Banner gráfico
Banner gráfico - mobile

Heritage, Arts and Creativity

 

Applications open for Admissions (PhD) until 21 of August of 2026 | Apply here

 

 

The PhD programme in Heritage, Arts and Creativity (PAC) is an advanced training and research programme offered jointly by the Polytechnic University of Tomar (IPT), the Polytechnic University of Castelo Branco (IPCB) and the Polytechnic University of Guarda (IPG). However, it is currently undergoing a process of converting to an association status at A3ES (the Portuguese Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education). This PhD programme benefits from academic collaborations with all universities belonging to the KreativEU university consortium — the European University dedicated to Identity, Heritage and Creativity in Europe, led by the Polytechnic University of Tomar — as well as with the UNITA and BAUHAUS4EU consortia, to which IPG and IPCB belong, respectively.

The PhD programme’s primary scientific field is Arts and Humanities (A&H) and is aligned with the remit of the R&D Unit ‘Centre for Technology, Restoration and Arts Enhancement’ (TECHN&ART), in which the doctoral programme will be carried out. This PhD programme focuses on the intersection between heritage conservation, contemporary artistic practices and the creative industries, reinforcing the role of IPT, IPCB, IPG and of TECHN&ART as key players in the regional production of applied research and cultural development and across the country.

The curriculum is available in the annex and comprises 180 ECTS credits.

The duration of the programme is 3 years

The PAC PhD programme combines tangible and intangible heritage with art, promoting a transdisciplinary education in the arts and humanities using creativity. It distinguishes itself from similar PhDs by offering a cross-disciplinary, research-oriented programme arising from this intersection between heritage, art and creativity, contributing to an understanding and appreciation of heritage across a broad and diverse geographical scope, thereby enabling a more accurate and tailored interpretation of each of the situations under investigation. In addition to its geographical scope, the diversity of expertise among the teaching staff involved enables the development of a wide range of tools, methodologies and mechanisms, facilitating the production of research materials tailored to each topic of study and context. In this PhD programme, the use of creativity – a core value for the field of art and for the European University – KreativEU – enables the creation of innovative solutions to reframe, enhance and conserve heritage, promoting resilience in its understanding, management, communication and enhancement, whilst also adhering to an eco-cultural framework. 

Art is, by definition, multifaceted and concerned with the development of unique poetic discourses. Within this field, a wide range of subjects and topics can be explored. Consequently, research centred on artistic heritage fosters the novelty of each student’s personal and unique encounter with their own distinct perspective and understanding of the world, which will enhance their professional and research performance. 

The predominant mode of teaching for this degree course is face-to-face. It will be carried out during a daytime regime and classes will take place mainly at the IPT campus, owing to the availability of laboratory facilities suitable for teaching more practical modules.

 Heritage is the subject of theoretical and practical study and research, which are carried out through the exploration of creative practices. These are taught and supervised within the academic context, tailored to the specific research interests of each student. 

Classes comprise oral presentations supported by the viewing of images and the reading of texts, encouraging students to develop independent and critical discourses, whilst raising their awareness of the specific aspects of art-based and practice-based research, which can be applied innovatively to the heritage sector. In addition, there is a distance-learning component in the format of lectures by experts from other institutions, which aims to broaden the critical discussion surrounding this approach to heritage. 

Programme Coordination Committee:

Prof. (PhD) Ana Rita de Sousa Gaspar Vieira (Instituto Politécnico de Tomar)

Prof. (PhD) Ana Cláudia Leal Marques Pires da Silva Mendes Pinto; (Instituto Politécnico de Tomar)

Prof. (PhD) Maria de Fátima B. da C. Gonçalves (Instituto Politécnico da Guarda) 

Prof. (PhD) Rui Miguel S. Sampaio Dias (Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco) 

Academic staff:

Prof. (PhD) Ana Rita de Sousa Gaspar Vieira (Instituto Politécnico de Tomar)

Prof. (PhD) Ana Cláudia Leal Marques Pires da Silva Mendes Pinto; (Instituto Politécnico de Tomar)

Prof. (PhD) Hermínia Maria Pimenta Ferreira Sol (Instituto Politécnico de Tomar) 

Prof. (PhD) Liliana Cristina Vidais Rosa (Instituto Politécnico de Tomar) 

Prof. (PhD) Luiz Miguel Oosterbeek (Instituto Politécnico de Tomar) 

Prof. (PhD) Maria de Fátima B. da C. Gonçalves (Instituto Politécnico da Guarda) 

Prof. (PhD) Miguel N. M. Carvalhinho (Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco) 

Prof. (PhD) Rui Filipe C. Carreto (Instituto Politécnico da Guarda) 

Prof. (PhD) Rui Miguel S. Sampaio Dias (Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco) 

Prof. (PhD) Andreia Maria Meira Machado Nogueira (Instituto Politécnico de Tomar)

Prof. (PhD) Carlos Noronha Feio (Instituto Politécnico de Tomar)

Advisory Board:

Prof. ISABEL LÖFGREN (Södertörn University, Suécia)

Prof. KATARZYNA MAZUR-W?ODARCZY (Opole University of Technology, Polónia)

Prof. LUCIA NOVÁKOVÁ (Trnava University in Trnava, Eslováquia) 

Prof. SERGIU MUSTEA?? (University Valahia Targoviste, Roménia)

Prof. SILVIU MARIAN MILOIU (University Valahia Targoviste, Roménia)

Prof. ZOLTÁN SOMHEGYI (University of Szeged, Hungria)

Visual Identity created by Teresa Cirera Dória, BA Student in Design and Graphic Arts Technology, Polytechnic University of Tomar

        

Location: Tomar.

