The Centre for Social Studies (CES) and the Faculty of Economics of the University of Coimbra (FEUC) are now including in their study plan a new PhD programme in «Sociology of the State, Law, and Justice», beginning in the school year of 2021/2022.

Coordinated by Boaventura de Sousa Santos, António Casimiro Ferreira and Sara Araújo, professors and researchers from both host institutions, whose scientific curricula verify their competence in the areas of study under analysis, a study plan has been drawn up with top-level references in the international spectrum in the field of sociology of law.

According to its coordination, this Doctoral Programme of unique international scope «is based on the legacy of four decades of international reflection and empirical research by CES and FEUC in the area of sociology of law and politics and responds to the challenges of scientific rigour, interdisciplinarity and decolonisation of knowledge, while promoting the use of innovative research methodologies and critical knowledge that contributes to the development and democratisation of societies». Lectured in English, but ensuring the possibility of carrying out individual evaluation in English, Portuguese or Spanish, this programme fills a gap in the international academic offer and aims to attract candidates from all continents.

The following individuals can apply to this doctoral programme: a) masters’ holders or legal equivalent in social sciences or humanities; b) first degree holders, with a particularly relevant academic or scientific curriculum attesting to the capacity to carry out this studies cycle; c) holders of a particularly relevant academic or scientific curriculum attesting to the capacity to carry out this studies cycle.

The coordination team has identified a number of areas and career prospects that respond to the fundamental aim of equipping students with: university teaching; research in interdisciplinary studies; advanced and higher and middle level training for senior managers, of public and private entities; definition of public policies; specialised journalism; public administration and the performance of highly qualified functions within the third sector.

Structured in 8 semesters, corresponding to 240 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), the programme addresses pressing and emerging themes of international relevance, such as: Social theories of law and justice; Gender crime and violence; State, democracy and legal pluralism; Access to law and justice, courts and policies for the administration of justice; Modernity, colonialism and racial violence; and Social rights, financialisation and inequalities. A short-term research internship at a partner institution, national or foreign, will ensure a brief experience of mobility. 

As one more key piece in the research of excellence, which privileges advanced training, "Sociology of the State, Law, and Justice" is CES’ 13th active doctoral programme, among those implemented within the various organic units of the University of Coimbra and other higher education institutions, and which will contribute to the increase of a student community with more than 400 people from all continents. It is expected that those interested will be able to submit their applications in the first quarter of 2021.

Further information > HERE