In close connection with the ISCTE Center for International Studies (CEI-Iscte), the program is structured around three fundamental axes that correspond to the main lines of research at CEI-Iscte: International History, Security and Institutions; Activism, Citizenship and Human Rights; Sustainability and Development.

With a relatively light curricular component, this PhD is conceived as a program with a strong emphasis on the monitoring and tutoring activities, planned for the second and third year, on the integration of doctoral students in the research lines and activities of the CEI-Iscte and in constant interaction between students from the various years of the programme, with the aim of creating a true “learning community”.

In curricular terms, it is expected that throughout the first year, students will attend a seminar course entitled "Seminar in International Studies", in which the three major thematic areas of the program will be studies. There will also be an annual curricular unit for learning research methods and another for the preparation of the PhD project, which students will have to present and publicly defend at the end of the second semester. Doctoral students will also be strongly encouraged to participate in the numerous conferences, colloquia and seminars organized by the Research Unit that hosts the doctoral program.

Finally, it should be noted that the curricular units are taught in English, so that among its target audience are not only Portuguese students, but also students from other European countries and outside Europe, seeking to satisfy the growing demand for advanced training at Iscte by international students.

Applications for Iscte Merit Scholarships will be accepted from PhD students at the School of Sociology and Public Policy. Information on the application process will be made available shortly. The monthly amount of the grant is equal to the reference value for FCT Doctoral Grants, plus an exemption from tuition fees.  Students must be enrolled full-time and dedicated exclusively to their studies.