Process No.: NCE/ 25 /2500394
Accreditation Term: 2 Anos
Publication Date: 11/03/2026
A3ES Deliberation

Objectives

1) The implementation of research methodologies that promote dynamic and contemporary approaches to heritage, drawing on artistic practices, the media, digital technologies, immersive experiences and participatory art from the perspective of eco-cultural identity and heritage; 

2) The development of specific skills arising from the use of creativity in the safeguarding, revitalisation and conservation of heritage;

3) The study and management of heritage informed by strategies of representation and presentation that enhance its relevance; and

 4) The broadening of the field of heritage studies, exploring its intersection with artistic practices, sustainability and emerging forms of heritage, to promote understanding of heritage in a contemporary and relevant context.

Professional Goals

The course helps to bridge a gap in the broad, cross-disciplinary training of technicians and professionals working in heritage conservation, management and communication, by considering heritage within the context of contemporary discourses and forms of expression. By exploring the intersection between artistic expression, heritage and sustainability, this course contributes to a dynamic understanding of artistic and cultural heritage, promoting creative interventions aimed at enhancing knowledge of and the relevance of heritage. As such, it contributes to the specialised training of: professionals in the visual arts; professionals involved in heritage management and conservation; professionals involved in curatorial practices and museology; professionals involved in the audiovisual sector and media production; and it contributes to the development of research in this scientific, cultural and geographical field.

Info to candidates

Applicants must formalise their application by submitting the following documentation:

a)      Photograph and a copy of an identity document (ID card or Passport);

b)      Application form;

c)    A copy of their academic transcript (*), showing the final average mark and a breakdown of the modules and their respective marks;

d)      A detailed Curriculum Vitae;

e)      Relevant documentation for the application: portfolio (PDF format, limited to 25 pages plus cover page);

f)      Declaration of honour attesting to the accuracy of the documents included in the Curriculum Vitae;

g)      Letter of motivation;

h)     Two letters of recommendation.

Applications must be submitted online here and the supporting documents sent by email to balcaounico@ipt.pt.

If you have any queries, please contact us by telephone:

WhatsApp: 913 950 802
Telephone: +351 249 328 216 | +351 249 328 107


Ext. - 41309 / 41307 / 41216 / 41308
Email - balcaounico@ipt.pt
Office – Building A – Tomar – Campus – Tomar – Campus
Opening hours

New in-person opening hours:

Monday: 9.15 am to 12.15 pm
Tuesday: 9.15 am to 12.15 pm
Wednesday: 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm
Thursday: 9.15 am to 12.15 pm
Friday: 9.15 am to 12.15 pm

Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Other contact details:

Telephone: (+351) 249 328 100 ext.: 41214 and 41302

Other contact: PhD Secretariat, Ms. Guiomar Fonseca
 

Student Office (IPT) Office: I 215 (Building I)

Quinta do Contador, Estrada da Serra
2300-313 Tomar, Portugal

Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm

Candidates who meet the requirements set out in Article 30 of Decree-Law No. 74/2006 of 24 March, as amended by Decree-Law No. 65/2018 of 16 August, may apply for the PhD programme in Heritage, Arts and Creativity.

That is to say:

a) Holders of a master’s degree or its legal equivalent;

b) Holders of a bachelor’s degree who have an academic or scientific background of particular relevance, recognised as demonstrating the ability to undertake this course of study by the legally and statutorily competent academic body of the higher education institution to which they wish to be admitted;

c) Holders of an academic, scientific or professional background recognised as demonstrating the ability to undertake this course of study by the legally and statutorily competent academic body of the higher education institution to which they wish to be admitted.

The specific conditions to be met in the application for admission are defined by the Technical and Scientific Board.

Selection criteria

The selection of candidates will involve a general assessment covering the following criteria:

a)        Academic qualifications – 20%

b)        Academic and scientific publications – 20%

c)        Research projects (artistic research – portfolio [(PDF format, limited to 25 pages + cover page)] – 20%

d)        Professional career – 10%

e)        Statement of purpose – 10%

f)        Two letters of recommendation – 5%

g)        Interview – 15%

Tie-breaking criteria

In the event of a tie, the candidate holding the highest academic degree will be given priority. Where candidates hold the same academic degree, the candidate with the higher final mark will be awarded the higher ranking.

