Course Presentation

In the first three years of training in Psychology at ISPA, students will be provided with a body of knowledge and competences which will be the foundation of the specialization that will take place in the last two years of the course. In this first phase of training, students acquire knowledge in the basic areas of Psychology, studying the main theories and methods of this discipline. Students equally obtain training in scientific areas which are indispensible for an overall and integrated understanding of human behaviour, enabling for the critical use of knowledge and for research, in accordance with Psychology’s ethical demands.

Profile of the Programme and Level of Qualification

3 (three) years, 6 (six) semesters, 38 weeks of full-time study per academic year, 180 ECTS. 

University higher education – Level 6 (National Ranking of Qualifications, Decree 782/2009 28th July). The licentiate’s degree allows access to 2nd Cycle studies, according to the conditions stated by NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Center).

Key Learning Outcomes

1. To be able to understand: 

a. The main theories and models in Psychology; 

b. The main methods in Psychology; 

c. The main data analysis techniques; 

d. The relations between the knowledge acquired in areas that are related to Psychology with knowledge acquired in Psychology;

2. To be able to critically use: 

a. The knowledge acquired in the domain of the main theories and models in Psychology; 

b. The knowledge acquired in the domain of the main methods in Psychology; 

c. The main data analysis techniques; 

d. The knowledge acquired in areas that are related to Psychology;

3. To be able to think about and solve; 

a. Problems that derive from the application of Psychology to specific contexts; 

b. Ethical problems that derive from the application of the acquired knowledge to specific contexts;

4. To be able to search, read, synthesize and criticize. 

a. Relevant information pertaining Psychology; 

b. Relevant information pertaining areas that are related to Psychology;

5. To be able to plan, write and present essays and reports in the context of Psychology both to specialists and non-specialists.

Qualification awarded

Psychological Sciences, Licentiate Degree.

Programme structure

Specific Arrangements for Recognition of Prior Learning

Any citizen over 23 years old who does not have the secondary education diploma (12th grade) can attempt to gain admission to a limited number of vacant places available, through special examination which includes an interview (Decree law: Decreto-Lei 64/2006, de 21 de Março).

In accordance with the current legislation (Portaria 401/2007, of Abril 5th and Decreto Lei 64/2006, of March 21st) ISPA recognizes and credits skills acquired in professional and other contexts for academic purposes.

Access to Further Study

The licentiate’s degree allows access to 2nd Cycle studies, according to the conditions stated by NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Center).

More information at NARIC.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate the student must complete the 180 ECTS successfully.

Mode of Study

Full-time or Part-time.

Programme Director

Francisco Peixoto, PhD. - vice-reitor@ispa.pt

Examination Regulations Assessment and Grading

On a 0 to 20 grading scheme, a minimum grade of 10 in each course unit is necessary to pass.

The assessment in each course may include:

Type 1 Assessment Methods: exams (with or without oral presentation);

Type 2 Assessment Methods: group or individual essays (with or without oral presentation);

Assessment may also include the evaluation of participation in class.

The following table presents the possibilities of arrangement of Assessment Methods and the respective percentage of the final grade.

The type of assessment of each course is included in the course syllabus that also contains the course objectives, course expectations, course contents and recommended reading.

Admission Requirements

Entrance to the Course is available to: 

a) Holders of a high school degree or legal equivalent and can demonstrate the ability to attend higher education through entrance exams; 

b) Holders of a degree or legal equivalent; 

c) Holders of a Diploma of Specialized Technology; 

d) applicants who have successfully completed the tests specifically designed to evaluate the ability of frequency of the course for people over 23 years e) applicants who meet the conditions referred to in regulations for access by the Course Change, Transfer and Re-entry Regimes.

To apply to higher education through the National Competition, students must satisfy the conditions stated by NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Center). More information at NARIC.

For further information please contact international@ispa.pt