The new PhD Programme in Bioethics was officially presented on October 19th, during the conference “Bioethics and Peace | Thinking, Caring and Shaping the Future”, held at Católica Medical School as part of the celebrations of World Bioethics Day. The programme, developed in collaboration between the Institute of Bioethics, Católica Medical School and the Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, is accepting applications until February 5th, 2027.
The launch of this new PhD programme marks an important step towards strengthening advanced education and scientific research in Bioethics, aiming to address the ethical challenges arising from contemporary scientific, technological and social transformations.
The PhD Programme in Bioethics stands out for its integration of scientific rigour, philosophical depth and interdisciplinarity, bringing together fields such as Life and Health Sciences, Humanities, Law and emerging technologies. Its distinctive approach lies in combining advanced research, critical thinking and ethical deliberation, fostering a comprehensive understanding of contemporary challenges and the production of knowledge with scientific relevance and social impact.
With a duration of three years, corresponding to 180 ECTS credits, the programme aims to train researchers and professionals who are capable not only of understanding and keeping pace with scientific and technological developments, but also of critically questioning and responsibly guiding them, placing human dignity, justice and the common good at the heart of ethical reflection.
The PhD programme is coordinated by Mara de Sousa Freitas, Director of the Institute of Bioethics, alongside Marta Brites and William Hasselberger, who are also members of the coordination team.
The programme adopts a diverse pedagogical approach, combining theoretical and practical classes, seminars, problem-based and project-based learning, case study analysis and specialised scientific supervision throughout the development of doctoral theses. This methodology aims to foster critical reflection, argumentation skills and the production of original scientific research.
Designed for professionals, researchers and graduates from different fields of knowledge, the PhD programme promotes interdisciplinary dialogue and the development of ethically grounded responses to contemporary challenges, strengthening the connection between academic knowledge, research and society.
Applications for the PhD Programme in Bioethics are open until February 5th, 2027, with 15 places available. The programme is scheduled to begin on March 15th, 2027, and will take place at Católica Medical School, Sintra Campus.
The launch of this new PhD programme reinforces the commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary research and the promotion of ethical reflection capable of helping to guide scientific and technological development in the service of human dignity and the common good.
Find out more about the PhD Programme in Bioethics, its study plan and application requirements here
