Applications for 2023/2024

Admission Requirements

• BA and MA Degree preferably in a related field of studies (Humanities and Social Sciences);
• Interview (interviews can be held through Skype).
• English Language Certificate – minimum CEFR C1 (taken after January 2021)*:
  • IELTS 7.0 minimum;
  • TOEFL 100 + minimum 24 in all skills;
  • Cambridge Advanced Certificate;
  • Cambridge Proficiency;
  • CEFR C1.

*Certificates obtained via virtual will not be considered valid.

Candidates without a Language Certificate may sit for a test at the Faculty (cost: €150.00); result of minimum C1 required.

Documents required for the application

• Curriculum Vitae in English;
• University Transcripts of Records - Original documents should be presented until October 30;
• Preliminary research project (max. 15.000 characters);
• Motivation Letter (2 pages max.) - the motivation letter should introduce you to the selection committee, explain why you have chosen this program and why you would be a good fit;
• English Language Certificate;
• Identification document (Passport or ID card);
• Vaccination record (tetanus vaccine updated) - upon registration.

Note: Besides those mentioned above, any other documents that Applicants find relevant to their application may be included.

Note: All Degrees earned abroad, Transcripts and Certificates must be duly translated into Portuguese (if not in English, French or Spanish).

Application Process

Step 1 - Start your application online

Choose the programs you wish to apply for in our platform. Upload the required documents. *

• Identification Document (Passport or ID card);
• Curriculum Vitae;
• Motivation Letter (max. 2 pages);
• English Language Certificate;
• Preliminary research project (max. 15.000 characters);
• University Transcripts of Records confirming academic qualifications (English or Portuguese). For application purposes we do not require a formal certificate from your school, but we do require a non-official document with all the courses you have attended and respective grades [you may extract this information from your students’ personal webpage].

An original or an authenticated copy of Master Diploma/Certificate must be presented to the University services upon registration.

* Please note that all documents must be submitted in PDF format.

Note: Besides those mentioned above, any other documents that Applicants find relevant to their application may be included.

Step 2 - Pay the application fee

After you have filled your application and uploaded the required documents, you will need to pay the non-refundable application fee. Please note that your application will not be considered completed until the application fee is settled.

Step 3 - Additional information

After the application, an interview will take place with the candidate (interviews with international candidates can be held by skype or telephone). This step is mandatory.

If you do not yet have an English Language Certificate as required, your admission will be conditional until you provide us with a valid test score.

You may instead want to sit for an English assessment test at Católica. Available test dates:

• tba

If you decide that you want to register for the Católica test, please contact phdfch@ucp.pt.

Step 4 - Final decision

The Selection Committee reviews your application and makes a final decision.

Please note that:

• the Selection Committee decision is final and conclusive;
• regardless of the outcome of your application, you will receive a personalized e-mail, which will mention your name, as well as the final decision of the committee;
• If accepted to the program, the personalized email will also contain information regarding registration.
• Students are not allowed to apply more than once per Intake (double applications will not be considered and related application fees will not be refunded).​