Sustainable Energy Systems


 

Overview

The Sustainable Energy Systems Doctoral Program (SES PhD) is a three- to four-year degree programme jointly offered by three centenary Portuguese Institutions. Its goal is to use a multi-disciplinary approach to educate a new generation of sustainability-aware leaders with expertise in energy systems and economics. A focus on energy system design and analysis, research, leadership and entrepreneurship provide graduates with the tools to be at the forefront of sustainable energy systems development.

Applicants

Candidates to the Doctoral Program on Sustainable Energy Systems must hold one of the following degrees in engineering, science or management:

  1. A Bologna 2nd cycle degree
  2. A Master's degree
  3. A five-year degree (Licenciatura)

The SES Doctoral Program welcomes candidates with adequate scientific capabilities (i.e., sufficient previous coursework in sciences, academic papers, etc.). Candidates must be highly motivated to conduct innovative research activities and demonstrate effective communication, leadership and entrepreneurship skills.

Focus

Current debates and trends in energy highlight significant energy systems challenges that call for innovative ideas, tools, technologies, and policies, along with highly educated people to develop them. Formerly part of the MIT Portugal Program, the Sustainable Energy Systems PhD programme’s prime goals are to engage industry and government in innovative research, to develop standard approaches, methods, and policies for improving the long-term performance of Portugal’s energy sector while addressing climate change and energy security concerns at global scale.


Doctoral Program

 

Structure

Our PhD Program emphasizes the development of policies and technology for the successful design and implementation of alternative energy strategies. Students will learn about the practical application of energy strategies through real-world case studies, in conjunction with corporate and industry partners or affiliates. The Program includes one year of coursework. Students will conduct dissertation research for 2 to 3 years, in the following areas:

  • Sustainable Built Environment
  • Energy Planning, including Economics
  • Smart Energy Networks

Schedule

In previous years, at UL (IST and FCUL), classes ran from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., from Mondays to Fridays. Each course has a duration of 2 hours per week. On average each student has 2 or 3 days of classes per week depending on the number of courses that he/she chooses.

At FEUP, classes typically run 3 days per week, from Tuesday to Thursday. Three of the four classes are taught from 18.00h to 20.00h. The 4th class will run from 16:00 to 18:00, during an afternoon in which there is already a class at 18.00h.

At UC classes run on a full-time basis, 3 days per week, typically from Thursday to Saturday.

Applications

The application for the PhD Program in SES must be done exclusively with the welcoming school (SEE BELOW). The documents required for the application process are:

  1. Application form from the welcoming university;
  2. Academic and professional curriculum vitae;
  3. Certificate;
  4. Subject summary for the highest academic degree;
  5. Two letters of recommendation;
  6. Letter of motivation;

More information will be made available closer to the application period.


Welcoming Schools

 

Universidade do Porto

UPorto combines high quality education focused on individual vocations and talents as well as market needs with the claim to be the greatest birthplace of science in Portugal. It is committed to converting into social assets the talent and innovation.

Website

Universidade de Coimbra

With an inescapable historical heritage, the UCoimbra celebrated its 725 years in 2015. Counting on a unique material and immaterial heritage, the University of Coimbra aims to continue the history of the intellectual matrix of the country.

Website Applications Dr. Ana Ramos

Faculdade de Ciências da UL

The Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon was created in 1911. Its mission is to expand the limits of science and technology, transfer scientific knowledge into society, and promote research-based student education.

Website Applications Professor Carla Silva



Instituto Superior Técnico

Instituto Superior Técnico aims to contribute to the development of society, promoting excellence in higher education, in the fields of Architecture, Engineering, Science and Technology by developing Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) activities.

Website Applications Professor António Moreira