The Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (FEP-UCP) hosted another edition of the PhD in Education Science Qualification Examinations, a significant milestone in the students’ academic journey. At this stage, doctoral candidates publicly present and defend their thesis projects, discussing their research proposals before a specialised academic panel.
More than an assessment exercise, the Qualification Examinations provide an opportunity to deepen scientific reflection on the projects under development, enabling students to benefit from feedback that strengthens the quality, relevance and feasibility of their research.
Projects addressing contemporary educational challenges
During the session, three thesis projects were presented, highlighting both the diversity of topics and the relevance of the issues being explored within the doctoral programme.
Doctoral candidate João Manuel Ribeiro de Matos presented the project “Compassionate Leadership in Educational Administration: School Governance Practices, Organisational Culture and Teacher Wellbeing”, under the supervision of Marisa Carvalho and with Mireia Tintoré, from the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, serving as examiner.
Reflecting on his journey to this stage, the student emphasised the formative impact of the programme’s first year: “The first year of the PhD in Educational Sciences enabled me to transform a professional concern into a solid and relevant research project. The scientific rigour, the close support of the academic staff, and the collaboration among colleagues made this journey a deeply enriching experience, strengthening my commitment to a more humane educational leadership.”
Doctoral candidate Cristiane de Oliveira Fiorentini defended the project “Teacher Training Programme for the Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning Contexts”, under the supervision of Diana Soares and with Luís Pereira, from the Open University, serving as examiner.
In turn, doctoral candidate Avelino José António presented the project “Institutional Policies for Academic Integration and First-Year Student Adaptation in Angolan Higher Education: A Comparative Study between Public and Private Institutions”, under the supervision of Rita Tavares Sousa and with Armanda Gonçalves, from the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, serving as examiner.
Reflecting on his doctoral experience, he noted that “The first year of the PhD programme was demanding but extremely rewarding, contributing decisively to my academic and personal development. Throughout the projects, I benefited from the exemplary support of lecturers and supervisors, whose guidance proved essential. The qualification examination was also an important learning experience, reinforcing my motivation to pursue research with dedication and enthusiasm.”
A milestone in academic and scientific development
The Qualification Examinations reflect the commitment of the FEP-UCP PhD in Education Sciences to promoting research that is scientifically rigorous, socially relevant and aligned with the emerging challenges facing educational systems. At the same time, they provide students with an opportunity to consolidate their research skills, deepen dialogue with specialists and further strengthen the scientific maturity of the projects they will develop over the coming years.
The Qualification Examinations for the 2025/26 academic year took place on 20 July 2026 at the Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa.
