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PhD Programme in Political Science and International Relations
  APPLICATIONS

 

The PhD in Political Science and International Relations provides you with the fundamental tools for the development of innovative research in the field of Political Science and International Relations, in a stimulating and international academic environment.

The Programme allows to consolidate the skills necessary for the production of original scientific work of both theoretical and applied nature in the field of Political Science and International Relations.

Doctoral students are continuously encouraged to work closely with the integrated members of the Centre of Research in Political Science(CICP) – funded by the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology as a way to improve the international dissemination of their work by means of publication in relevant outlets and participation in internacional conferences.

This PhD programme relies upon a dedicated academic staff , whose members hold Ph.D degrees from various renowned European and North American universities. This has also been one of the reasons why this programme has been the first choice of Portuguese and foreign candidates from countries as diverse as Angola, Brazil, Greece, Iran, India, Nigeria Turkey and UK.

Note
The language of instruction in this programme is English.​

Applications and Vacancies

Tuition fees

Admission Criteria

​​​​​​​
2025/2026

General

Academic degree:
  • Doctorate
ECTS:
240
Duration:
8 curricular semesters
Regime:
Mixed
Place:
Gualtar Campus, Braga (UM)
Main Scientific area:
  • Political Science and International Relations

Contacts

    School of Economics and Management
    Campus de Gualtar
    4710 - 057 Braga
    Tel: +351 253604510 Fax: +351 253601380
    E-Mail: pedagogico@eeg.uminho.pt
    URL: http://www.eeg.uminho.pt

Description

The PhD in Political Science and International Relations, re-designed in line with the Bologna process, aims to offer attendance in an advanced studies course that consolidates the skills necessary to develop research work and to prepare the Doctoral students for the execution of independent and original scientific work in an area of knowledge inserted in the Political Science and International Relations field, this way contributing to the progress of knowledge, both in the theoretical and applied domains.

We offer a structured PhD Programme that includes: six courses (1st and 2nd semesters – 60 ECTS) and the supervised writing of a Doctoral thesis (3rd – 6th semesters - 180 ECTS).

The associated research centre is the NICPRI - Research Centre in Political Science and International Relations, funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology . In the last assessment of R&D Units conducted by a panel of international experts, the FCT granted the NICPRI the evaluation of Excellent.

In addition, the high quality standards of the Programme rest upon a highly educated staff holding doctoral programmes awarded by outstanding European and American universities.

Access to higher education

The conclusion of this Doctoral degree allows the realization of research activity at post-doctoral level

Access

10

Vacancies

5

Minimum

Access forms

Access to this cycle of studies requires an application to the School of Economics and Management of the University of Minho. 
This information does not replace consultation of the Academic Regulations of the University of Minho and other official documents.

Formal requirements

The conditions for access and admission to the programme fulfill the legal requirements.
The following candidates are eligible to apply to the PhD program:
a) Holders of a Master's degree or legal equivalent in the field of Political Science and International Relations;
b) Holders of a Bachelor's degree in the field of Political Science and International Relations, who have a particularly relevant academic and scientific curriculum recognized by the Scientific Council of EEG of the University of Minho as attesting their ability to complete this cycle of studies;
c) Holders of an academic, scientific, or professional curriculum recognized by the Scientific Council of the School of Economics and Management as attesting their ability to complete this cycle of studies.
The curricular assessment referred to in a) and b) will be of the responsibility of the Scientific Council, upon the proposal of the Steering Committee of the PhD.

Aditional Information

Study Plan

Regime Curricular Unit Scientific Area ECTS
Year 1 60
S1 Advanced Complements in International Relations CPRI 10
S1 Advanced Complements of Political Science CPRI 10
S1 Research Methodology CPRI 10
S2 Comprehensive Exams CPRI 10
S2 Thematic Seminar CPRI 10
S2 Thesis Project CPRI 10
Year 2 3 4 180
TA Thesis CPRI 180

Assessment/Accreditation

A3ES Accreditation status:
Accredited
Resolution publication date:
02-05-2025
A3ES deliberation:
https://si.a3es.pt/sia3es/page?stage=ConsultaPublicaProcesso&processID=26070
Registry number at Ministry:
R/A-Ef 2382/2011/AL01
Registry Date:
09-05-2025
Accreditation validity:
31-07-2031