PhD in Computational Media Design

General Objectives of the Course

The doctoral program aims to offer national and international students advanced scientific training at the confluence of Design and Computational Media, and associated research methods, with the following goals:

• train researchers to understand and contribute to the advancement of Design object and practices, as well as computational methods and techniques in Design, in dialectics with the innovation of computational media and its literacies, with the models of interaction and collaboration, with the human perception and cognition, and with artistic practices;
• empower towards autonomous high-quality interdisciplinary scientific research;
• enable students to develop high-potential scientific projects, integrated in international knowledge networks;
• contribute to the development of critical and complex thinking, to the understanding and exercise of Computational Media Design, as an instrument of social innovation and transition to sustainable development.

Admission Requirements

Who can apply:

• Holders of the master degree or legal equivalent in different scientific areas related with the scientific areas of the cycle of studies, namely, Informatics Sciences, Design, Architecture, Arts;
• Holders of the degree of "licenciado" (bachelor degree), with a particularly relevant academic or scientific curriculum recognized by the Scientific Council of the Organic unit / school responsible for its edition, attesting capacity for the accomplishment of this cycle of studies;
• Holders of a an academic, scientific or professional curriculum that is recognized by he Scientific Council of the Organic unit / School where they wish to be admitted, attesting ability to carry out this cycle of studies.

Professional Goals

Higher Education in Design, Computing and Informatics, Media Studies, Cognitive Sciences, Social Studies and similar, Researchers at Higher Education Institutions or Scientific Research Centres, Design management and practice in design agencies, Specialized consulting in innovation and development projects, etc.

Mode of Study

B-learning

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

Portuguese and English

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

Evaluation is a key educational activity in the teaching process and is meant to assess the skills and knowledge acquired by students, their critical thinking and ability to outline and solve problems, as well as their mastery of written and oral expression. Eligible candidates to the exams must be enrolled in the corresponding course units in the academic year of such exams. If necessary, they must also register for those exams. The following are examples of evaluation: Written or oral exam, tests, and written or practical assignments, as well as individual or group projects possibly followed by an oral defence and participation in the seminar sessions. The evaluation process for each course unit may include one or more of the aforementioned evaluation instruments. Grades for each course unit are expressed on an integer scale from 0 to 20. Students must attain a minimum grade of 10 to pass a course unit. Whenever the evaluation of a course unit includes more than one evaluation instrument, the final grade will be calculated from the individual grades attained for each evaluation instrument, following a formula published in the course unit sheet.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

• Understand the role of computational methods and technologies in the design and study of innovative computational media, contributing to the advancement of practices and the body of knowledge in Computational Media Design;
• To research at the intersections of computational creativity, interaction models and technologies, artistic practice, architecture, media production, communication, media literacy and criticism, perception and cognition, among other areas relevant to understand design practices and computational media;
• Understand relations between design practice and research processes, and the modes of knowledge production;
• To research challenges in design practices, participatory and plural, of transformation of a material culture situated in sociotechnical networks;
• Develop the role of design in social innovation and sustainable transition, articulating the endogenous or local, with cosmopolitan knowledge networks.

Course Coordinator(s)

Licínio Gomes Roque

ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)

Marta Cristina Cardoso de Oliveira

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

Decree-Law no. 74/2006, of March 24, in its current wording

Graduation Requirements

Completion of a set of curricular units (study plan) with 180 ECTS, including a public defense of an original thesis.

Access to Further Studies

Postdoctoral studies

Study Programme

Computational Media Design

Academic Year

Change year

Course Type

3rd Cycle Studies

DGES Code

5974

Qualification Awarded

PhD

Duration

3 Year(s)

ECTS Credits

180.0

Annual Fee

2750.0

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-Cr 139/2021

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.