Master in Social Work
General Objectives of the Course
The proposal to create the second cycle of studies in Social Work at FPCE-UC follows the principles of the Bologna Process and stems from the commitment to ensuring, within the framework of public higher education, progression towards advanced-level learning, from a theoretical-reflective perspective, and the subsequent acquisition of competencies that the generalist and cross-disciplinary nature of the first cycle of studies cannot fully provide. The Master's strengthens students' skills in the analysis and social management of changing contexts, of vulnerability and psychosocial risk, aiming to contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of public policies oriented towards emerging target groups, by fostering innovation skills, expertise, and professional proficiency. It ensures a professional profile grounded in scientific analysis and in the mastery of research and innovative social intervention skills, within organizational and community settings.Admission Requirements
a) Holders of a bachelor's degree or legal equivalent; b) Holders of a foreign higher academic degree conferred following a 1st cycle of studies organized in accordance with the principles of the Bologna Process by a State adhering to this process c) Holders of a foreign higher academic degree is recognized as meeting the objectives of the bachelor's degree by the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences; d) holders of an academic, scientific and professional curriculum that is recognized as attesting to the ability to carry out this cycle and studies by the scientific council of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences. 2 - The recognition referred to in paragraph 1(b) to (d) shall have the effect only of granting access to the cycle of studies leading to a master's degree and shall not confer on its holder the equivalence to a bachelor's degree or the recognition of such a degree.
Candidates should check the admission requirements available on this site, in addition to the information provided here.
Professional Goals
The fields of work in Social Work are diverse, both in terms of institutional framework and target populations, objectives, and working methodologies, namely: Health, Mental Health, Justice, Social Security, Local Government, Education, Private Institutions of Social Solidarity, Non-Governmental Organizations, Applied Research projects, Teaching, and Scientific Research.Through the Master’s degree, professionals acquire enhanced skills to take on roles at various levels, particularly those involving responsibilities in the management and leadership of services, projects, and policies, including: Social Counseling, Social Facilities Management, Local Development and Social Intervention, Management and Evaluation of Social Projects and Policies, Social, School, and Community Mediation, Social Support and Monitoring of Children, Families, Youth, and Elderly People in Situations of Vulnerability or at Risk of Social Exclusion, and Intervention in Community Projects for Social Inclusion.
Mode of Study
Face-to-Face, Full-timeTeaching / Evaluation language(s)
Portuguese, with the exception of the Elective Course Unit “Intervention and Social Desfiliation ” which will be taught in English.Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading
In accordance with Article 24 of Decree-Law No. 115/2013, of August 7, the second cycle of studies is given a final grade, expressed in a 10-20 range within the full 0-20 grading system, as well as its equivalent on the ECTS grading scale (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).The final grade is obtained by the weighted arithmetic average (rounded to the nearest whole number) of all course units (including the Dissertation/Project or Internship), using the number of ECTS credits as the weighting factor.
In accordance with Article 17 of Decree-Law No. 42/2005, of February 22, the final grade of the Cycle of Studies, after the defense of the Dissertation/Project or Internship, may be accompanied by a qualitative classification, expressed as follows: Sufficient (10-13 points), Good (14-15 points), Very Good (16-17 points), and Excellent (18-20 points).
Learning Objectives and Intended Skills
The Master’s Degree in Social Work builds upon the educational philosophy underlying the Bachelor's degree and aims to develop new and renewed capacities and competencies, namely:- deepening the theories, methodologies, and specific processes of Social Work, while reflecting on their suitability;
- developing innovative and creative methodologies;
- conducting research independently, in order to produce knowledge and manage one’s own scientific and professional learning process;
- identifying, understanding, and assessing social needs and critical contexts, as a basis for deciding on appropriate intervention procedures;
- integrating knowledge to address complex issues, aiming to make informed judgments, proposing, and developing solutions;
- mediating conflicts and social problems, in family, school, and community intervention settings;
- building competencies that support lifelong learning.
ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)
Luís Miguel da Silva Pires
luismigueldasilvapires@gmail.com
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
LD 115/2013, 7th of August amends previous legislation (LD 74/2006, 24th of March, and following amendments, Decree 782/2009, 23rd of July).Graduation Requirements
To obtain the Master’s degree qualification, students must successfully complete all compulsory and elective course units, as well as submit and publicly defend their final Dissertation/Project/Internship Monograph. It is also foreseen that students may obtain a Diploma of Specialization in Social Work upon successfully completing all course units from the first year of the study cycle.
Access to Further Studies
In accordance with Decree-Law No. 115/2013, of August 7 (Article 30, paragraph 1, point a, and Article 38), the second cycle of studies grants eligibility to apply for a third cycle of studies.Study Programme
2026-2027
Course Type
2nd Cycle Studies - Lifelong Learning Master Programme
DGES Code: 9330
Qualification Awarded: Mestre
Duration: 4 Semester(s)
ECTS Credits: 120.0
Category: Lifelong training second cycle
Applications
Call for Applications
Accreditations
- Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior
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Nº Registo: ACEF/2526/1300291
- 2026-07-31 a 2032-07-30
- Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior
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Nº Registo: R/A-Cr 31/2014/AL02
- 2026-04-24