University of Coimbra - UC
speciality: Psychology

University life in Coimbra is undoubtedly one of the city’s strongest points. You breathe academia on every street, creating a vibrant environment full of activities and opportunities for those who want to get involved. It’s a shame that hazing rituals are still so prevalent—a legacy that, honestly, could have been left behind long ago—but fortunately, today there are many other forms of integration that don’t involve that.

When it comes to teaching, there is a clear attempt to maintain standards of excellence. At my faculty, FPCEUC, and in my course, Psychology, there is a real effort to have up-to-date and committed professors. At the same time, it is also evident that these professors are overworked. The university system continues to demand that they be not only professors but also almost full-time researchers, which ultimately affects the overall quality of teaching.

My course, despite having positive aspects, had several flaws. There were subjects from which, honestly, nothing useful was gained. The assessments in undergraduate studies often boiled down to simply dumping material, and a large part of the exams were mere multiple-choice exercises that did little to stimulate critical thinking or practical application. The student support, on the other hand, is good and makes a difference. But there’s a feeling that there are fundamental concepts that are never addressed because time is wasted on subjects that add little value.

In summary: Coimbra offers a rich academic experience and an unforgettable student life, but the teaching, especially in terms of curriculum organization and assessments, still has much room for improvement.

Overall, my experience at the university was very positive. The academic program was relevant and comprehensive, with strong emphasis on both research and student involvement in academic and associative life. The constant presence of research opportunities greatly enriched the learning journey. However, it would be beneficial if elective courses were available from the first year, allowing students to pursue more individualized learning paths.

This university allows for the participation in several projects and academic groups that add to the academic experience, is full of tradition and history which create a higher integration in the academic community and further learning experiences not only in the field of studies

I attended the Psychology course at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Coimbra (FPCEUC) and I consider the training to be, in general, very solid and of high quality. The teaching staff is competent and approachable, and the academic environment is stimulating, with a strong emphasis on research and critical thinking.
However, I think the articulation between the theoretical and practical aspects could be more balanced, especially at the undergraduate level, where the practical component is still somewhat limited. This integration is, however, better achieved at the master’s level, where the application of knowledge is more evident.
Overall, I recommend the experience — FPCEUC provides a demanding and enriching education in a unique university setting like that of Coimbra.

I loved attending the university of Coimbra. It was an amazing and unique experience, the culture and history of this university is truly special. The academic life was the highlight, but I also loved my course and everything I learned. I believe it is one of a kind.

I really like the University of Coimbra. Since it’s in a relatively small city, all the faculties are relatively close to each other, and it’s possible to meet all sorts of people. In addition, there are also countless opportunities for extracurricular activities.

The program is excellent, we learn a lot and are motivated to think and develop beyond our horizons. The teachers are really supportive, as well as the students. It gives you lots of opportunities and new experiences.

The Psychology programme at Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Coimbra (FPCEUC) offers a solid and comprehensive scientific education, grounded in the theoretical and methodological rigour that characterises high-quality higher education. The teaching staff demonstrate great competence and availability, encouraging critical thinking, scientific curiosity, and the development of an ethical and reflective attitude. The academic environment is stimulating and collaborative, fostering the exchange of ideas and personal growth. The Faculty also provides excellent opportunities for research and connections with diverse professional contexts, contributing to a demanding and well-rounded education. Overall, studying Psychology at FPCEUC is an enriching experience that shapes qualified professionals and citizens who are more aware of human complexity. The programme’s demanding nature is balanced by close guidance, which motivates students to continually surpass themselves. It is, without a doubt, an institution that leaves a lasting mark on the academic and personal journey of all who study there. Best classes are Social Psychology, Neurosciences and everything related to Clinical Psychology.

I really liked my 5 years at this university. The city is great and very friendly to students. The teachers were very renowned and gave great lessons. There are a lot of extracurricular activities and optional classes to choose from, possibly leading to a rich student life.

My experience in the Erasmus Master’s program, with the University of Coimbra as my home university, was wonderful, from the attention and charisma of the professors at the Faculty of Psychology to the colleagues and students with whom I shared the classrooms.