Accreditations
The PhD programme in Public Policy trains researchers and professors of higher education, as well as professionals qualified to analyze, design, manage and evaluate public policy within Portuguese, European, and international organizations.
This is a three-year programme in which students have opportunities to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills. During their first year, doctoral candidates attend six compulsory seminars focused on theories and methodologies in public policy, as well as two elective units that may cover any of the following areas: social policy, defense and external relations, education, health, the environment, immigration, media, science and technology, energy and development. In the following two years, candidates prepare their theses through conducting research in the Centre for Research and Studies in Sociology (CIES-IUL). In addition, candidates attend a research seminar, an international conference cycle and the Public Policy Forum.
Students who finish the first year of the course will receive a Diploma of Advanced Studies in Public Policy with 60 credits (ECTS).
The staff of teachers and conference speakers combines international and Portuguese specialists, including social scientists, lawyers and economists, former ministers, experts and high-level policy-makers.
The coordination of the PhD programme is managed by Pedro Adão e Silva.
Applications are now open for 2 Merit-Based Scholarships and 2 Grants for the Payment of Annual Tuition Fees, available to students of the PhD in Public Policy .
The Merit-Based Scholarships, with a monthly amount equivalent to the national reference value for PhD scholarships awarded by FCT, is intended for new students and for those enrolled in the 1st year in the academic year 2024–2025.
The Grants for the payment of annual tuition fees is available to new students who completed their Master’s degree at Iscte within the two academic years prior to the start of the PhD (including those who completed or will complete it in 2024–2025).
Eligible applicants include currently enrolled students as well as those applying to the PhD in the 6th application phase, taking place between 26 June and 27 August 2025.
More information available here
Useful links
International PhD Conferences Cycle
X ESPP PhD Colloquium | 27, 28 & 29 of May 2024
Centro de Investigação e Estudos de Sociologia (CIES-Iscte)
General Regulatory Standards for Iscte Doctorate Degrees | EN
Specific Norms of the PhD in Public Policy (2016) | PT
Alteration of acceptability - Project | Public Session | PT
Management
General information