At the Bragança School of Technology and Management (ESTiG), a master’s programme – 2nd cycle of higher education studies – comprises between 100 and 120 ECTS credits, with 1 credit corresponding to 27 hours of work, distributed over 3 to 4 academic semesters (1.5 to 2 years), with 20 weeks of study per semester, on a full-time basis (40 hours per week). The master’s degree is awarded to students who, by successfully completing all the curricular units included in the study plan, obtain 100 or 120 credits, depending on the programme, demonstrating the ability to:

1. develop and deepen the knowledge acquired at the 1st cycle level, in order to achieve original developments and applications, in many cases within a research context;
2. apply their knowledge and understanding, as well as problem-solving skills, in new and unfamiliar situations, within broader and multidisciplinary contexts, even if related to their field of study;
3. integrate knowledge, deal with complex issues, develop solutions or make judgements in situations of limited or incomplete information, including reflections on the ethical and social implications and responsibilities arising from or conditioning those solutions and judgements;
4. communicate their conclusions, and the knowledge and reasoning underlying them, to both specialists and non-specialists in a clear and unambiguous manner;
5. develop skills that enable lifelong learning, in a largely self-directed or autonomous manner.

Applicants to a master’s programme at ESTiG may include:

• holders of a bachelor’s degree or legally equivalent qualification;
• holders of a foreign higher education degree awarded following a 1st cycle of studies organised in accordance with the principles of the Bologna Process by a State adhering to this Process;
• holders of a foreign higher education degree recognised as meeting the objectives of a bachelor’s degree by the School’s Technical-Scientific Council;
• individuals with an academic, scientific or professional curriculum recognised as demonstrating the capacity to undertake this cycle of studies by the School’s Technical-Scientific Council.

The master’s degree allows progression to doctoral studies – 3rd cycle of higher education studies.