Program Overview

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Master’s Degree in Teaching History (7-12)

The Master’s degree in Teaching History (7-12) is a 2-year, 120 ECTS credit program designed to train highly qualified teachers who can perform their teaching duties with scientific rigor and professional competence.

General Objectives of the Course

The aim of the course is to train highly qualified teachers who are able to perform their teaching duties with scientific rigor and professional competence, and who have:

• solid skills and knowledge in their subject, as well as in foundational areas of education and subject-specific didactics, so that they are able to understand processes of teaching and learning and use appropriate methodologies and materials;
• the ability to apply knowledge and skills in their subject area to specific school settings, in accordance with pedagogical principles;
• an awareness of the social, ethical, and civic dimension of teaching in general and their discipline in particular, and critical and self-reflective skills that enable them to act in an informed manner in school settings and in civil society;
• communicative competence in various relevant situations;
• an awareness of the changes that occur in their subject areas and in pedagogy and of the need for constant professional development in these areas.

Admission Requirements

To apply for the Master’s degree in Teaching History (7-12), candidates must meet the following conditions:

1. Hold a bachelor's degree or one of the qualifications referred to in paragraphs a) to c) of paragraph 1 of article 17 of Decree-Law No.
2. Have obtained, in this bachelor's degree or in other higher education study cycles, 120 credits (ECTS) in the scientific area of History;
3. Have oral and written proficiency in the Portuguese language and mastery of the essential rules of logical and critical argumentation. Alternatively, candidates who meet the requirements of paragraphs a) and c) of point 1, but not paragraph b), may also apply if they have obtained 75% of the necessary credits (90 ECTS) in the teaching areas.

Professional Goals

Students who complete the program obtain certification for teaching in elementary and secondary schools. At the end of the program, they will have acquired the competences needed for culture-related activities in public and private inter- and transcultural settings such as municipalities, cultural and civic associations.

Mode of Study

The program is offered in a daytime, full-time, and face-to-face mode.

Teaching/Evaluation Language

The teaching and evaluation language is Portuguese.

Examination Regulations, Assessment, and Grading

Assessment is a pedagogical activity inseparable from the teaching process, its aim is to establish the students' competencies and knowledge, their critical sense, ability to recognize and resolve problems, as well as their written and oral presentation skills. Students may only register for exams for classes they are currently registered for under the terms of number 6 of article 4 of the University of Coimbra Pedagogical Policy.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

The program aims to:

• deepen and consolidate knowledge and skills in history acquired in the bachelor's degree, focusing on relevant topics on teaching;
• enable students to apply their knowledge in planning and implementing substantiated classes in scientific, pedagogical, and didactical terms with full awareness of the specifics of teaching-learning situations and groups of students, curriculum guidelines, procedures, and appropriate materials, and other factors;
• understand the social, ethical, and civic impact of teaching;
• develop critical thinking and the ability to reflect in order to guide their teaching practice in ever new and complex situations;
• enable students to communicate and participate within the school community;
• recognize the need for ongoing scientific, pedagogical, and didactic update and being able to carry out research on aspects of the teaching practice in order to improve it.

Course Coordinator(s)

The course coordinators are:

• Ana Isabel Sacramento Sampaio Ribeiro
• João Paulo Cabral de Almeida Avelãs Nunes

ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)

The ECTS departmental coordinator is:

• Miguel Bandeira de Carvalho Jerónimo

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning is carried out in accordance with the Academic Regulation of the University of Coimbra.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

The legal framework for the qualification is established by the following decree laws: 74/2006, of 24 March, altered by 107/2008, of 25 June, 115/2013, of 7 August, and 79/2014, of 14 May.

Graduation Requirements

The degree will be awarded to students who have earned the total number of credits, after having obtained approval in: a) all courses defined for this MA program; b) the public defense of the action-research report presented at the end of the 2nd year.

Access to Further Studies

Graduates of the program may proceed to PhD degree studies.

Study Programme

The study programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in teaching history, including:

• Teaching History (7-12)
• Other courses as defined by the program.

Academic Year

The academic year is divided into two semesters.

Course Type

The course type is a 2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme.

DGES Code

The DGES code is M812.

Qualification Awarded

The qualification awarded is a Master’s degree in Teaching History (7-12).

Duration

The duration of the program is 2 years.

ECTS Credits

The program consists of 120 ECTS credits.

Category

The category of the program is Advanced specialization second cycle.

Accreditations

The program is accredited by the Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior.

Registration Number

The registration number is R/A-Cr 233/2015/AL01.