Master’s degree in Physical Geography - Environment and Spatial Planning

General Objectives of the Course

To acquire advanced knowledge of Physical Geography, promoting the discussion of concepts, theories, and methodologies; To know legal instruments of environmental protection and land use planning; To know the current situation and the potential of natural resources in Portugal; To know the challenges posed to the management and planning of the territory.
To discuss the great problems that affect the territory, at various scales; Understand the role of society in environmental change; Understand the projection of the effects of environmental changes on natural resources and the manifestation of risk.
Use, adequately, data collection, analysis tools and graphic-cartographic representations of the results obtained; Apply the systemic perspective in the analysis of territorial dynamics; Apply methodologies for evaluation and monitoring natural resources and environmental risks; Propose measures of sustainable management of the environment, framed by instruments of spatial planning.

Admission Requirements

Eligible candidates to the MA course in Physical Geography Environment and Land Use Planning include:
- Holders of a BA in the fields of Geography;
- Holders of a BA in Tourism, Leisure and Heritage; Archeology and Geology, or in other fields of the University of Coimbra or other European universities;
- In exceptional and duly justified cases, holders of a BA degree in other fields, with a curriculum recognized by the Scientific Committee of the Department of Geography and Tourism as attesting the ability to enroll in this course.

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

Professional Goals

Technicians in spatial planning and management; Technicians and strategic managers of environmental programs and policies (at different geographic scales); Advanced scientific researchers.

Mode of Study

Face-to-face

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

Portuguese Language

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 enrolled. 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 the grade comprises more than one item, the final grade is calculated by taking into account the relative weight of each item according a formula published in the course outline.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

To deepen theoretical, methodological and spatial knowledge necessary for an integrated analysis and interpretation of territorial processes and dynamics;
To strengthen specific skills related to knowledge and application of methods, techniques and technologies for data collection, focusing on fieldwork, remote sensing and geographic information systems;
To understand and analyse, in a holistic and critical way, biophysical and territorial processes and dynamics; Enable to prepare proposals for environmental management and land use planning.
To develop skills for action and intervention in the territory and its management, reinforcing the applied and experimental character of the geographic formation;
To develop skills in application and integration of the knowledge in the realization of diagnoses at different spatial and temporal scales, on the dynamics, problems and potentialities that surround the environment and the territory.

Course Coordinator(s)

Albano Augusto Figueiredo Rodrigues
geofig@fl.uc.pt

ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)

Luca António Dimuccio
luca@ci.uc.pt

Recognition of Prior Learning

The recognition of prior learning is carried out according according to the Academic Policy of the University of Coimbra.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

The legal framework for the qualification is established by the decrees: Decree-Law nr 74/2006, 24th March, in its current wording

Graduation Requirements

Achievement of the passing grade in a set of curricular units that amount to a total of 120 ECTS which also include the completion and public defense of a dissertation, project or internship report.

Access to Further Studies

The qualification gives access to higher education, namely to third cycle studies.

Study Programme

Geografia Física - Ambiente e Ordenamento do Território

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Course Type
2nd Cycle Studies - Continuity Master Programme

DGES Code: 6134

Qualification Awarded: Mestre

Duration: 2 Year(s)

ECTS Credits: 120.0

Category: Continuity second cycle

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Applications

Call for Applications

• 2nd Cycle Course
• Readmission

• Application submission
• Web page with information for candidates

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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

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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 1659/2011/AL02

2024-04-30

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Documents