PhD in Development Studies ISEG - Lisbon School of Economics & Management

Who can apply?

Anyone holding a master's degree in the areas of economics, management, law, sociology, geography, political science, international relations, history, anthropology, or any other area deemed appropriate.

Students who obtained a GPA of 16 or more (out of 20) or, in special circumstances, students whose GPA is lower than 16 but have demonstrated appropriate academic training or professional experience may also apply.

Admission and Application

The Scientific Committee for the doctorate program will choose candidates on the basis of the following criteria:

• Masters degree (final grade)
• First degree (undergraduate) (GPA)
• Academic and relevant professional experience
• Research proposal

Applications for the Ph.D. Development Studies are made online on the ISEG website. Applicants must provide proof that they meet the admission requirements. They should also attach a research proposal for their doctoral dissertation project.

Acceptance of an applicant is given that research in these geographical areas offers a comparative advantage for participation in international research networks.

Research themes for the doctoral thesis and course units are grounded in a broad range of issues related to the development of contemporary societies. These include:

• Growth, development, and institutional change
• Society and development
• Welfare State, institutions, and European policy
• Development policy and international aid
• Long-run development dynamics

How is the course structured?

• The Ph.D. Development Studies is a three-year program in which students must obtain a total of 180 ECTS (credits). It comprises:•Taught course units, 60 ECTS;
  Preparation, submission, and defense of a thesis, 120 ECTS.

Course units are taught in the first year of the program over 2 semesters. They are:

• Development theories (1st semester), 7.5 ECTS
• Development history and policies (2nd semester), 7.5 ECTS
• Research methods (1st semester), 7.5 ECTS
• Research Seminar (2nd semester), 7.5 ECTS
• Elective course units (1st and 2nd semesters), 15.0 ECTS
• Seminars (1st and 2nd semesters), 15.0 ECTS

Who is the Ph.D. Development Studies 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.