Program Overview

Doctoral Program in Public Health

The Doctoral Program in Public Health aims to promote scientific activities in the area of Public Health, providing students with:

• Training in creating, planning, and executing scientific research in Public Health
• Expertise in the interpretation, discussion, and communication of results, preparation of scientific articles and other technical materials
• In-depth knowledge in public health and a specific specialization area
• Skills and instruments for life-long learning
• Preparation of new researchers and management of programs in public health and in a specific area of specialization

This PhD offers 5 areas of specialization:

• Epidemiology
• Health Promotion
• Health Policies and Management
• Health Economics
• Environmental and Occupational Health

Ideal Student

The ideal student for this program is:

• Those who have a Master's degree in fields related to or applicable to the health sector and who possess a strong motivation in the field of public health
• Professionals who are already employed or considering employment in public health, spanning various sectors including healthcare services, local government, academic institutions, research centers, social welfare services, civil society organizations, NGOs, as well as national or international institutions dedicated to public health

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates of this program include:

• Higher Education Lecturer/Researcher
• Epidemiologist
• Biostatistics Consultant
• Consultant for Policy Development and Analysis
• Evaluation and Management of Public Health Programs
• Quality Program and Health Promotion Consultant
• Environmental Policy Consultant Potential employers include:
  • Colleges and universities
  • Research centers
  • Pharmaceutical industry
  • Local Authorities
  • Health Units
  • Government entities
  • Communication companies
  • Mass media

General Characterization

Program Details

• DGES code: 5233
• Cycle: PhD (3rd Cycle)
• Degree: Doctorate (PhD)
• Access to other programs: Access to postdoctoral programs
• Coordinator: Available soon
• Opening date: September 22, 2025
• Vacancies: The Doctoral Program in Public Health requires a minimum number of 10 participants to be held
• Fees:
  • Application fee: 51,00 EUR (non-refundable)
  • Tuition fee for Portuguese citizens (3 years): 8.000,00 EUR
    • 3.500,00 EUR in the first year
    • 2.250,00 EUR in the second year
    • 2.250,00 EUR in the third year
  • Tuition fee for students with International Student status: 12.000,00 EUR
    • 6.000,00 EUR in the first year
    • 3.000,00 EUR in the second year
    • 3.000,00 EUR in the third year
• Schedule:
  • Year 1 - Mandatory course units: Fridays | 11.30 a.m. - 8.10 p.m.
  • Year 1 - Optional course units (online): Mondays (mornings), Wednesdays (afternoons) and/or Saturdays (mornings)
• Teaching language: English

Degree Pre-requisites

The study cycle leading to the doctoral degree includes:

• Completion of a doctoral course consisting of course units encompassing one academic year (60 ECTS)
• Completion of an original thesis specifically prepared for this purpose, suitable to the nature of the branch and specialty in which it is integrated, to be completed within two to four years after approval by the advisor(s) in the Scientific Council (120 ECTS)

Conditions of Admittance

To be admitted to the program, applicants must:

• Hold a Master's Degree or legal equivalent
• Hold a Bachelor's Degree who also have an especially relevant academic/scientific curriculum that attests to the applicants ability to carry out this cycle of studies
• Hold an academic, scientific, or professional curriculum vitae that is deemed by the Scientific Council to attest to the applicants ability to carry out this cycle of studies
• Be fluent in English (spoken and written)

Evaluation Rules

The grading in each of the course units included in the curriculum is expressed on a whole numerical scale from 0 to 20 points, with approval requiring a minimum final grade of 10 points resulting from the evaluation elements established in each course unit. The attendance of curricular units may imply prerequisites if so stated in their respective course unit records. The evaluation methods of each curricular unit can be consulted in their respective Course Unit Record.