PhD Degree in Territory, Risk and Public Policies

The PhD degree in Territory, Risk and Public Policies (TRPP) is a comprehensive program designed to offer solid training in risk-related scientific areas. The program is structured along three main strategic lines:

• Promotion of a critical vision of risk, social vulnerability, and resilience concepts, as well as instruments of risk evaluation and management, taking into account contextual dimensions of risk (sociological dimension).
• The possibility for students to be involved in risk analysis within the context of various land use development and territory planning programs, and in the evaluation of policies and projects with territorial impact (planning dimension).
• Analysis of environmental risks and climate changes, critically evaluating international and national governance policies in this area (environmental dimension).

TRPP also promotes ways of involving communities, institutions, social actors, and citizens in risk governance practices.

General Objectives of the Course

The objective of TRPP is to offer solid training in risk-related scientific areas. The program aims to provide students with a critical vision of risk, social vulnerability, and resilience concepts, as well as instruments of risk evaluation and management.

Admission Requirements

The criteria for the selection of candidates are:

• Bachelor and Master degrees in fields related to the PhD program (60%).
• Scientific curriculum (20%).
• Professional curriculum (20%).

Students must hold Bachelor and Master degrees with a minimum final classification of Good, with recommendation letters from experts in the thematic area of the PhD program. The main undergraduate and Master degrees privileged are:

• Sociology and Geography.
• Economics.
• Law.
• Earth Sciences.
• Architecture and Urbanism.
• Biology and Technologies for Environment Protection.

Professional Goals

The students with the PhD degree in Territory, Risk and Public Policies can work in the public or private sector in the following fields:

• Regional and spatial planning.
• Risk evaluation.
• Risk cartography.
• Social vulnerability and public policies.
• Civil protection and population safety.
• Emergency planning.

Mode of Study

Full-time with class attendance.

Teaching/Evaluation Language(s)

Portuguese.

Examination Regulations, Assessment, and Grading

Assessment is a pedagogical activity inseparable from the teaching process, aiming 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. 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.

Grading is based on a scale of 0 to 20, and a grade of 10 is required to pass.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

The doctoral program fosters the advanced training and qualification of human resources in the area of planning and risk analysis. The program aims to provide solid scientific training in diverse areas related to risk, such as process modeling, land use management, mobilization of individuals and communities, as well as the articulation and implementation of public policies.

Course Coordinator(s)

• José Manuel Oliveira Mendes.
• Neide Luísa Portela Areia.

ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)

• Marta Cristina Cardoso de Oliveira.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning is enacted by the Programme Scientific Committee and by request of the candidates, originating the enrollment in the regular or research branches.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

The legal framework for the qualification is established by the decrees:

• Decree-Law no 74/2006, de 24th March, amended and republished by the decree: DL no 107/2008, 25th June.
• Ordinance no 782/2009, 23rd July.

Graduation Requirements

The doctoral program is composed of a lecturing component concentrated in the first year of the studies cycle (both normal and research project branches), which is completed by a research component that occurs in the last three years or, according to exceptional adaptations, begins at the first year of the program. The students in the research project branch have to choose in the first year three curricular units from the program core and have to enroll in the Research Seminar, completing 30 lecturing credit units. For qualification, all students must obtain a total of 240 ECTS.

Access to Further Studies

Doesn’t apply.

Study Programme

Paths:

• Regular.
• Research Project.

Academic Year

Change year.

Course Type

3rd Cycle Studies.

DGES Code

Qualification Awarded

PhD degree in Territory, Risk and Public Policies.

Duration

4 years.

ECTS Credits

240.0.

Annual Fee

2000.0.

Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior.

Nº Registo

R/A-Cr 188/2010.

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.