Engineering Physics

A Legacy of Excellence

Since its inception in 1984, the course in Technological Physics Engineering has been a reference in Portugal, recognized for its excellence and impact in training physicists, engineers, and business leaders. This course is known for fostering a critical and entrepreneurial spirit, empowering its graduates to take on active and transformative roles in the world.

Successful Careers

Our graduates excel in strategic areas of science, engineering, services, and technology. The quality of the courses from the Department of Physics results in one of the highest employability rates in higher education in Portugal. With 100% of graduates employed six months after course completion and an internationalisation rate of 35%, our graduates are sought after by national and international companies. They are recognised for being proactive, entrepreneurial, and high-quality researchers.

Solid and Multidisciplinary Training

The excellence of the course stems from a robust scientific education in Physics, Mathematics, Computing, and Engineering, complemented by a rigorous work ethic, a comprehensive worldview, and an innate ability to think "outside the box". This multidisciplinary training prepares our students to present innovative and effective solutions.

Internships and Opportunities

Most of our students participate in internships at research units or companies, gaining decisive practical experience for their professional future. The broad spectrum of training allows them to pursue diverse careers, ranging from managers in multinationals and teachers at renowned institutions, to researchers, entrepreneurs, and engineers involved in creating startups and innovative technological and scientific projects.

Major Employers

The main employers of our students include renowned companies and institutions in the areas of microtechnologies, nanoelectronics, space technology, energy, bioengineering, software development, higher education, scientific research, consulting, and banking. Among these companies and institutions are Oxford, Cambridge, MIT, Stanford, DELF, ESA, CERN, Los Alamos, Google, Microsoft, RTP, GALP, EDP, Vodafone, Deloitte, Accenture, BCG, BPI, and KPMG, who recognise the talent, competence, and training of our students.

Bachelor's Degree in Technological Physics Engineering

The Bachelor's Degree in Technological Physics Engineering (LEFT) lasts for 3 years (6 semesters), corresponding to 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). LEFT students acquire a solid foundation in physics, mathematics, and essential engineering components, being equipped with all the necessary tools for their professional future.

Given the multifaceted nature of a Technological Physics Engineer's profile, the LEFT curriculum offers, in addition to mandatory and fundamental curricular units (UCs), the possibility for students to choose free and optional UCs that best suit their interests. These can be advanced UCs in Technological Physics Engineering, Pre-Major UCs, or any other UC from other IST courses. The curriculum also includes 9 ECTS in Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HACS) subjects from the University of Lisbon, complementing students' education in transversal areas.

The bachelor's degree culminates in the completion of a final project, which can be research-based or linked to the business world, allowing students to explore career options at the end of the course.

Master's Degree in Technological Physics Engineering

The Master's Degree in Technological Physics Engineering (MEFT), lasting 2 years (4 semesters) and 120 ECTS, is aimed at graduates in Exact Sciences and Engineering who wish to acquire transversal skills in Physics, Physical Engineering, and related areas. This master's programme is designed to provide excellent training for graduates with a strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) component, being particularly attractive to IST students and those from other national and international institutions with equivalent training.

Interested graduates can apply for the integrated doctorate, which allows for the completion of the master's and doctorate simultaneously. For more information on this possibility, please see here.

The curriculum plan includes regular Curricular Units (UCs) (36 ECTS), chosen from a set of 14 subjects transversal to the main scientific areas [link] of the Department of Physics. Additionally, students can take UCs of their choice (39 ECTS) from any IST course. In the 1st semester of the 2nd year, in the curricular unit "2nd Cycle Integrative Project - PIC2", a dissertation project is initiated, with the student placed in a research centre or company, under the supervision of a lecturer/researcher from the Department of Physics, with possible collaborations with lecturers and researchers from other institutions. The list of MEFT dissertations already presented can be consulted here.