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PhD inEconomic and Social History

The objective of the PhD in Economic and Social History is to teach and produce original research in the area of economics and social history. The aim of the degree is to educate specialists with a high ability to interpret and respond to economic and social transformations over time and the interaction between the chronological, geographical, and social aspects of these transformations.

Study topics are chosen from the following fields:

  • Economic History
  • Business History
  • Financial History
  • Monetary History
  • Tax History
  • Social History
  • Environmental History
  • History of economic thinking

Accreditation
Duration
3 years
Time
after work
Language
Portuguese and English
Initial Vacancies
15

Funding Opportunities

PhD Scholarships

Candidates for the school's doctorates can apply for various grants, namely FCT grants (awarded by FCT or ISEG research centers) and, in some cases, ULisboa grants. The criteria, rules and regulations for applying for scholarships are detailed on our website.

FCT grants

The FCT call for doctoral scholarships runs from March 17 until April 16, 2025, at 17:00. For more information contact info.bolsas@fct.pt.

Research Centres

In some cases, PhD students can enroll in projects hosted by research centers or be supported by them. For more information, contact the doctoral coordinator.

If you would like to know more about this program, please contact us:

The doctoral program in Economic and Social History has become a cornerstone of my academic career. On the one hand, it gave me the intellectual tools to understand economic theories; on the other, it provided me with the practical skills to interpret and apply them. The teaching staff was fundamental throughout my learning period. The ISEG program's international networks were instrumental in my development. Integrated into the European Graduate School for Training in Economic and Social Historical Research (ESTER), a Europe-wide network of leading scholars in the field, the program put me in touch with students and renowned academics from many other countries. This exposure allowed me to fine-tune my dissertation project and assess its importance through collaborative interactions with peers across Europe. The training I received and the networks I joined have had a profoundly positive impact on my career. The blend of rigorous academic training and practical application transformed me into an economic historian. My academic training is widely recognized by my peers, which has guaranteed me the opportunities to participate in high-profile research projects. The ISEG program's comprehensive academic training and international exposure have prepared me to make significant contributions to the field of economic and social history.
Tomás Albuquerque

Programme Details

The PhD in Economic and Social History was created by the Technical University of Lisbon in 1991, and was later adapted to the standards of the European Higher Education Area in 2009.


Study Methodology

A proposal relating to the research topic of the doctoral thesis is presented by the candidate before an examination panel. After being accepted into the program, a supervisor is appointed to guide the student through the in-depth preparation of their thesis project during the 1st Year. 

The thesis project is presented and discussed during the 1st Year Seminars and at the end of this year, a consolidated version of the thesis project is evaluated by an examination panel appointed by the Program Coordinator.

The panel displays its recommendation and may suggest changes, or recommend that the student discontinue their studies. If the thesis project is accepted, it is then registered and the name of the supervisor is confirmed. The process of preparing, researching and writing a thesis lasts two academic years, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of ISEG's Doctoral Programs.


Professional Opportunities

The PhD in Economic and Social History is aimed at those who want an advanced education and who wish to carry out research with the aim of working in the public, private or social economy sector, both in the area of national and international development. Such positions include teaching and research, leadership and management of national and international organizations, consultancy, training, study and research projects, journalism, planning, project development, design and evaluation of public policies and social projects and policies.


Syllabus

Year 1Credits
Research Methodology10.0
Seminar I - Research topics in economic history10.0
Elective I 10.0
Seminar II - Research topics in business history 10.0
Elective II10.0
Elective III10.0
year 2Credits
Thesis (Research Seminar)60
Year 3Credits
Thesis (Research Seminar)60

See the description of each Curricular Unit here.

Duration
3 years
Time
after work
Language
Portuguese and English
Initial Vacancies
15

Admissions and Fees


Entry conditions and selection criteria

Graduates can be admitted to study for a PhD in Economic and Social History if they have a Master's degree in the areas of Social Sciences (Economics, Sociology, Management and Finance) or Arts and Humanities (History).

Graduates who only have a Bachelor's degree in one of these disciplines may also apply, provided they have a minimum grade of 16, or exceptionally a lower grade, together with a CV that proves scientific training or adequate professional experience. Candidates are selected by the scientific coordination of the Doctoral Program, based on the following criteria:

  • Master and respective final grade;
  • Bachelor's degree and respective final grade;
  • Scientific CV and relevant professional experience.
  • Research proposal.

tuition fees

Provisional tuition fees for 2025/26, pending confirmation by the University of Lisbon's statutory bodies.

students from1st year 2nd and 3rd Year4th Year and beyond
Students from the European Union€ 3,000€ 2,000€ 1,000
Students outside the European Union€ 4,000€ 3,000€ 3,000

The PhD program lasts three years.

Duration
3 years
Time
after work
Language
Portuguese and English
Initial Vacancies
15
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