Master’s Degree in Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences

General Objectives of the Course

This Master’s course aims advanced and specialized training of specialists able to contribute to the definition of a Portuguese policy in the area of Legal Medicine and other Forensic Sciences, cooperate with justice entities, conducting legal medicine examinations and forensic expertise, provide technical and laboratorial support, coordinate and supervise technical and scientific activities, taking part in the organization and management of legal medical services in Portugal. Course duration: 4 semesters (2 academic years) -120 ECTS.

Admission Requirements

a) May apply for the registration and enrollment graduates in Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Psychology, Social Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, Anthropology, Criminal Sciences and Police Sciences, or other similar degrees (classification minimum 14);
b) The Scientific Council of the Medical School may admit the registration candidates whose curriculum vitae reveals an adequate scientific preparation, even though the degree referred to in paragraph a) of paragraph 2, have
ratings lower than 14.
c) Can also apply foreign degree holders, following the 1st cycle of studies organized according to the Bologna Process, in the same national conditions.
d) Applicants from non-member countries to the Bologna Process must submit an authorization of the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Medicine to apply to the Master.

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

Professional Goals

The Master allows students to acquire skills needed to practice forensic activity with a higher technical and scientific level, depending on the graduation area, as well as to develop interest and research capacity in this field.

Mode of Study

The course is delivered in full time or part time attendance and daytime schedule.

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

Portuguese

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

As 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. The following are examples of assessment items: Oral or written exams, written or practical work, individual and group projects that may require an oral defense, as well as class participation. Assessment for each class may include one or more of the above mentioned items. Grading is based on a scale of 0 to 20 and a grade of 10 is required to pass. Whenever assessment includes more than one item, the final grade is calculated by taking into account the relative weight of each item according to a formula published in the course outline under the terms of number 2 of article 7 of the UC Pedagogical Policy.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

Promote qualified multidisciplinary postgraduate training within the Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences to graduates in different fields and academic backgrounds, providing them with technical and scientific training that will allow an effective and appropriate action in the areas of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences. Encourage curiosity for scientific research in the areas studied and provide monitoring that enables, in particular, the research activity. Develop research into clinical disciplines, laboratory and other forensic application. Promote inter relationship between knowledge and contents of Forensic Medicine and other disciplines in the scope of Legal Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Course Coordinator(s)

Duarte Nuno Pessoa Vieira
dnvieira.pt@gmail.com

ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)

Ricardo José David Costa Vieira
ricardo.vieira@portugalmail.pt

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 decrees: Decree-Law no. 74/2006, 24th March, amended and republished by the decree: DL no 107/2008, 25th June; Ordinance no. 782/2009, 23rd de July.

Graduation Requirements

The Master's degree requires the successful completion of all units of study in the study plan, as well as a dissertation or the stage, totalling 120 ECTS.

Access to Further Studies

The Master’s degree in Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences will be achieved when the student obtains 120 ECTS. The course duration is 2 academic years. After obtaining a Master's degree it is possible to advance to the third cycle of studies (PhD).

Study Programme

Master's Degree in Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences

Academic year
2024-2025

Course Type
2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme

DGES Code: 6653

Qualification Awarded: Mestre

Duration: 2 Year(s)

ECTS Credits: 120.0

Category: Advanced specialization second cycle


Applications

Call for Applications


Calendar

1st Semester
Start date: 09-09-2024
End date: 14-12-2024
2nd Semester
Start date: 03-02-2025
End date: 22-05-2025

Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior
2022-07-31 a 2028-07-30
Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior

Nº Registo: R/A-Ef 1673/2011/AL01

2018-07-25

Documents