Psychology is the science of human mind and behavior, and social interactions. Therefore, professionals other than psychologists may find a background in psychology useful and important for their practice. The cycle of studies leading to the Master's degree in Psychological Themes (MTP) has as its main goal the qualification of professionals with training in diverse areas, so as to enable them to perform their activity with in-depth knowledge and skills in selected topics of psychology.


Learning outcomes
Graduates of this program will have a sound understanding of psychological principles and research methodologies in selected fields.

They will be able to identify key theories and apply them to a wide variety of contemporary challenges.

They will be able to evaluate and use research critically to inform professional practice, and to credibly design, conduct, analyze and present research that will support decisions and strategic development.

They will be able to integrate knowledge from various sources, handle complex issues, develop solutions and make judgments on limited or incomplete information, including reflections on the implications and ethical and social responsibilities that result from those solutions and judgments.

They will be able to use both theory and empirical evidence to advance research goals and solve new problems.

Finally, they will approach creatively their own career development, prepared to life-long learning and to apply their knowledge and skills in new ways responding to an evolving world.

This course allows bachelors in Psychology (3year university level grade) to have access to the career, provided that conditions endorsed by the Order of Psychologists are met (18 months internship).

Vacancies

No of available vacancies (2015/2017): 26
Minimum number of students: 15

Credentials and paperwork submitting the application
- Application form (available online)
- Official academic transcript of qualifications
- Curriculum Vitae (using the model provided)


Access requirements:
Art. 7 of the by-law of the Master's degree in Psychology Themes (Regulamento do ciclo de estudos conducente ao grau de mestre em Temas de Psicologia)

Criteria for applications reviewing

Selection criteria:
Quality and fit of the CV and motivation for applying (additionally na interview may be required by the panel). More specifically the following specific criteria will be valued:

1. Relevance of basic training (academic curriculum) for the Master theme;
2. Classification (grades) obtained in previous training;
3. Additional training during or after graduation;
4. Research experience;
5. Professional experience and its relation to the thematic area of the Master.

A score below 9.5 (out of 20) justifies the exclusion of the application.

Deadlines for applications

1st phase: April/May
2nd phase (if applicable): June/July
3rd phase (if applicable): September

Thematic Areas

The MTP provides students with a background in scientific methods used to describe, predict, understand and explain human behaviour in a number of selected themes.


Selected Themes (opening in the 2016-2018 edition)

• Neurocognition and Language – is intended for graduates in the areas of Psychology, Life and Health Sciences (e.g., Biology, Pharmacy) and Linguistics wishing to conduct research in one of the topics currently being investigated by our research group at the Center for Psychology at the University of Porto. We study complex cognitive processes, especially language (including dyslexia and written composition), communication, emotion and executive function, from a neurocognitive and translational perspective.
For more information, please see our website at http://www.fpce.up.pt/labfala/people.html

• Psichogerontology - The ageing population puts Psychologists, and other professionals in the social welfare, health care, and educational services, as well as the society in general, in face of new challenges. This thematic area of the MTP is designed for students who wish to deepen knowledge about the aging process, as well as about research, assessment, intervention and rehabilitation with the elderly.

• Psychology of Justice and Deviant Behaviour. Drug phenomenon and urban context - is intended for graduates in the areas of Social and Human Sciences who wish to research deviant behavior addressed in its biopsychosocial complexity. Dissertations are elaborated with focus on one of the following areas: a) comprehensive/explanatory of the drug phenomenon in urban context and sex work; b) oriented risk reduction and harm minimization from an interventional approach; c) policies in the fields of drugs and sex work.

• Developmental Psychology and Child Education: Children with Special Educational Needs and Early Intervention – is intended for professionals with a first degree in Psychology, Education or Social Welfare. The program concentrates on children with special educational needs, learning disabilities, and early intervention in educational (family and school) and community contexts with a focus on the acquisition of theoretical and methodological tools for the development of research.

Information

For information, please contact:

Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences - University of Porto
Rua Alfredo Allen,
4200-392 Porto,
Portugal

> Postgraduate Office
T. | +351 220 428 920  
E. | spg@fpce.up.pt

> Academic Department
T. | +351 220 428 900
E. | s_academico@fpce.up.pt

General information

Study Plan

Certificates

Predominant Scientific Areas

Previous Courses/Cycles of Study