchange between sociology and other scientific areas: an interchange which will cover social and cultural dimensions of urban ways of life and organization and planning forms of contemporary cities. Organized in collaboration between the Faculty of Economics of the University of Coimbra and the Centre for Social Studies (CES) as a host institution for doctoral candidates, the doctoral programme is strongly committed to highly up-to-date themes which contribute to understand and empower intervention in a contemporary urban context at several levels.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the Doctoral Programme in Cities and Urban Cultures:

• Holders of a master's degree or legal equivalent
• 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
• 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 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 Cities and Urban Cultures have qualifications for exercising 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, namely in areas related to planning, management and governance of urban dynamics.

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 language.

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
• 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 to a formula published in the course outline under the terms of number 2 of article 7 of the UC Pedagogical Policy.

Course Coordinator(s)

• Claudino Cristovão Ferreira
• Nancy Ann Duxbury

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 3 years (6 semesters) and includes a taught component in the first two years, in which approval in each unit of study is required. At the end of the first year, doctoral candidates will present a dissertation project which will be assessed by a jury, whose approval is required for writing the dissertation. The dissertation will be defended in a public examination. This programme leads to a doctoral degree in Sociology by the University of Coimbra.

Access to Further Studies

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

Study Programme

Doctoral Programme in Cities and Urban Cultures.

Academic Year

Change year.

Course Type

3rd Cycle Studies.

DGES Code

Qualification Awarded

Doctoral degree in Sociology.

Duration

3 Year(s).

ECTS Credits

180.0.

Annual Fee

2000.0.

Calendar

1st Semester:

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

Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior. Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior. Nº Registo: R/A-Ef 1604/2011/AL01.

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.