Doctoral Programme

Institute for Data Engineering and Science

The Doctoral programme in Information Systems is an interdisciplinary research track that offers the opportunity to develop state-of-the-art technologies with a human-centred approach with particular emphasis on web science and information systems for a globally interconnected world. It enables students to innovate in key information systems, data engineering and web science research areas.

During their doctoral studies, students are part of the Institute of Data Engineering and Sciences (IDEAS) and are encouraged to present papers at international conferences or publish in academic journals.

The IDEAS has a comprehensive list of research topics in Information Systems and currently accepts students who are interested in the research areas of Information Systems and Organisations, lato sensu, as well as, Data Sciences and Applications, Artificial Intelligence, Signal and Image Processing, and Big Data Analytics, among others.

During the 3 years of study of the Doctoral programme in Information Systems, students hold full-time student status. If doctoral candidates cannot submit their thesis for defence by the end of the 3rd year, they may apply for an extension of 2 years.

The Doctoral Programme Coordinator is Prof. Adérito Fernandes Marcos.

Open doctoral topics

Applicants to our doctoral programme can pursue their research interests in two ways:

1. Select from our Open Topics: We offer a range of pre-defined thesis topics, each supervised by a faculty expert in the specific field.

2. Propose Your Own Topic: If you have a unique research idea, you are welcome to submit your own thesis proposal for consideration.

Your application must include a preliminary research plan. If applying for an open topic, please enter the corresponding topic code in the admissions platform during your application.

Browse Open Topics in Information Systems >

Students complete the curricular part of the programme during the first year, which is composed of the following 5 modules:

• Methodologies of Investigation
• Methods and Techniques for Quantitative Research
• Methods and Techniques for Qualitative Research
• Integrative Research Seminars
• Specialist Studies and Reading Programme

During the first year of study, students must also prepare a thesis proposal. The completion of all modules and University approval of the proposal is a requirement to progress to the thesis-writing stage of the programme.

Working directly under an academic supervisor, the doctoral student independently completes an original and significant research project. Students begin their thesis once their proposed work and supervisory arrangements have been approved by the University.

For the programme’s government approval [in Chinese and Portuguese] click here. (Please click in P2 or P3, on the top-left of the document, to access the subsequent pages.)

Please click on any specific module below to see its description.