Program Overview

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Introduction to the PhD in Development Studies

The PhD in Development Studies (DS) aims to provide high-quality training and produce original research on the processes of economic, socio-ecological, and political transformation, including a focus on the urban-rural dimension of development.

Program Overview

The PhD program was created in 2009 at ISEG (Lisbon School of Economics and Management). In 2017, it was reconfigured as a partnership of four top schools of Universidade de Lisboa: ISEG, ICS (Instituto de Ciências Sociais), IGOT (Instituto de Geografia e Ordenamento do Território), and ISA (Instituto Superior de Agronomia). The new program engages with the major challenges of development from a richer disciplinary perspective, including theories of development and modernity, the policy and politics of development, sustainability transitions, and a focus on urban-rural development.

Target Audience

The program is designed for anyone interested in obtaining advanced academic training and doing research with a view to working in jobs related to international and national development in the public sector, the private sector, or the non-profit sector. Out-going students can find employment in teaching and research posts, managerial and executive positions in international and national organizations, consultancy, training, research projects, journalism, planning, development projects, public policy planning and evaluation, and social projects and social policies.

Program Structure

The PhD Development Studies is a three-year program in which students must obtain a total of 180 ECTS (credits). It comprises:

• Courses (60 ECTS credits)
• Preparation, submission, and defense of thesis (120 ECTS)

Courses are taught in the first year of the program over 2 semesters.

First Year - First Semester

• Theories of Modernity and Development (9 ECTS)
• Development in Transition (12 ECTS)
• Research Methods in Development Studies (6 ECTS)
• Research Seminar I (3 ECTS)

First Year - Second Semester

• Development Policy and Policies (7.5 ECTS)
• Research Essay (4.5 ECTS)
• Topics in Development Studies (3 ECTS)
• Elective Modules of Research Methods (6 ECTS)
• Research Seminar II (3 ECTS)
• Elective Unit (6 ECTS)

Second and Third Years

• Research Work/Dissertation (60 ECTS each year)

Accreditation

The program has received accreditation from A3ES (Accreditation of Study Programme in Operation) in 2015 and 2022.

Requirements

The following are admitted as applicants:

• Holders of a Master's degree in the fields of Economy, Management, Law, Sociology, Geography, Political Science, International Relations, History, Anthropology, or any other area considered relevant
• Holders of a Bachelor's degree with an average final grade of 16 values or higher (out of 20)
• Holders of a Bachelor's degree with an average final grade lower than 16 values (out of 20) as long as they have a relevant academic and scientific curriculum

Applications

Applications are accepted in two calls:

• 1st Call: 13th November 2023 to 19th January 2024
• 2nd Call: 19th February 2023 to 12th April 2024

The application fee is €60. Applications must be submitted with the following documents:

• Certificate of Qualifications (Master's or equivalent academic degree)
• Academic, scientific, and/or professional curriculum
• Supporting documents referenced in the Curriculum
• Letter of interest
• Research project
• Two letters of recommendation
• Proof of English skills at level B1 or higher (if not a native of an English-speaking country)
• Other relevant documents

Admission

The selection made by the Scientific Committee of the PhD will be based on the following criteria:

• Master's and respective final classification
• Bachelor's degree and respective final classification
• Relevant academic and professional experience
• Research project

Language

The program is lectured in English, but offers tutorials in both Portuguese and English. The PhD thesis may be written in Portuguese or English. B1 English (CEFR) or higher is required (if not a native of an English-speaking country).