ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics and Management: Producing high-quality PhD graduates

A PhD is a significant investment of time, effort and money, especially if one pursues this degree overseas. Choosing the right programme is paramount — which was what Helena Gata did by choosing Lisbon School of Economics and Management (ISEG).

“I wanted to invest in my professional career and increase my research skills. So far these objectives have been accomplished since my chosen programme provides a challenging educational experience within a multicultural research environment,” she enthuses. “It includes seminars, conferences, workshops, teaching and project opportunities in cooperation with other national and international research centres.”

Indeed, ISEG strives to create an environment for their PhD students to share knowledge and common interests as well as discuss ideas and methods. That way, students can expand professional opportunities with high technical competence gained through their research while challenging existing knowledge.

One way to ensure their PhD students get to practise these skills is by offering direct connections with ISEG’s two research consortia – which enjoy a “Very Good” evaluation by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (the National Research Council). All PhD programmes are linked to either Research in Economics and Mathematics (two centres), or Centre for Research in Social Sciences and Management (four research units).

ISEG provides a dynamic research environment for PhD students. Source: ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics and Management

ISEG offers eight PhD programmes: six in key fields of study, and another four in partnership with other universities.

For international students who prefer to speak and use English, ISEG offers three programmes: Applied Mathematics for Economics and Management, Development Studies, and Economics. Those who speak Portuguese can apply for these programmes: Economics and Social History, Economics and Organisational Sociology, and Management.

Within these PhDs, the research produced may correspond to academic work of a more theoretical nature, or an applied character, which should indicate the transfer of knowledge to the economy and society. Regardless of the perspective followed, ISEG encourages their students to base their doctoral thesis on solid scientific knowledge, and ideally integrate the use of advanced techniques and methodologies.

In Portugal, ISEG is a leader in scientific production, publishing two monthly reports and two international scientific journals.

ISEG’s graduates are high-in-demand. Source: ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics and Management

Additionally, their candidates’ research have been presented at international conferences and published in quality scientific journals. Thus, prospective PhD students can expect to be part of a truly supportive research environment at ISEG which commits itself to bring together all the necessary means and resources to carry out advanced research on the most cutting-edge topics.

“I have also had the opportunity to present my work at a number of conferences in Portugal as well as in China,” Zoë Venter shares, adding that she acquired relevant skills to apply this theoretical knowledge in both a practical and conceptual framework through her chosen PhD in Economics.

What’s more, ISEG is part of Universidade de Lisboa, the largest public and top university in Portugal with over 50,000 students. It is one of Europe’s leading universities, and has many partnerships with top international schools.

Hence, ISEG’s teaching programmes are recognised worldwide, along with high-profile accreditations from the Financial Times, AACSB and AMBA. It is also among the top 5% of business schools in the world accredited by AACSB.

Another compelling reason to choose ISEG for PhD studies is their experienced and well-established faculty. ISEG PhD students can look forward to cultivating rich bonds with over 150 full-time faculty members who hold a PhD and are involved with the research centres.

“From the excellent lecturers and supervisors to the materials and support by the administration, the PhD programme delivered everything I was expecting,” says Liliana Pereira, a PhD in Applied Mathematics for Economics and Management. She is now Visitant Assistant Professor at the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado e Ave.

Furthermore, ISEG is the oldest School of Economics and Management in Portugal, with a tradition of over 100 years in educating Portuguese elites. ISEG remains one of the most attractive schools for recruiting companies who are on the lookout for high-quality trained graduates as well.

Finally, PhD students at ISEG can apply for funding opportunities such as scholarships. The Graduate Teaching Assistants Programme can be another funding source on top of providing an opportunity to gather academic teaching experience.

If you are interested in pursuing a PhD in one of the best university environments in Europe, complete with a knowledgeable faculty and a strong support system, consider applying to ISEG.

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