The PhD Programmes are research-oriented degrees aimed to develop advanced theoretical and practical research skills in a specific area of knowledge. PhD candidates complete main modules in research methods and foundation knowledge in their proposed research field, and then work with a supervisor to complete their PhD thesis.
PhD candidates are expected to develop an original scientific work that contributes to a significant theoretical advance in the field. The main objective of the programme is to prepare highly qualified professionals, capable of developing R&D activities in private and public organisations or to develop an academic career.
Course Structure
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 students are also required to prepare a thesis proposal. The approval of the proposal and completion of all the modules is a requirement to progress to the thesis-writing stage of the programme.
Thesis
This is the major part of PhD students’ studies. Working directly under an academic supervisor, the student independently completes an original and significant research project. Students cannot start their thesis until the work proposed and supervisory arrangements have been approved by the university.
Course Duration
3 to 5 years full-time (evening) programme
Teaching Medium
English / Portuguese / Chinese
Total Number of Credits for Graduation
12
Campus
Ilha Verde Campus
Programme’s Government Approval (in Chinese and Portuguese only) (Click here)
Calendar
September to July
Weekly Schedule
Once per week from 19:00 to 22:30
- Research-oriented programme supported by highly-qualified internal and external researchers from various areas of knowledge and fields of specialization.
- Training in research methods and theoretical concepts in the first year of studies and development of a PhD thesis in a specific field of specialization in the following years.
- Research and Development for private and public organizations
- Academic careers
Study plan & description of modules
Please click on any specific module to see its description.
Modules
Year 1
This course reviews and analyzes different research methodologies and how and when they should be used. It considers and discusses major issues in research, for example: issues in research design, methodology, instrumentation, sampling and ethics. The module also addresses the general nature and purpose of the research process. Paradigms of and approaches to academic research are addressed, including positivistic, naturalistic and critical historical perspectives, quantitative and qualitative approaches, and current problems in academic research. The module prepares students to plan and conduct research investigations. Emphasis is laid on evaluating research articles and examining the structure of research papers.
This module enables students to plan and conduct quantitative empirical research studies. The module introduces instrumentation for data collection, including interviews, questionnaire design, and tests. For quantitative studies, it considers matters of sampling, piloting, reliability and validity in the conduct of research, operationalizing research questions; the politics and micro-politics of research; insider and outsider research. This module also aims to enable students to analyze and interpret quantitative data. It introduces students to content analysis and to some straightforward statistics, including training in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences.
This module enables students to plan and conduct qualitative research studies. The module introduces instrumentation for data collection, including interviews, observation, and reflection on practice. For qualitative studies, it considers matters of researcher bias, sampling, piloting, reliability and validity in the conduct of research, operationalizing research questions; the politics and micro-politics of research; insider and outsider research. This module also aims to enable students to analyze and interpret and present the results of different kinds of qualitative studies.
This module examines research principles, methodologies, paradigms, design, instrumentation and data analysis, interpretation and reporting, all with reference to specific empirical and non-empirical research which students are undertaking. The module requires the preparation, delivery and evaluation of a research seminar on the student’s own topic of research. The module will culminate in all students submitting detailed formal research proposals for the research work they plan to undertake for their doctoral studies.
For this module each student must complete an advanced module at USJ that is relevant to their intended field of study. They must also complete an individualized programme of reading that covers the work of important researchers in their field of study.
This is the major part of doctoral student’s studies. Working directly under an academic supervisor, the student independently completes an original and significant research project. Students cannot start their thesis until the work proposed and supervisory arrangements have been approved by the university.
