|
Profile of the programme
|
The main goal of the Master degree in Political Science is to provide a specialized post-graduation training in fundamental political sciences areas. This 2nd cycle training was conceived to answer the 1st cycle graduates’ – mainly, from social sciences – expectations who desire, on the one hand, to deepen fundamental knowledge and develop reflection abilities on central political categories, themes and problems, and, on the other hand, to acquire analysis, evaluation and decision competences in what concerns to national and regional public policies. In this way, the training academic part prioritizes two political science parts: the political theory, including the democracy theory, and the public policies. In the 2nd year of the course, students may opt between writing a dissertation, which is an assignment of initiation to investigation, and attend to a political internship in a political institution or organization, which will be completed by writing a respective internship report. |
|
Key learning outcomes
|
a) Have knowledge and understanding skills in the domain of political science at a level corresponding to expectations on a Master degree.
b) Have the knowledge and the skills in political science able to form the basis for original developments and applications in a context of research.
c) To apply specific knowledge obtained in the field of study concerned, as well as acquired ability to understand and resolve problems, in broader and multidisciplinar contexts.
d) Have the ability, in the context of theoretical scientific thought and its practical applications, to integrate knowledge, deal with complex issues, develop solutions, make judgments in situations of limited or incomplete information.
e) Be able to express implications and conclusions in a proper manner, both to specialists and to non specialists.
f)Develop learning skills enabling to pursue a lifelong training in the domain of political science and other related areas, according to a self-oriented and independent profile.
|
|
Occupational profiles of graduates
|
The second cycle degree in Political Science is a good base training for the following career options:
a) National or regional political and/or administrative functions in public administration institutions, local city halls, public companies and public institutes, private companies, as well as, corporate, supporter, employer’s, union organizations. Work in non-governmental foundations and organizations.
b) Communication and media jobs. Journalism area jobs that require deep knowledge and analysis abilities in political matters.
c) Advice jobs, as consultant or director, which demand for political analysis and decision capa cities.
d) Studies and investigation sector in political area jobs, in universities, political foundations, think tanks, opinion studies companies, etc.
e) Functions in international institutions. |
|
Learning facilities
|
Central Library with a political science specific area. It is located in Pole I of the University, it is compound by a 5840 m2 area, with 600 study places, computers rooms, magazines and newspapers room, access to scientific magazines, printed or online. Wireless access to the web in all building.
IFP library specialized in politics. It is located in the second floor of the Central Library building; it is specialized in political science, political theory, State theory, law and ethics philosophy.
IFP – Practical Philosophy Institute. It is located in the second floor of the Central Library, where it has a specialized Library and own workrooms. IFP is an investigation unit recognized and financed by FCT that obtained the very good mark in the evaluation of investigation units in 2003 and 2008. IFP has an investigation line in political theory area, being able to involve post-graduation students, namely master students, in ongoing investigation projects. |