If you are interested in studying forensic psychology, either as a graduate or post-graduate student, this resource will be perfect for you! This article was written by the EAPL-S local representative for Portugal: João Pedro Gomes.
Background
Forensic Psychology in Portugal has a relatively short history, beginning in the early 1980s with the establishment of the first Faculties of Psychology at the Universities of Porto, Coimbra, and Lisbon. Notably, the first center dedicated to forensic sciences and deviant behavior in Portugal was created at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Porto during this period. This center continues to conduct research on critical issues such as drugs, violence, sexual abuse, and criminal behaviors.
Today, most Psychology degrees in Portugal are aligned with the Bologna Process. After completing a three-year curriculum in general psychology, several universities offer specialized studies in Forensic Psychology.
Forensic Psychology is a developing field in Portugal, steadily growing in popularity. Psychologists with forensic training are now integrated into various sectors, including prisons, police forces, courts, forensic medical clinics, and victim support institutions. They also conduct child custody evaluations, cooperate and coordinate drug-related programs, and work in childcare institutions, among other roles.
Forensic Psychology Programs
Master’s degrees
If you have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and would like to learn more about forensic psychology, you could consider pursuing a master’s degree in Portugal. Although master’s programs in Forensic Psychology (or similar fields) are somewhat limited in Portugal, you can still find some excellent options at the country’s top public and private universities.
Here are a few noteworthy examples (with links to all the details you need):
Public universities
- University of Minho – “Psychology of Justice”
- Iscte – University Institute of Lisbon – “Community Psychology, Protection of Children and Youth at Risk”
- University of Coimbra – “Forensic Clinical Psychology”
- University of Porto – “Masters Degree in Psychology” (specialized in four areas, including Justice and Deviance Psychology)
Private Universities/Institutes
- Egas Moniz School of Health & Science – “Forensic and Criminal Psychology”
- ISPA – “Forensic Psychology” (only available in Portuguese)
- UMAIA – “Forensic Clinical Psychology – Intervention with Aggressors and Victims”
- Universidade Fernando Pessoa – “Psychology of Justice: Victims of Violence and Crime”
- Universidade Lusófona (Porto) – “Psychology of Justice: Crime Victims”
- Universidade Lusófona (Lisbon) – “Forensic Psychology”
All programs have tuition fees, which are higher at private universities/institutes. In addition, different fees may apply between EU and non-EU students (the latter being higher). You can check these fees at the links above.
PhD degrees
Full-time PhD in Portugal usually lasts between 3-4 years (or 6-8 semesters). In the early stages of your PhD, you may be required to complete more coursework and training, before moving onto research and work on your doctoral thesis.
All PhD candidates will have an academic supervisor, and often a secondary or co-supervisor, responsible for overseeing your research progress. You may be able to choose your supervisor, or an appropriate supervisor may be assigned by your prospective university.
There are several doctoral programs with a specialisation in Forensic Psychology (or similar). Some examples:
- University of Minho – Doctoral Program in Psychology, Specialization: Victims, Offenders and Justice System
- University of Coimbra – PhD Degree in Psychology, Specialization: Forensic Psychology
- University of Porto – Doctoral Degree in Psychology
The specific cost of tuition fees is set annually by the university and can therefore vary slightly each year, with a minimum cost for programmes at public universities set by the government (currently, for national students, the annual tuition fee is around €2,750; for international students, it is around €6,500). Additionally, non-EU/EEA international students may be expected to pay higher fees than domestic students.
There are a few sources of funding available to finance your PhD:
- Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) (https://www.fct.pt/en/), which has annual calls for PhD scholarships in various fields of study, including Psychology. However, some requirements are necessary, such as living in Portugal permanently or habitually, if applying to a both in Portugal and abroad or entirely abroad studentship. This requirement applies to both applicants with Portuguese and foreign citizenship;
- Fundação “la Caixa” (https://fundacaolacaixa.pt/pt/bolsas-doutoramento-inphinit), which offers PhD scholarships to young research talents of any nationality who want to do a PhD in Spain or Portugal;
- Fulbright (https://www.fulbright.pt/);
- Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) (https://www.flad.pt/en/).
When applying for master’s or doctoral programs in Portugal, you will need to apply for recognition of previous foreign degrees and diplomas of higher education. You can find all the necessary information and steps at this links: https://eportugal.gov.pt/en-GB/servicos/pedir-o-reconhecimento-de-graus-academicos-e-diplomas-de-ensino-superior-estrangeiros and https://www.dges.gov.pt/en/pagina/degree-and-diploma-recognition. A little advice: Start the process as early as possible to avoid any delays!
Another important issue is the need for a visa to study and/or live in Portugal. Visa regulations can change due to political factors, so it is best to check the latest information directly from reliable sources. For the most up-to-date details, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/national-visas/general-information/type-of-visa. For any additional questions, you can also contact me!
For more information on topics such as visas, scholarship applications, and other essential subjects, check out the following link: https://eportugal.gov.pt/en/temas/educacao-ciencia-e-tecnologia.
Forensic psychology researchers in Portugal
Check out some of the people working in the field of Forensic Psychology in Portugal (in alphabetical order):
- Ana Sani (Fernando Pessoa University)
- Andreia de Castro Rodrigues (ISPA)
- Ângela Maia (University of Minho)
- Celina Manita (University of Porto)
- Cristina Soeiro(Egas Moniz School of Health & Science)
- Daniel Rijo (University of Coimbra)
- Iris Almeida (Egas Moniz School of Health & Science)
- Marlene Matos (University of Minho)
- Olga Cunha (Lusófona University)
- Ricardo Barroso (UTAD)
- Rui Abrunhosa Gonçalves(University of Minho)
- Sónia Caridade (University of Minho)
- Telma Catarina Almeida (Egas Moniz School of Health & Science)
- Telma Sousa Almeida (ISPA)
Associations
Journals
- Analise Psicologica (Q4, SJR)
- PSICOLOGIA (Q4, SJR)
- The Psychologist: Practice & Research Journal (not indexed)
Conferences
- Congress of the Portuguese Psychologists’ Association and Ibero-American Congress of Psychology (https://congresso.ordemdospsicologos.pt/)
Closing Thoughts on Forensic Psychology in Portugal
This is just an overview of studying and researching Forensic Psychology in Portugal. In recent years, the field has seen significant development, drawing increasing numbers of students and researchers. However, there is still much to explore, investigate, and evolve. This makes Portugal a promising destination for those interested in studying and researching Forensic Psychology.
Oh, and the weather and food are amazing too!
Feel free to ask any additional questions you may have.
– João Pedro Gomes