The Doctoral Programme in Gerontology and Geriatrics (PDGG) is a joint degree course (University of Porto / University of Aveiro) providing specialised training for professionals from different backgrounds who wish to develop their activity with older people.
The PDGG responds to the recognised need for advanced training in the field of gerontology and geriatrics, with the aim of broadening knowledge about human ageing from various perspectives: biological, psychological, and social, but also demographic, historical, educational, and related to public policies. In its applied dimension, clinical practice is another major area of the PDGG, in which theoretical models are used to approach older adults from both a preventive perspective and in the management of disease and functional capacity in older people with age-associated conditions (Geriatrics), with the purpose of testing and validating pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions that optimise quality of life and well-being.

Among other requirements, it is considered an absolute condition for submission of the thesis to public examinations the inclusion in it of at least 1 (one) original article (full length paper) published or accepted for publication in an indexed international journal (SCI), whose 1st author is the doctoral student.

Partner Institutions: It has various partnerships, e.g. the World Health Organization (WHO), the Gerontological Society of America, the National Federation of Social Solidarity Cooperatives, several Santa Casa da Misericórdia institutions, private social solidarity institutions (IPSSs), and local authorities.

The overall aim of the PDGG is the specialised training of professionals in the fields of Gerontology and Geriatrics for research with older populations, the definition of public policies, service planning, and intervention.

Specific objectives:
(i) To be able to analyse and synthesise new and complex ideas on ageing and longevity;
(ii) To acquire research skills;
(iii) To identify the health, psychological, and social needs of people undergoing the ageing process;
(iv) To design, implement, and evaluate pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions;
(v) To carry out original research that contributes to expanding knowledge and practice in Gerontology or Geriatrics;
(vi) To publish in international and national scientific journals; and
(vii) To communicate science.

Graduates with a doctorate in Gerontology and Geriatrics have professional careers in areas such as: academia; local authorities; the healthcare system; the social security system; community programmes and projects; third-sector organisations; consultancy; and entrepreneurship.

Course Information:

• Start of academic year: september 2025
• Timetable: Daytime
• Mode of study: In-person
• Language of instruction: Portuguese, English
• Standard Duration of the Course: 4 years (8 semesters)
• Minimum number of students for the cycle of studies to operate – 5

OPEN COMPETITION 2025/2026
Taking place at the University of Aveiro

Link: Tuition fees 2025/2026

Re-entry applications link: 25 June to 15 July 2025 - Information here

International Students:
Important information for international students:

International students, find all the information you need to study at the University of Porto at the following links:

• Decree-Law no. 36_2014 of 10 March Regulates the International Student Statute.pdf – document available only in Portuguese.
• International Students - Frequently Asked Questions
• Regulations for the Application of the International Student Statute of the University of Porto
• Special Contests for Admission to Higher Education
• General Regulations for Cycle of Studies

Although foreign candidates do not need recognition of a (graduate/master) degree to enroll in the Doctoral Programs in Portugal, if they want to apply for doctoral scholarships it will be necessary to have the recognition.


Data Protection Policy: Consult the U.Porto Data Protection Policy here for more information on the processing of your personal data.

I want to apply