Master’s Degree in Teaching Portuguese and a Foreign Language (7-12)

The Master’s degree in Teaching Portuguese and a Foreign Language (7-12) is a 2-year program that aims to train highly qualified teachers who are able to perform their duties with rigour and professional competence. The program is designed to provide students with solid skills and knowledge in their subject areas, as well as in foundational areas of education and subject-specific didactics.

General Objectives of the Course

The general objectives of the course are to:

• train highly qualified teachers who are able to perform their duties with rigour and professional competence
• provide students with solid skills and knowledge in their subject areas, as well as in foundational areas of education and subject-specific didactics
• enable students to understand processes of teaching and learning and use appropriate methodologies and materials
• develop students' ability to apply knowledge and skills in their subject areas to specific school settings, in accordance with pedagogical principles
• foster 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
• develop students' communicative competence in various relevant situations
• promote 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 be eligible for admission, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. Hold a bachelor's degree or one of the qualifications referred to in provisions a) to c) of paragraph 1 of article 17 of Decree-Law No. 74/2006
2. Have obtained, in that bachelor's degree or in other higher education study cycles, a minimum of 80 to 100 credits (ECTS) in the scientific area of Portuguese and a minimum of 60 to 80 credits (ECTS) in the area of Foreign Language (German, Spanish, French, or English), with 160 credits in both areas
3. Have oral and written command of the Portuguese language and mastery of the essential rules of logical and critical argumentation

Alternatively, candidates may also apply if they meet the requirements of paragraphs a) and c) of point 1, but not paragraph b), and have obtained 75% of the necessary credits (120 ECTS) in the teaching area. Candidates may also apply if they meet the requirements of paragraphs b) and c) of point 1, but not paragraph a), and hold an academic, scientific, or professional curriculum that is recognized as attesting to the capacity to complete this cycle of studies by the Scientific Council of FLUC and have obtained a minimum of 75% of the necessary credits (120 ECTS) in the teaching area.

Professional Goals

The program aims to provide students with the competences needed for culture-related activities in inter- and transcultural settings. Upon completion of the program, students will obtain certification for teaching in elementary and secondary schools (7-12), specifically in the areas of Portuguese (code 300) and German (code 340), Spanish (code 350), French (code 320), or English (code 330).

Mode of Study

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

Teaching/Evaluation Language(s)

The teaching and evaluation languages are Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, and German.

Examination Regulations, Assessment, and Grading

Assessment is a pedagogical activity inseparable from the teaching process, aiming 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. The assessment items may include oral or written exams, written or practical work, individual and group projects that may require an oral defense, as well as class participation. Grading is based on a scale of 0 to 20, and a grade of 10 is required to pass.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

The program aims to:

• deepen and consolidate the knowledge and skills acquired in the bachelor’s program in Portuguese and a Foreign Language, particularly in what concerns the subjects that are relevant for teaching in elementary and secondary schools
• apply the knowledge obtained in lesson planning and execution, providing pedagogic and didactic justifications that take into account the teaching-learning process, curriculum guidelines, age levels, and other relevant factors
• understand the social, ethical, and civic dimension of teaching
• develop the critical and self-reflective skills that are needed to respond to new and complex situations
• be able to communicate and participate in the school community
• recognize the need for constant professional development in their subject area and in pedagogy- and didactics-related issues in order to enhance their teaching practice

Course Coordinator(s)

The course coordinators are Judite Manuela Silva Nogueira Carecho and Maria Isabel Pires Pereira.

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:

• all courses defined for this MA program
• the public defense of the action-research report presented at the end of the 2nd year
• in the case referred to in numbers 5 and 6 of Art. 18 of Decree-Law 79/2014, the degree is awarded to those who meet all of the minimum entry requirements as well as the conditions specified in paragraphs a) and b)

Access to Further Studies

Upon completion of the program, students may pursue PhD degree studies.

Study Programme

The program offers the following specializations:

• Specialization in English as a Foreign Language
• Specialization in French as a Foreign Language
• Área de Especialização de Alemão
• Área de Especialização de Espanhol

Academic Year

The academic year is divided into two semesters.

Course Type

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

DGES Code

The DGES code for the program is M837.

Qualification Awarded

The qualification awarded is a Master’s degree.

Duration

The program duration is 2 years.

ECTS Credits

The program consists of 120 ECTS credits.

Category

The program category is Advanced specialization second cycle.

Accreditations

The program is accredited by the Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior and the Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior, with the registration number R/A-Cr 179/2015/AL01.

Universidade de Coimbra

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Overview:

Universidade de Coimbra is a public research university located in Coimbra, Portugal. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, with a rich history dating back to 1290. The university is renowned for its academic excellence, particularly in the fields of law, medicine, and humanities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university offers a vibrant campus life with a wide range of cultural and sporting activities. Students can participate in the university's theater, music, and dance programs, as well as its sports teams. The university also has a number of student clubs and organizations.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Historical Significance:

Universidade de Coimbra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering students a unique opportunity to study in a historic and culturally rich environment.

Academic Excellence:

The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in Portugal and internationally, offering high-quality academic programs.

International Reputation:

Universidade de Coimbra has a strong international reputation, attracting students and faculty from around the world.

Research Opportunities:

The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects.

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Academic Programs:

Universidade de Coimbra offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Undergraduate Studies:

  • Licenciaturas (Bachelor's degrees)
  • Mestrados integrados (Integrated Master's degrees)

• Postgraduate Studies:

  • Mestrados (Master's degrees)
  • Doutoramentos (Doctoral degrees)

• Other Courses:

  • Ensino a distância (Distance learning)
  • Cursos preparatórios (Preparatory courses)
  • Aprender português (Portuguese language courses)

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Other:

The university has three campuses, 16 libraries, two museums, one theater, two stadiums, one botanic garden, 14 residences, and 18 canteens and cafeterias. It also has a strong commitment to sustainability, with initiatives such as solar panels and waste sorting programs.