Doctorate Management

• Presentation

  Presentation

  The PhD in Management, developed in partnership by UTAD and Universidade Lusófona, offers advanced training focused on research, innovation, and real impact on organizations and society. This program prepares researchers and professionals to face contemporary management challenges, such as digital transformation, global competitiveness, and sustainability. With a strong connection to applied research and knowledge transfer, the PhD promotes intellectual autonomy, critical thinking, and scientific excellence. The articulation between academia, companies, and public institutions creates a stimulating environment, fostering opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and professional development. Part of an ecosystem of innovation with a strong regional, national, and international impact, the PhD in Management is a benchmark program for those who want to lead change and create economic and social value.

• Admission Conditions

  Admission Conditions

  The candidate must hold an accredited degree as a minimum requirement. Preference is given to students with a master's degree, although holders of a bachelor's degree or legal equivalent may be admitted, or other candidates with a relevant academic or scientific curriculum, according to the judgement of the Course Director. Professional experience in the management of private for-profit and non-profit organisations, entrepreneurs, managers and other public administration professionals, among others, is valued. Selection is based on individual merit. Criteria to be considered: a) Academic, technical and scientific Curriculum (80%); b) Motivation letter explaining the reasons for choosing the study programme (5%); c) Mini research proposal in the area of Management (15%); Candidates are ranked according to the score obtained in the selection process.

• Who is this course for?

  Who is this course for?

  The PhD in Management is aimed at candidates who are highly motivated to engage in scientific research and advanced knowledge development in the field of Management, and who wish to deepen their analytical, strategic, and leadership skills. This program is especially aimed at: Holders of a Master's degree in Management, Economics, Business Sciences, Social Sciences, or related areas, who wish to pursue an academic and research career; Professionals with relevant experience in public, private, or social sector organizations who wish to strengthen their capacity for strategic analysis, innovation, and evidence-based decision-making; Higher education teachers who wish to deepen their scientific training and consolidate their academic career; Researchers interested in developing projects with scientific, organizational, and social impact, aligned with contemporary challenges in management and public policy; National and international candidates, particularly from Portuguese-speaking countries, seeking doctoral training of excellence, with strong links to research, innovation, and international cooperation. The program values diverse profiles, combining academic rigor, professional experience, and a commitment to creating impactful knowledge, preparing doctoral students to work in highly demanding and competitive contexts, both nationally and globally.

• Knowledge, abilities and skills to be acquired

  Knowledge, abilities and skills to be acquired

  -Advanced scientific research in Management: Acquisition of solid skills in theoretical and empirical research, with the ability to produce original, relevant knowledge with academic and social impact; -Evidence-based strategic decision-making: Development of analytical skills to support complex decisions in organizational, business, and public policy contexts, using scientific methods and robust data. - Leadership, innovation, and organizational transformation: Preparation to lead processes of change, innovation, and digital transition, promoting more efficient, sustainable, and future-oriented organizations. - Critical thinking, autonomy, and scientific ethics: Promotion of intellectual autonomy, critical thinking, and scientific integrity, essential for responsible action in academic, business, and institutional contexts. - Integration into national and international networks of excellence: Training to work in international academic and professional environments, developing collaborative projects, scientific networks, and partnerships with global impact.

• Reasons for joining

  Reasons for joining

  • Doctoral training of excellence: Joint program between UTAD - Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro & Universidade Lusófona - Centro Universitário do Porto based on high scientific standards, rigorous research, and academic and social impact.
  • Direct link to applied research: Integration into research centers and laboratories, with participation in real projects focused on organizations, public policy, and innovation.
  • Academic and professional career development: Advanced preparation for careers in higher education, research, strategic consulting, and organizational leadership.
  • Focus on contemporary management challenges: Current approach to topics such as digital transition, sustainability, innovation, organizational behavior, and evidence-based decision-making.
  • International network and Portuguese-speaking world: Opportunities for international scientific cooperation, co-supervision, and mobility, with a special focus on the Portuguese-speaking world.
  • Social and territorial impact: Production of knowledge geared towards economic development, territorial cohesion, and the sustainable transformation of organizations and society.

• Study plan

  Study plan

  • 1º Ano / General Path
    • [1º Semestre]
    • Current Topics in Management Research 9 ects
    • Immersive experience in Scientific Research Culture 6 ects
    • Management Research Methods 9 ects
    • Management Research Project I 6 ects

    • [2º Semestre]
    • Academic Career Development: Project and Publication Literacy 6 ects
    • Advanced Topics in Management 9 ects
    • Management Research Project II 15 ects
  • 2º Ano / General Path
    • [Anual]
    • Thesis 45 ects

    • [1º Semestre]
    • Data Analysis in Management 12 ects
    • Management Research Seminar 3 ects
  • 3º Ano / General Path
    • [Anual]
    • Thesis 57 ects

    • [1º Semestre]
    • International Management Seminar 3 ects

• Career Opportunities

  Career Opportunities

  The PhD in Management prepares its graduates for the performance of highly qualified functions in academic, business, institutional and social contexts, at national and international levels. Advanced training, based on rigorous scientific research and oriented towards the resolution of real problems, enables doctoral graduates to develop analytical, strategic and leadership skills that are highly valued in the labour market. Among the main professional career opportunities, the following stand out: - Academic and scientific careers, including teaching in higher education, research in universities, research centres and R&D units, as well as participation in national and international scientific projects; - Senior management and top management positions in private companies, public organisations and organisations in the social sector, with responsibilities in the definition of strategies, organisational innovation, digital transformation and evidence-based decision-making; - Specialised consultancy in management, strategy, organisational behaviour, public policies and impact assessment, in consultancy firms, think tanks and national and international organisations; - Technical and leadership roles in public bodies, municipalities, government agencies and international institutions, with involvement in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of public policies; - Entrepreneurship and the creation of new businesses, namely start-ups and innovative projects based on scientific knowledge, technology and sustainable business models; - Innovation management, research and development (R&D) in companies and institutions, including project coordination, knowledge transfer and the valorisation of scientific results; - Positions of responsibility in international organisations, foundations and multilateral entities, with activity in the areas of management, economic development, sustainability and international cooperation. - The versatility of the profile of PhD graduates in Management allows for broad and distinctive professional integration, contributing to the development of organisations, sustainable innovation and the creation of economic and social value.

• Scientific Areas

  Scientific Areas

  Gestão e administração

• Observations

  Observations

  Course in partnership with UTAD - University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro: www.utad.pt The PhD in Management is offered in partnership by UTAD and Lusófona University, allowing students to benefit from the scientific, pedagogical, and infrastructural resources of both institutions. The degree is awarded under an institutional cooperation agreement, in accordance with the applicable legal terms. The program is structured to accommodate full-time or part-time students, allowing them to balance their studies with their professional activities. The initial curriculum component aims to develop advanced research skills in management, followed by the preparation of a doctoral thesis under qualified scientific supervision. Doctoral students are integrated from the outset into research units and projects, with access to laboratories, scientific databases, doctoral seminars, and complementary training activities. Scientific publication, participation in conferences, and collaboration with external organizations are strongly encouraged. The course promotes internationalization through academic mobility, international co-supervision, and participation in scientific networks, with a particular focus on the Portuguese-speaking world. The working language may be Portuguese or English, depending on the nature of the research. The application process, selection criteria, tuition fees, and academic calendar are defined annually and published on the institutions' official channels.

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