 

Selection of candidates

The PhD programme Coordination Committee, which is also responsible for assessing applications, comprises the Programme Coordinator, three (3) programme lecturers from IPT, IPCB and IPG respectively, and one (1) external guest lecturer.

PhD Grants

In parallel with the launch of the programme, a call for applications will be issued for the award of six (6) PhD grants. These research grants are funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) as part of the KreativEU consortium. Funding for these six placements represents a crucial opportunity for national and international researchers to develop their thesis projects as part of a European network of excellence, benefiting from mobility, resource sharing and strong links to the cultural and creative sectors that make up the network.

Application period for the PhD programme

a)    Submission of applications and required documentation:

Phase 1: 

- Applications – 15 July to 21 August

- Publication of the shortlist for interviews – 11 September

- Interviews – 14 September.

-  Announcement of results:

          - Provisional results – 16 September

          - Appeals – until 22 September

          - Final results – 24 September 

          - Enrolment – 28 to 30 September

Note: A second round will be opened if there are any remaining places after the first round.

*In the case of students from foreign higher education institutions, the academic qualification certificate must be recognised by the Portuguese Consulate in the country of origin and/or legalised under the Apostille system.

Applicants must also submit a NARIC Statement – a statement of the level of the course and/or the foreign higher education institution (certifying the level of foreign higher education qualifications/diplomas in the country of origin and, where applicable, the foreign higher education institutions that award them as recognised institutions). This document must be requested from the DGES via the link https://www.dges.gov.pt/pt/pagina/declaracoes-naric?plid=374

Opening / Day 1 – PhD presentation: 12 November (Thursday) at the IPT Campus in Tomar.

Tuition fees and payment methods


We would like to inform applicants that the annual tuition fees for the PhD in Heritage, Arts and Creativity are set as follows:

Portuguese students: €1,500.00 per year

KreativEU students: €1,500.00 per year

International students (other countries): €3,000.00 per year

The terms and conditions of payment (instalments and deadlines) will be published at a date to be announced.

Fees and Charges


TABLE OF FEES AND CHARGES OF THE
POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE OF TOMAR

(Approved by resolution of the Management Board on 24 February 2025, replacing the schedule in force up to that date and published in Order No. 4529/20252 of 11 April).


Schedule of Fees and Charges available under Legislation, Regulations and Fees


Applications must be submitted via the IPT portal. The application fee is €60.00, to be transferred to the IPT’s IBAN.

If documentation is sent by email (balcaounico@ipt.pt), payment may be made by bank transfer to:

NIB: 0781 0112 0000 0001 2791 7

IBAN - PT50 0781 0112 0000 0001 2791 7

BIC - IGCPPTPL

 

Plano curricular
Cód. UC Area ECTS Lecturer
Obg. Opt.
Anual
50711 Communication, Art and MediaArts and Humanities (A&H) 10 Maria de Fátima B. da C. Gonçalves (1)
50712 Creativity as a Foundation: Art and HeritageArts and Humanities (A&H) 10 Ana Vieira (1)
50714 Critical Heritage StudiesArts and Humanities (A&H) 10 Hermínia Sol (1)
50713 Cultural Economy and SustainabilityArts and Humanities (A&H) 10 Cláudia Pires da Silva (1)
50715 Cultural Heritage PoliciesArts and Humanities (A&H) 10 Rui Miguel S. Sampaio Dias (1)
50716 Research ProjectArts and Humanities (A&H) 10 Liliana Cristina Vidais Rosa (1)

 

Plano curricular
Cód. UCArea ECTS Lecturer
Obr. Opt.
Anual
50717 ThesisArts and Humanities (A&H) 60 Ana Vieira (1)

 

Plano curricular
Cód. UCArea ECTS Lecturer
Obr. Opt.
Anual
50718 ThesisArts and Humanities (A&H) 60 Ana Vieira (1)

(1) Lead Professor
(2) Teaching Professor

Partnerships

Contacts

Course coordinator

Ana Rita de Sousa Gaspar Vieira

Ana Rita de Sousa Gaspar Vieira

Gabinete: H214
t.: 96 28 444 33
endereço de e-mail

Erasmus coordinator

Hermínia Maria Pimenta Ferreira Sol

Hermínia Maria Pimenta Ferreira Sol

Gabinete: B180
t.: + 351 249 328100
ext.: 47221
endereço de e-mail

Administrative Support Staff

Guiomar Maria Marques Fonseca Cotovio

Guiomar Maria Marques Fonseca Cotovio

Gabinete: I 215
t.: 249 328 237
ext.: 41214 e 41302
endereço de e-mail
ISO 9001
NP4552
SGC
KreativEu
erasmus
catedra
b-on
portugal2020
centro2020
compete2020
crusoe
fct
feder
fse
poch
portugal2030
poseur
prr
santander
republica
UE next generation
Centro 2030
Lisboa 2020
Compete 2030
co-financiado