Aim of the study
The PhD in Urbanism has as its main goal to provide training guided towards the development of advanced individual research, preferably integrated in assessed and finances projects, conducing to the generation and transmission of knowledge. The specific goals are intellectual satisfaction, the acquisition of advanced competences that allow for the exercise of professional practice in a more informed way, with competitive advantages, and the contribution to the development of society and the economy. In that sense, the study plan is organized according to the Bologna principles.
In the 1st year, the doctoral candidates undertake several Curricular Units, aiming at the acquisition of knowledge and skills about (1) research methodologies fitting the discipline, (2) several lines of research linked to the study’s teaching staff, and (3) how to build an individual research project. The fulfilment of the objectives if assessed by the works produced in each Curricular Unit, concluding with the approval of the Thesis Project, which allow the doctoral candidate to register the theme and begin the individual research work.
In years 2 and 3, the doctoral candidates dedicate themselves to the development and operationalization of the research, culminating in the defence of the Dissertation. Its evolution is assessed by means of the evaluation of the semester reports and work progress seminars.
The Lisbon School of Architecture provides two academic calendars for the participation in the doctoral studies. The normal regimen has as its definition the general School’s calendar, with classes and assessment periods taking place between September and July, every Friday (each semester with 14 weeks of classes). The intensive regimen has an academic calendar that includes classes every day of the week, and the duration of each semester is 5 weeks.
There is no distinction among the mentioned regimens, be it at the level of the Study Plan, level of demand, tuition costs, etc., the only difference between the modalities being the academic calendar.
The study plan combines Course Units of a theoretical-practical nature, in a seminar format and through tutorial supervision, as a way to ensure a teacher-student relation that implies a guided work. The study plan was conceived in order to integrate invited teachers at all stages of the curricular path, allowing the recognition of credits earned at partnering institutions, with which FA holds bilateral or special mobility programmes. Research is an essential focus of the Doctorate Study in Urbanism, which is developed individually in a supervised way through the integration in research groups and through the stimulus to participation in scientific encounters and publication of results. The doctoral thesis development is done under the scientific supervision of one or two supervisors, being that one must necessarily be an FA teacher, in accordance to the current regulations.
Classes
In the normal regimen classes take place on Friday, in the periods between 8:30 and 13:00, and 14:00 and 19:00.
In the intensive regimen classes take place every day of the week, in the periods between 8:30 and 13:00, and 14:00 and 19:00.
Timeline
Opening and beginning of the study*:
Normal regimen: Friday of the 3rd week of September.
Intensive regimen: Monday of the 2nd week of January.
End of the 1st Curricular Year*:
Normal regimen: End of May, with the assessment taking place during the months of June and July.
Intensive regimen: End of July, with the assessment taking place during the months of November and December.
*Indicative information that should be confirmed in the respective academic calendar.
