Joint welcome session brought together, for the first time, new students from both master’s programmes and promoted opportunities for integration within the academic community.
The Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (FEP-UCP) welcomed, on 18 September, students commencing the Master’s Degrees in Psychology and in Psychology and Human Resources Development (PHRD) this year. The welcome session marked the beginning of the 2026/2027 academic year and was distinguished by the joint reception of new students from both master’s programmes.
More than an institutional presentation, the event sought to provide a first experience of integration into the FEP-UCP academic community, creating opportunities for students, lecturers and different University services to connect.
The session began with an address by Raquel Matos, dean of the Faculty of Education and Psychology, who welcomed the new students and highlighted the close-knit nature of the academic community, while also underscoring the rigour and commitment that characterise FEP-UCP’s educational approach.
This was followed by presentations from Mariana Barbosa, coordinator of the Master’s Degree in Psychology, and Filipa Sobral, coordinator of the Master’s Degree in Psychology and Human Resources Development, who introduced the main objectives of the programmes, the opportunities for academic and professional development, and the challenges students will encounter throughout their academic journey.
New students also had the opportunity to learn more about the specialisation areas of the Master’s Degree in Psychology through presentations by Alexandra Carneiro and Lurdes Veríssimo, coordinators of the specialisations in Clinical Psychology and Health and Educational Psychology and Human Development, respectively.
The session also featured contributions from Beatriz Valongo, President of the Students’ Union, representatives of the Academic Services, and Maria Pintado, President of the Alumni Network, who presented the various forms of support, participation and engagement available within university life.
A first opportunity to build connections
Following the welcome session, students took part in a master brunch in the gardens of Católica in Porto. In a relaxed and informal atmosphere, the new students had the opportunity to meet second-year colleagues, exchange experiences, and speak with lecturers and programme coordinators.
For Mariana Barbosa, this occasion holds special significance: “This gathering marks the start of a new academic year. We want our students to feel welcomed and integrated from the very beginning, while also being aware that this is a demanding and challenging journey. This year is even more meaningful as, for the first time, we are bringing together students from both master’s programmes.”
Filipa Sobral also highlighted the importance of this joint reception: “It is with great satisfaction that we welcome our new students in a session shared by both programmes. In the case of the Master’s Degree in Psychology and Human Resources Development, students will have the opportunity to develop human and professional competencies that can generate a positive impact on organisations and society.”
Throughout this week, students will also take part in specific sessions dedicated to the different specialisation areas, where they will be able to meet alumni, learn about their academic and professional journeys, and discover, through their experiences, the many opportunities these master’s programmes can open up for the future.
