The program is accredited by the Portuguese Agency for the Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education (A3ES), and the associated research unit has received an Excellent rating in the latest evaluation from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).

Objectives

• Promote autonomy and excellence in fundamental and applied psychological research, aligned with the international standards in research and advanced training
• Foster the development of conceptual, methodological, and scientific communication skills
• Stimulate the development of national and international networks through teaching, co-supervision, and mobility
• Stimulate scientific dissemination in academic contexts and within the broader community
• Train highly qualified professionals for careers inside and outside academia
• Apply psychological research to understanding and addressing relevant social challenges, reinforcing the role of psychology in developing a knowledge-based society

Structure and Organization 

The program is taught in person and entirely in English, attracting highly qualified and motivated candidates from diverse countries and backgrounds, many of whom are supported by competitive national and international scholarships. In addition to supporting applications for external funding, the program provides scholarships and specific support through the School of Social Sciences and CIS-Iscte.

With a duration of four years on a full-time basis (part-time enrollment is also available), the program combines a curricular component focused on conceptual and methodological development with supervised research activities.

PhD students benefit from close supervision by their advisory teams, regular discussions of work in progress, and periodic independent evaluation by external researchers who monitor research progress.

Most doctoral projects are developed in collaboration with national and international teams, and students frequently conduct part of their work at other teaching or research institutions. The program actively encourages the integration of doctoral students into the scientific networks promoted by CIS-Iscte, as well as the development of their own collaborations.

PhD students have access to specialized research facilities and resources, including a state-of-the-art laboratory, equipped for a wide range of behavioral studies and research in cognitive and affective neuroscience.

Regular dissemination of research is strongly encouraged through publication in specialized journals, participation in national and international conferences, and presentation of results at seminars and public events open to the community. PhD students are encouraged to attend summer schools, thematic courses, and internships at national and international institutions. Much of the research and dissemination activities receive financial support from the program and the associated research unit.