Master in Social Work

The Master in Social Work at the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences aims to enhance skills in social analysis and managing of contexts in change, vulnerability, and psychosocial risk. This program contributes to the construction, implementation, and evaluation of public policies targeted to new audiences through innovation capabilities, expertise, and professional proficiency.

General Objectives of the Course

The proposal to establish the SW Master follows the philosophy of the Bologna Process, ensuring training in the area and progression to an advanced learning level. The program focuses on theoretical and reflective terms, acquiring skills that the generalist and transversal nature of the 1st Study Cycle does not allow to accomplish.

Admission Requirements

Candidates must fulfill the conditions set out in paragraph 1 of article 17º, of LD 115/2013, 7th of August:

• Holders of a degree or legal equivalent
• Holders of a foreign academic degree obtained after a 1st Cycle of Studies organized according to the principles of Bologna Process by a State participating in this Process
• Holders of a foreign academic degree that is recognized as meeting the objectives of a degree by the statutorily competent scientific department of the higher education institution where they wish to be admitted
• Holders of an academic, scientific or professional curriculum that is recognized as attesting the capacity to carry out this study cycle by the statutorily competent scientific department of the higher education institution where they wish to be admitted

Professional Goals

The intervention areas of Social Work are diverse, including:

• Health
• Mental Health
• Justice
• Social Security
• Local Government
• Education
• Private Institutions of Social Solidarity or Non-governmental Organizations
• Applied Research projects
• Education and Scientific Research With the Master's, professionals acquire skills to take on increased functions at different levels, including responsibilities involving direction and management of equipment, projects, and policies.

Mode of Study

The program is offered full-time, face-to-face, and during the daytime.

Teaching / Evaluation Language

The teaching and evaluation language is Portuguese.

Examination Regulations, Assessment, and Grading

The final rating is expressed in the range 10-20, and the final classification is obtained by the weighted arithmetic mean of curricular units. The final Cycle of Studies may be associated with a qualitative expression in terms of Sufficient, Good, Very Good, and Excellent.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

The Master in Social Work aims to develop new and updated skills, including:

• Deepening of theories, methodologies, and specific processes of Social Work
• Development of innovative and creative methodologies
• Research development to produce knowledge and manage scientific and professional future learning processes
• Identification, analytical understanding, and measurement of social needs and critical contexts
• Integration of knowledge in complex issues to propose and develop solutions
• Conflict/social problems mediation in contexts of family, school, and community intervention
• Building skills that enable learning throughout life

Course Coordinator

Clara Maria Rodrigues Cruz Silva Santos

ECTS Departmental Coordinator

Bruno Cecílio de Sousa

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 program follows LD 115/2013, 7th of August, which amends previous legislation.

Graduation Requirements

To obtain a Master's degree in Social Work, students must register and be approved in all curricular units of the Specialization Course and prepare and orally defend an original scientific Dissertation or a Social Intervention Project or a professional Internship followed by a Final Report.

Access to Further Studies

The 2nd Study Cycle allows access to a 3rd Study Cycle, pursuant to LD 115/2013, 7th of August.

Study Programme

The Master in Social Work is a 2nd Cycle Studies - Lifelong Learning Master Programme with 90.0 ECTS credits, lasting 3 semesters.

Accreditations

The program is accredited by Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior, with the registration number R/A-Cr 31/2014/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.