Degree System

In this page, you will find the description of the degree system in force at the University of Coimbra structured in accordance with the Bologna Process principles, already authorised by the decree-law 74/2006 of March 24.

1st Cycle Studies
First Cycle Studies have six/eight semesters’ duration and confer 180-240 ECTS credits. This study level provides students with basic knowledge in the subject areas of the course and with instrumental and systemic competences focused on students’ employability and preparation for further studies, namely at second cycle level.

2nd Cycle Studies
Second Cycle Studies have three/four semesters’ duration and confer 90-120 ECTS credits. In this study level, besides the attendance of course units, students have also to write and defend publicly an original thesis. In the case of professionally-oriented programmes, instead of the thesis, students can participate in an internship or project and write and defend the concerned reports. In both cases, students are always supervised by a professor.

Mestrado Integrado (Integrated Study Cycle – 1st and 2nd Cycles)
The Mestrado Integrado is an integrated study cycle which combines the 1st cycle and the 2nd cycle levels. It applies to courses which prepare students to practice specific professions such as engineers, medical doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and psychologists. The integrated study cycle encompasses a set of course units, the writing and public defence of an original thesis or of a project or internship report, at the end of the programme. The programme’s duration is ten/twelve semesters and confers 300-360 ECTS credits. Upon successful completion of the entire study cycle students are awarded the master’s degree and are professionally qualified.

Doctorate, 3rd Cycle Studies
There are two types of doctorates: one without study programme and one with study programme.

The doctorate without study programme lasts normally ten semesters. Students carry out research under the supervision of a professor, write and defend publicly an original thesis.

The doctorate with study programme has six/eight semesters’ duration and confers 180-240 ECTS credits. Besides carrying out research, writing and defending publicly an original thesis, students have also to attend a set of advanced course units.

(*) This limit does not apply to the cases in which the access to the practice of a certain professional activity requires an academic cycle of studies with 210 or 240 ECTS credits. (**) The Mestrado Integrado is an integrated study cycle which combines the 1st cycle and the 2nd cycle levels. It applies to courses which prepare students to practice specific professions such as engineers, medical doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and psychologists. The programme’s duration is ten/twelve semesters and confers 300-360 ECTS credits. The duration and the number of credits of the programme are set according to: a) legal standards and b) stable and consolidated practice within the European Union. Upon successful completion of the integrated study cycle, students are awarded a 2nd cycle degree.