Overview
Sociology: Knowledge for open, inclusive societies (OpenSoc) is an interuniversity doctoral programme that mobilizes the theoretical, methodological and empirical heritage built up in sociology’s history, as well as its far-reaching interdisciplinary connections, in order to devise new guidelines for research and intervention in the face of present societal challenges.

Objectives

  • Advanced theoretical, methodological, and practical training in the “sociologist’s craft” and its social applications. Besides the seminars making up the study plan, we encourage students’ involvement in research teams’ activities. Students can also take advantage of Summer schools and specialized courses provided by the different universities in order to deepen and diversify their learning, as well as to gain transversal skills for knowledge communication and valorisation.
  • Quality of academic life, by providing an environment of constant reflexive stimulus, peer discussion and criticism, as well as good material and intellectual work facilities for doctoral studies, both in place and on-line.
  • Encouragement and opportunities for internationalization, by supporting individual or collaborative international publication, participation in international scientific events and networks, and mobility within and without the circle of OpenSoc partner institutions, including the possibility of obtaining the tile of Doctor Europaeus.
  • Acknowledgment of a doctoral training for excellence, by the joint granting of the doctoral degree in Sociology by the four universities associated in OpenSoc, whichever one the student chooses to conclude his or her thesis.

Interuniversity Collaboration

The OpenSoc programme emerged out of growing collaboration in sociological research for over a decade among our universities: the University of Lisbon, through the Institute of Social Sciences, the Institute of Social and Political Sciences, and the Lisbon School of Economics and Management; the NOVA University, through the NOVA School of Social Sciences and Humanities; the University of Évora, through the Institute for Advanced Studies and Research; and the University of Algarve, through the Faculty of Economics.

The deadlines and application form can be found on the OpenSoc website