The main objective of this Doctoral Program in Astronomy is to train future astronomers/researchers in space sciences, able to compete at an international level for a research position. The fields available for advanced training by reserach in this doctoral degree include Astrophysics, Cosmology, Planetary Sciences, Instrumentation and Systems for Space Sciences, etc. The Program is open both to high quality Portuguese and foreign students who have completed a 2nd Cycle in Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics or similar fields of science. Students who have completed a 1st Cycle and have a particularly relevant CV may also be accepted in the Program. Due to the increasingly technological component of the recent astronomy projects, we also aim at attracting students with a diversified background, namely in technology and engineering, systems and control, or informatics, amongst other areas. Astronomy offers them unique and exciting opportunities for further training. 

Objectives

Fields of Specialization

Professional Abilities

• Dealing with complex questions, searching for solutions and taking decisions in situations of limited or incomplete information involving the need to critically evaluate the adequacy of the results, step by step;
• Reflecting on the ethical and social responsibilities associated with the research activity;
• Communicating the results, both to specialists and non-specialists, in a clear and unambiguous manner;
• Interiorizing the need for a lifelong learning attitude in consequence of the fast mutability of knowledge - the frontiers of Astronomy widen up and the perspective of the problems changes whenever new technologies are incorporated, pushing further the limits of observation;
• Contextualizing the role and influence of human kind on the common habitat and the urgency in its preservation.

Employment Prospects

• University positions in the areas of astronomy and astrophysics, physical sciences in general and in space sciences and technologies. 
• Researchers in institutes and research units, national or foreign, including the international organizations of which Portugal is a member state, such as ESO and ESA. 
• Highly qualified technicians to support the operation of infrastructure in space sciences, including observatories, space missions and technological development laboratories for space sciences and technologies. 
• Professionals in the industry, in general, where the interdisciplinary training is an asset, but in particular in services and technology linked to space that goes from specific software to hardware for detectors and equipment used for observation from ground and space.

Admissions Requirements

• A master’s degree or the legal equivalent in astronomy, physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, systems whether IT of otherwise, computer science or other areas relevant to astronomy and astronomical equipment and/or the analysis, or management of data and images, or
• A first cycle degree or the equivalent with academic or scientific experience of great relevance which has been recognised by the Scientific Board as guaranteeing their ability to successfully complete this cycle of studies, or
• A first cycle and/or master’s degrees or the equivalent with highly relevant academic or scientific experience recognised by the Scientific Board as sufficient guarantee of their ability to successfully complete this cycle of studies. Candidates must have sufficient spoken and written skills to pursue their studies in English. 

Selection and Ranking Criteria

• The evaluation of the candidate’s curriculum vitae (appropriateness for desire goals and first cycle or master’s degree mark average in astronomy) – 60%
• The scientific evaluation of previous research (reports, publications, participation in scientific meetings, etc.) – 30%;
• Other relevant academic information – 10%

Information

• Application Dates 2023-2024
• Thesis Submission for FCUP’s PhD Students - 2023/2024

Contacts

General information

Study Plan

Certificates

Predominant Scientific Areas

Previous Courses/Cycles of Study