Master in African Studies

General Objectives of the Course

The general objectives of the course are to:
1. consolidate, deepen and expand the learning acquired in previous higher education and/or previous professional experiences,
2. provide critical knowledge of the disciplinary and interdisciplinary heritage fundamental to understanding the societies and cultures
of Africa, past and present, exploring their concepts, methodologies and theoretical and interpretative models,
3. develop methodological and theoretical skills aimed at carrying out innovative and quality research, capable of preparing students
to pursue higher studies in the 3rd cycle,
4. develop theoretical-methodological tools that allow students to be competently and fully integrated into different professional
organizations.

Admission Requirements

Candidates require to be, in this order of preference:
(a) Graduates in areas of Literature, e.g. ex. Anthropology, Cultural Studies, History, Languages and Literatures
(b) Graduates in Social Sciences areas, e.g. ex. Political Sciences, Law, International Relations, Sociology.
(c) Holders of an academic, scientific or professional curriculum that is recognized as attesting the ability to carry out this cycle of studies by the course management.
Excellent oral comprehension and writing skills in Portuguese are required (minimum C1 level of proficiency, with CAPLE certification, if applicable) and minimum B2 level English language proficiency (oral and written) is recommended.

Candidates should check the admission requirements available on this site, in addition to the information provided here.

Professional Goals

The Master in African Studies offers scientific skills that allow degree holders to join State bodies, university institutions and research centers, foundations and national civil society organizations, international organizations (governmental and non-governmental), literary and scientific publishers, Press bodies, companies and consultancies.

Mode of Study

Face-to-Face / Daytime

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

Portuguese

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

Assessment is a pedagogical activity inseparable from teaching, aimed at refining the skills and knowledge acquired by students, their pro-activity and critical and synthetic spirit, their ability to state and solve problems, as well as their mastery of communication. written and oral. Students enrolled in the respective curricular units in the academic year to which the tests relate and, simultaneously, registered in these tests are admitted to assessment tests, when such registration is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the University of Coimbra. Assessment elements include the following examples: written or oral exam, tests, problem solving, practical (laboratory or computational) or written work, as well as individual or group projects, which may have to be defended orally. The assessment of each curricular unit may include one or more of the indicated assessment elements, and students must be aware of the weighting of each component in the final assessment, in accordance with the regulations of the University of Coimbra. The classification of each student, for each curricular unit, translates into an integer value between 0 and 20 values and students who obtain a minimum final classification of 10 values are considered approved. Approval in the Dissertation in African Studies curricular unit includes a public defense test of the work developed before a jury made up of experts in the field in which it falls, in accordance with the Academic Regulations of the University of Coimbra (RAUC).

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

It is expected that, at the end of the course, students will master the theoretical and methodological instruments that enable them to:
1. critically approach the works of Portuguese-language African Literature, and identify or question their artistic, cultural and heritage
value;
2. assess the dynamics of multilingualism in Africa, especially in the PALOP, and the social, educational and linguistic implications of
colonial heritage and post-independence language policies;
3. analyze historical sources in order to understand the trajectories of modern colonialism, its main dynamics and its legacies in
contemporary societies;
4. analyze the complexities of Development and Sustainable Development policies, their impacts on African societies, and difficulties
in dealing with climate change;
5. operationalize the interdisciplinary and methodological integration of knowledge about Africa in research work or professional
contexts.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning is carried out in accordance with the Academic Regulations of the University of Coimbra, RAUC, Regulation no. 805-A/2020, DR, 2nd series, of 24 September (http://www.uc.pt/ academics/regulations/regulations), under the terms set out in Decree-Law no. 74/2006, of March 24, in its current wording.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

Legal regime for higher education degrees and diplomas defined by Decree-Law no. 74/2006, of March 24, in its current wording.

Graduation Requirements

Have successfully completed the study plan and collected 120 ECTS.

Access to Further Studies

The Master's degree in African Studies, students for entry to doctoral courses (3rd cycle of studies) in similar areas.

Study Programme

Estudos Africanos

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Course Type
2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme

Qualification Awarded: Mestre

Duration: 2 Year(s)

ECTS Credits: 120.0

Category: Advanced specialization second cycle

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Applications

Call for Applications

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Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior

2026-07-31 a 2032-07-31

Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior

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Documents