Master`s degree in Geriatrics

General Objectives of the Course

The Master in Geriatrics has as its general objectives prepare and train Doctors and Dentists for:
Recognize the various types of diseases that preferentially affect the elderly;
globally evaluate the problems of the elderly and not just physical illness;
Know the ways that enable healthy aging;
Propose attitudes and preventive behaviors regarding the disease and well-being of the elderly;
Making the differential diagnosis between what is and what is pathology physiological aging;
Adapting therapies based on age;
Design and organize protection strategies of the elderly;
To sensitize other health care professionals and the general public to the need to give attention to the problems associated with an aging population;
To propose research projects that aim to contribute to the development of Geriatrics;
In short contribute to that older people have better quality of life.

Admission Requirements

a) Students holding a graduate degree, master or legal equivalent in Medicine or Dentistry.
b) Students holding a 1st cycle graduate degree structured according to the principles stipulated in the Bologna process, obtained in a country that signed the Bologna Declaration.
c) Students holding a foreign graduate degree, which meets the standards, as set by the relevant scientific body of the higher education school in which they want to enrol.
d) Students with an educational, scientific or professional curriculum, attesting to their capacity to complete this study cycle, as set by the relevant scientific body of the higher education school in which they want to enrol.

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

Professional Goals

The Master’s degree intends to create the conditions to provide a broad and flexible spectrum of training activities in specific research areas of Geriatrics, which should improve the quality of professionals and of scientific research.

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 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.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

In the Practical Education classes will practice either in laboratory or from patients, still wants to healthy people ,
the practical application of all the subjects taught in the lectures.
Students will essentially opportunity to acquire knowledge in practical areas of geriatrics field evaluation such as:
Nutritional, Physical, Mental, Performance, clinical pictures.
The total number of practical classes will be scheduled for each discipline according to the number of ECTS assigned to this.

Course Coordinator(s)

Anabela Mota Pinto
apinto@fmed.uc.pt

Maria Isabel Jacinto Santana
isabel_santana@huc.min-saude.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

After graduating, students may apply to a PhD (3rd cycle of studies).

Study Programme

Master's degree in Geriatrics

Academic year
2026-2027

Course Type
2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme

DGES Code: 6651

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: 07-09-2026
End date: 18-12-2026
2nd Semester: Start date: 08-02-2027
End date: 20-05-2027

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 1670/2011/AL03; 2024-07-26