The Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (FEP-UCP) welcomed first-year students of the Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology between 3 and 10 September 2026, marking the beginning of a new academic and personal journey.
The programme began on 3 September with a welcome session that brought together students newly arrived at FEP-UCP, providing a first contact with the academic community and the environment that will accompany them throughout the coming years. The session was attended by Raquel Matos, Dean of FEP-UCP, Marisa Carvalho, Vice-Dean for Academic Management, Beatriz Valongo, President of the FEP-UCP Students’ Union, and several lecturers from the Faculty, who welcomed the new students.
"It brings us great joy to welcome a new generation of Psychology students. Today, you begin a demanding journey that will challenge you to grow both academically and personally, while also opening up countless opportunities for learning and development. At the Faculty of Education and Psychology, you will find a close-knit community built on scientific excellence, ethical responsibility and social commitment, one that seeks to accompany each student throughout their journey and help them fulfil their potential," said Raquel Matos, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Psychology.
This session was followed by the general welcome session organised by the Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Porto, which brought together students from the different faculties and introduced them to the institution they now join.
First steps in Psychology
During the following week, the welcome activities further supported students’ integration into academic life at the Faculty. On 7 September, students took part in the session "Your journey starts here: first steps in Psychology", led by Catarina Morais, Coordinator of the Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. This session provided an opportunity to present the structure of the programme, clarify questions and share essential guidance for the beginning of their academic journey.
Later that morning, students had the opportunity to learn about the Academic Services and to take part in a campus tour organised by the FEP-UCP Students’ Union.
The programme continued on 8 September with a presentation by the Faculty’s Marketing and Communications Department, the Peer Mentoring Programme, presented by the lecturer Maria Raul Lobo Xavier, and the initiative "Connections that matter", designed to foster closer connections among students and encourage the development of early support and collaborative networks within the academic community.
A community that learns and transforms
The welcome week concluded with the volunteering initiative "Welcome, Paint, Transform", held on 9 and 10 September. The initiative brought together students from different programmes across Católica Porto in an experience of community service and peer-to-peer contact, reinforcing the values of active citizenship, social responsibility and participation that are part of the identity of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa.
Throughout these days, students had the opportunity to become better acquainted with the Faculty, its support structures and some of the initiatives that enrich the university experience beyond the classroom.
"More than presenting services and resources, we sought to create an atmosphere of connection, integration and belonging, which is essential for a positive transition to higher education. The Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology is a demanding programme that requires dedication, commitment and a willingness to learn, but we want students to know that they will not undertake this journey alone. They will find in the Faculty a community ready to guide, support and challenge them to grow throughout their academic journey," said Catarina Morais, Coordinator of the Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.
The Faculty of Education and Psychology wishes all its students an excellent academic year and a journey filled with discovery, personal growth and academic success.
