University of Porto School of Economics and Management

PhD in Economics

The selected student cohorts who enrol on the Programme each year receive training within a stimulating research environment. The Programme is hosted by the Centre for Economics and Finance at the University of Porto (CEF. UP), the leading research unit of the Faculty of Economics of the University of Porto (FEP-UP), which sponsors several courses and seminars over the academic year. Research papers are presented by visiting scholars, by Department faculty, and by graduate students. Seminar attendance is an integral part of the PhD programme, as it provides students with knowledge of current research in their areas of interest and an opportunity to meet researchers in these fields. Presenting their research results allows students to acquire key academic skills and to obtain timely feedback from scholars and colleagues on their theses.

Objectives

This programme aims to provide advanced capabilities in Economic Theory and Quantitative Methods, leading to a deeper understanding of specialised areas of Economics and to the development of skills in economic analysis and scientific research. The programme structure is designed to ensure that students acquire thorough knowledge to develop economic research and to contribute to the advancement of their specialisation area. The programme encourages the submission of research results for publication in international top journals.

Target Group

The Doctoral Programme is aimed at:

• holders of a Master's degree (or those with the equivalent qualification from foreign countries),
• holders of an honorary degree (or those with the equivalent qualification from foreign countries), and with a relevant curriculum that certifies solid capabilities to pursue the doctoral programme
• holders of a relevant curriculum that certifies solid capabilities to pursue the doctoral programme.

In any situation, the candidates must have a high capacity and a strong will to acquire advanced knowledge in Economics, and the motivation to apply this knowledge, with the aid of quantitative tools, to research in Economics.

Faculty Staff

Several courses of the programme are taught by FEP faculty members, while others are taught by Visiting Professors. Leading scholars in their fields of research are invited annually to lecture in two courses: History of Economic Thought and Advanced Economic Analysis (AEA). Four different week-long intensive modules make up each annual edition of the AEA course.

Financial Support

The PhD in Economics’ Scientific Board encourages and supports students who wish to apply for scholarships or other financial support. The main institution responsible for awarding scholarships in Portugal is the Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT). Under the students’ international mobility agreements established between the University of Porto and several European universities, doctoral students may apply for scholarship support in order to attend one semester abroad.

Job Placements

The PhD programme in Economics was established in the academic year of 1998/1999. It has now graduated more than 50 students, who are currently employed in a variety of private and public institutions in Portugal and abroad. For example, alumni of the programme are currently working at the following international institutions: the Munich Centre for Economics of Ageing, the Max Planck Institute for Social Law and Policy, Germany; the Central Bank of Finland; the OECD; and the Copenhagen Business School, Denmark. Regarding national public and private institutions.

Why Study at FEP

• FEP received the AACSB International accreditation, one of the most important international certifications in business education. FEP is part of the distinguished group of about 6% of schools in this field that, all over the world, have this accreditation
• U.Porto is a highly-ranked university worldwide
• Top students
• Teaching quality and research-oriented faculty
• FEP belongs to the QTEM Master Network, which gathers outstanding students from 23 top economics schools worldwide
• Double degrees
• Knowledge and professional skills
• Extracurricular activities
• Academic and professional integration support services
• Access to numerous internships and recruitment opportunities
• The notorious and vast alumni network
• Vibrant student life at the University of Porto: sports, culture, leisure