Program Overview

Introduction to the 1st Cycle Degree in Public Administration

The 1st cycle degree in Public Administration is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of public administration and its various aspects. The program aims to train professionals who can respond to the needs and challenges of public administration in modern societies, enabling them to promote effective, responsible, and inclusive institutions for everyone.

Objectives of the Program

The main objectives of the program are to:

• Train professionals capable of responding to the needs and challenges facing Public Administration in modern societies
• Prepare graduates with a multi- and transdisciplinary knowledge of the Portuguese reality, as well as the international contexts in which it operates
• Enable students to promote effective, responsible, and inclusive institutions for everyone and at all levels

Curriculum and Structure

The program has a duration of 3 years, consisting of 6 semesters. The curriculum includes a common curricular base, complemented by optional sections (Minors) in the areas of public policy, political science, and spatial planning and development.

Admission Criteria

Admission to the program is based on the National Competition for Access, which considers the secondary education grade and the admission test grade. The calculation of the grades is as follows:

• 50% of the secondary education grade
• 50% of the admission test grade

Tuition Fees

The national/EU student tuition fee for the 2025/2026 academic year is 697/year, while the international tuition fee is 3500/year.

Scientific Area

The program falls under the scientific area of Social Sciences.

Teaching Language

The teaching language of the program is Portuguese.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Agency for Higher Education (A3ES).

Professional Outcomes

Graduates of the program have a wide range of career prospects, including:

• Public Administration at national, regional, or local level
• Public or private companies
• Autonomous institutions
• Organizations with highly interdependent relationships with Public Administration

Curricular Plan

The curricular plan of the program includes a range of courses and minors, designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of public administration and its various aspects.

Registers

The program is registered at the General Directorate of Higher Education with the number R/A-Ef 1426/2011/AL02.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The program contributes to the achievement of several SDGs, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The program adopts the SDG Keyword Mapping method, developed by the University of Auckland, to identify correspondences in the training offer and promote the integration of sustainability into its educational offer.