SPATIAL PLANNING
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Doctoral Programme is offered by the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Oporto and the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Coimbra. The programme is designed to foster advanced knowledge in the field of spatial planning, aiming at explaining, resolving, and supporting future public policy agendas. It combines three principles as follows: the definition of a set of core competences in advanced knowledge on spatial dynamics, spatial planning and applied scientific research; the emphasis on specialised areas of knowledge associated with the existing research skills found in both schools; and a flexibility principle, allowing the adaptation of curricula to the specific needs and characteristics of candidates.
CAREER PROSPECTS
The Doctoral Program in Territory Planning contributes to the formation of highly qualified assets that will integrate different types of institutions and companies involved in territorial planning, at municipal, regional, national and international levels. In particular, career opportunities in Portugal will be associated with institutions such as the Coordination and Regional Development Commissions and City Councils, and with Consulting Companies in the fields of Territorial Planning and Transport.
The completion of the Doctoral Programme in Spatial Planning will allow students to acquire the following knowledge, skills, and competences:
- Advanced knowledge of the contemporary spatial dynamics, and planning theory
- Advanced skills to develop research contributing to the expansion of knowledge, while respecting the requirements of academic quality and integrity
- Advanced skills to analyze from a critical perspective, assess, and summarize new and complex concepts
- Advanced competencies to communicate scientific results to their peers, other members of the academic community, and the general public
- Advanced competencies to promote technological, social, and cultural progress both in an academic and/or a professional context.
FIELDS OF SPECIALIZATION
The curricular units chosen were selected taking into account the profile that is desired of a PhD in Spatial Planning, which includes advanced knowledge of contemporary spatial dynamics, advanced knowledge of spatial planning as a field of public intervention, and advanced knowledge of research methodologies (justifying the mandatory curricular units chosen). The selection of the optative curricular units corresponds to the recognition of more specialized fields of research, in the field of spatial planning, that both schools have been developing, through the research of the Doctoral Programme’s teachers, particularly in the context of research projects in the context of European Union and of FCT.
RESEARCH CENTERS
CITTA – Research Centre for Territory, Transports and Environment
STUDY PLAN 2024/2025
