The PhD Programme in Sustainable Forest Development is an educational offer resulting from the association between the UC and UTAD (University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro) as part of a strategic interdisciplinary initiative, in line with the need to respond to the different dimensions of the forest: social, economic, environmental and technological. This Doctoral Programme also has the collaboration and support of various wood and cork industries (Amorim and Navigator company) and institutes linked to energy resources, such as the ICNF (Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests).
Course Objectives
The general objectives of this PhD are the result of the socio-economic dynamics common to the whole of Europe and particularly in Portugal, concerning the ageing of the population and the human desertification of rural areas. This is the intention:
- To strengthen the qualification and capacity building of human resources that may be the driving force for the development of rural areas;
-To create skills to identify, quantify, and manage the natural resources of rural territories;
-Strengthen the management of natural resources based on the transfer of scientific knowledge;
-Stimulate sustainable dynamics, based on the efficient use of natural resources associated with the forest, which oppose inactivity and underutilization, identifying investment opportunities;
-To unite synergies and resources of both universities, in a clear sign of dialogue and cooperative work, between two challenging regions of Portugal (North and Centre).
Study Cycle Duration
Six semesters
Programme Structure
| Curricular Unit | Year | Regime | Type | ECTS Credits |
| Research Methodologies | 1 | 1º Semestre | Obrigatória | 5.0 |
| Thesis Project | 1 | Anual | Obrigatória | 40.0 |
| Natural Resources Management | 1 | 1º Semestre | Opcional * | 7.5 |
| Natural Risks Prevention and Management | 1 | 1º Semestre | Opcional * | 7.5 |
| Geospatial Information Technologies and Decision Support Models | 1 | 1º Semestre | Opcional * | 7.5 |
| Social, Environmental, Economic and Technological Valuation of the Forest | 1 | 1º Semestre | Opcional * | 7.5 |
| Thesis | 2 | Plurianual | Obrigatória | 120.0 |
*The optional course units are offered on a yearly basis, depending on the availability of the Organic Unit
Regulation
| Cooperation Agreement | This document aims to establish rules about the organisation, functioning and procedures of the PhD in Sustainable Forest Development. |
Coordination of the Course
PhD Cristina Nabais (University of Coimbra)
PhD José Tadeu Marques Aranha (University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro)
Venue
The venues for this course should be consulted in the Timetable available on InforEstudante.
Information:
In the academic year 2024/2025 this course took place at the University of Coimbr
In the academic year 2025/2026 this course will take place at UTAD (University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro)
In the academic year 2026/2027 this course will take place at the University of Coimbra
Available Vacancies
1st Phase: 5 vacancies
2nd Phase: 5 vacancies
3rd Phase: 5 vacancies + remaining vacancies
Extraordinary Phase: remaining vacancies
The course will only run if the minimum number of students enrolled (3 students) is reached.