The Department of Communication and Information Science (DCCI) was established by the FLUP statutes published on January 8, 2016, replacing the previous designation, the Department of Journalism and Communication Science (DJCC), which no longer fully reflected the department's current composition.

The DJCC had been statutorily created in 2003, but only became operational after the publication of the FLUP statutes on November 20, 2009.

Currently, the work of the DCCI's faculty is divided between the Bachelor's in Communication Science, taught in partnership with the Faculties of Arts and Humanities, Engineering, Economics, and Fine Arts of the University of Porto (UP), and the Bachelor's in Information Science, taught jointly by the Faculty of Artsand Humanities and the Faculty of Engineering.

At the 2nd cycle (Master's level), the DCCI is responsible for the Master's in Communication Science (taught in partnership with the Faculties of Economics, Fine Arts, and Engineering) and the Master's in Communication and Management of Creative Industries (created in 2017). It is also a partner in the Master's in Information Science, which is under the administrative responsibility of FEUP.

In the 3rd cycle (Doctoral level), the DCCI runs the Doctoral Program in Communication and Information Science and is a partner in the Doctoral Program in Digital Media, taught by a consortium comprising the University of Porto, NOVA University of Lisbon, University of Lisbon, and Instituto Superior Técnico.

Regarding research activities, most DCCI members are integrated into CITCEM – Transdisciplinary Research Centre for Culture, Space, and Memory, an R&D unit funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). Within this centre, they develop various research projects and promote other scientific and cultural activities, such as organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops.