The Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (FEP-UCP) opened the 2026/2027 academic year in the field of Educational Sciences with a welcome session for new students enrolled in the Master's and PhD programmes in Educational Sciences.
The session, which took place in the Corticeira Amorim Auditorium of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, in Porto, was divided into two parts: a session dedicated to sharing information about how the study programmes work and introducing the students, followed by a cultural initiative featuring the presentation of books by leading authors.
The welcome programme included the presence and participation of lecturers, members of the Academic Services and two authors, who welcomed students beginning their academic journey in Educational Sciences this year.
The Beginning of a Journey with Impact on Education
Marisa Carvalho, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Education and Psychology, opened the institutional session with welcoming remarks addressed to the new students. This session also included contributions from Aline Villas Boas, Head of CADOS – Católica Doctoral School, and Diana Mesquita, Director of the Research Centre for Human Development (CEDH).
Meanwhile, Diana Soares, Coordinator of the PhD in Educational Sciences, and Rita Tavares de Sousa, Coordinator of the Master's in Educational Sciences, also welcomed the new students of the two study programmes.
"It is very positive to witness the beginning of another edition of the PhD in Educational Sciences. This year, we welcome students with diverse backgrounds and with varied educational experiences, all sharing a strong commitment to contributing to scientific research with an impact on the field of Educational Sciences," highlighted the lecturer Diana Soares.
Rita Tavares de Sousa likewise emphasised the importance of the event: "We are delighted to welcome new students committed to making a difference and innovating in the field of Educational Sciences."
The institutional opening session was followed by a brief presentation from Filipa Barradas and Vânia Fernandes, from Academic Services, who explained how students can access the administrative platforms that will be essential throughout their academic journey.
The first part of the Educational Sciences welcome event concluded with a moment dedicated to sharing experiences among all participants. Through an interactive activity, each member of the 2026/2027 research community introduced themselves by answering the questions: "Who am I?" and "How do I hope to contribute to this research community?"
Discussing and Reflecting on Educational Practice and Challenges
This year, the event also included a welcome reception, offering participants an occasion to socialise and connect with their colleagues from the Master's and PhD programs. This was followed by a cultural initiative consisting of the presentation of two works by renowned authors in the field of Educational Sciences.
In a conversation moderated by José Matias Alves, former lecturer at the Faculty of Education and Psychology, the books “The Smile of the Macua”, by José Reis Lagarto, and “Inclusion is not enough. Schools must flourish: leading, organising and nurturing schools from within” , by Fernando Elias, were presented.
Following the presentation, the authors engaged in a discussion with the audience about the themes explored in both works. This cultural initiative, held as part of the welcome programme for Educational Sciences students, concluded with a book-signing session.
