NOVA University Lisbon - National School of Public Health
PhD in Public Health
PhD
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
27 Jun 2025*
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
STUDY FORMAT
Blended
* I Phase of Applications
Key Summary
With over 50 years of expertise, NOVA National School of Public Health (NOVA NSPH) leads the way in Public Health education.
NOVA NSPH's courses seek to deliver quality education through a student-centered approach, led by distinguished and experienced professors.
NOVA NSPH trains skilled professionals with technical and scientific skills to tackle complex public health challenges, across sectors, in a changing global context.
Through the program, the doctoral student will acquire:
- Training in creating, planning, and executing scientific research in Public Health;
- Expertise in the interpretation, discussion, and communication of results, and preparation of scientific articles and other technical materials;
- In-depth knowledge of public health and a specific specialization area;
- Skills and instruments for life-long learning.
Doctoral students can specialize in one of five areas:
- Epidemiology
- Health Promotion
- Health Policies and Management
- Health Economics
- Environmental and Occupational Health
The Ph.D. in Public Health is designed for those who wish to make an original scientific contribution to the field of public health, drive innovation in the field, and tackle both current and future public health challenges in an ever-changing world.
We at NOVA NSPH understand the significance of a multi-disciplinary approach when dealing with intricate public health problems. Therefore, we welcome applications from students with any graduate and professional background who aspire to make an innovative and original scientific contribution to the field of Public Health.
To apply to the Ph.D. in Public Health you must:
- Hold a Master's Degree or legal equivalent;
- Hold a Bachelor's Degree; as well as a specially relevant academic/scientific curriculum, that supports the ability to carry out this cycle of studies (as determined by NOVA NSPH Scientific Council);
- Have an academic, scientific, or professional experience that is deemed by the NOVA NSPH Scientific Council to attest the ability to carry out this degree;
- Be fluent in English (spoken and written).
This program will be held entirely in english.
The first year of the Ph.D. in Public Health is dedicated to coursework, worth 60 ECTS.
| Pre-Course [0 ECTS] | |
| Basic Principles of Statistics and Epidemiology - Paulo Nogueira | 0 |
| Curricular Units [60 ECTS] | |
| Seminar in Public Health I - Gonçalo Augusto | 8 |
| Research in Public Health: framework and practice - Julian Perelman | 3 |
| Seminar in Public Health II - Paulo Boto | 8 |
| Advanced Statistics in Public Health - Baltazar Nunes | 5 |
| Research Ethics - João Cordeiro | 4 |
| Socio-behavioral Research in Public Health - Cristina Godinho | 5 |
| Advanced Epidemiology - Paulo Nogueira | 5 |
| Specialty Seminar | 12 |
| Free option | 10 |
| Thesis (120 ECTS) | |
| Total (ECTS) | 180 |
This PhD will allow you to be able to position your career in:
- Higher Education as a university teacher, researcher;
- Epidemiologists, bio-statistics consultants;
- Consultants for policy development, evaluation and management of public health programs;
- Consultants for quality and health promotion programs;
- and consultants for environmental policies.
With this PhD you can apply to Universities, Research Centers, Pharmaceutical Industries, Local Authorities, Health Units, Government entities, Communication companies, among others
Upon completing this program, students will acquire:
- Training in creating, planning, and executing scientific research in Public Health.
- Expertise in interpreting, discussing, and communicating results, preparing scientific articles, and other technical materials.
- A comprehensive understanding of public health and a specific specialization area.
- Skills and tools for life-long learning.
- Preparation to become new researchers and managers of programs in public health and a particular specialization area.
These skills and knowledge can be applied in various professions, ranging from the private and public sectors, including universities, NGOs, research centers, pharmaceutical companies, governmental institutions, and more!