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PhD in Digital Games Development
Innovative and pioneering project in Portugal that brings together two institutions with a strong tradition in game development and in the areas of innovation, technology and creativity.
Lisboa
PresentationStudy planCoordinatorCareer opportunitiesAdmissions
Presentation
PhD in Digital Games Development
Nowadays, Digital Games have roles that transcend the playful and entertainment aspects and have been gaining increasing relevance in society. Digital game-based solutions are today fundamental working tools in simulation and training, and used in areas as diverse as the economy, environmental protection and health.
The great evolution in the use of Artificial Intelligence in digital games has transformed them into complex simulation systems, ideal for strategic analysis at the level of environmental, financial and even political ecosystems. At the same time, the constant search for ultra-realistic graphics has been expanding the horizons of Computer Graphics more and more.
Start dateSeptember
Duration4 years
Schedulepost-work
LanguageEnglish
Why the PhD in Digital Games Development?
Research Unit
- The students of this PhD integrate an immersive research environment, through their association with the research centers of the two institutions, UNIDCOM / IADE and 2Ai / IPCA.
- They also have the opportunity to be in constant contact and collaboration with national and international researchers who work directly or indirectly with applied research in the field of video games.
Accompaniment to Research Projects
- Students will have the opportunity to participate in multiple events, such as international scientific conferences and public exhibitions of the research projects developed.
- It is worth mentioning the External Monitoring Committee, which meets annually to discuss and advise on the main strategic lines of the program and to monitor the research projects of students and teachers.
Oriente Green Campus
As of September 2025, doctoral programs will be held at the Oriente Green Campus. This new campus offers an innovative setting, fostering an ecosystem of knowledge and creativity that promotes hands-on learning using the most advanced educational technologies.
Innovative Project
A partir de Setembro 2025 os Doutoramentos vão decorrer no Oriente Green Campus. O novo campus conta com um ambiente inovador, proporcionando um ecossistema de conhecimento e criatividade que promove a aprendizagem experiencial através da utilização das mais recentes tecnologias aplicadas à educação.
Study plan
Consult the structure of the curricular plan
1º YEAR | 1º SEMESTER
1º YEAR | 2º SEMESTER
2º YEAR | 3º SEMESTER
2º YEAR | 4º SEMESTER
3º YEAR
4º YEAR
| Subject | Hours | ECTS |
|---|---|---|
| Emerging Technologies for Games and Interactive Media | 28 | 6 |
| Immersion in Research Project II | 28 | 6 |
| Research Methodologies | 28 | 6 |
| Optional II* | ||
| *Machine Learning for Digital Games and Interactive Environments | 28 | 6 |
| *AR Virtual and Mixed Reality for Creative Applications | 28 | 6 |
| Optional III** | ||
| **Sound Design for Games | 28 | 6 |
| **Interaction Design in Creative Technologies | 28 | 6 |
| Note: Optional Curricular Units will be selected by the Coordination. |
| Subject | Hours | ECTS |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation / Project | 28 | 30 |
| Subject | Hours | ECTS |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 42 | 30 |
| Subject | Hours | ECTS |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 84 | 60 |
| Subject | Hours | ECTS |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 84 | 60 |
Career opportunities
- Researchers in the areas of Digital Games
- Higher education teachers with an emphasis on video games
- Highly qualified video game industry professionals
Programme intended for
Holders of a master’s degree or legal equivalent: Those wishing to progress in their professional careers.
Professionals and students wishing to explore new technologies:
- Want to explore new technologies in computer science, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence, computer graphics, virtual and augmented reality, and digital games.
- Want to broaden their areas of knowledge and intervention by investigating technology-based scientific solutions.
Admissions
Candidates interested in joining IADE can apply throughout the year. The application process is limited by existing vacancies and the suitability of the candidate's profile to the study cycle of interest.
To start the admission process, the candidate must follow these 3 steps.
2. Documentation
Gather the requested documentation in the admission process
3. Apply
Proceed with the formalization of the application, in person or online
Certification and accreditation
Approved by A3ES on 06/05/2021
Self-evaluation report for the PhD in Digital Games Development .
Registration R/A-Cr 181/2021/AL01, of 06/04/2023 (DGES).
Order no. 5026/2023 , of 27 April 2023, II series, no. 82 DR