Applications 2026/2027

• Applications: 23 November – 11 January
• Admission Exam: 19 January
• Interview: 21 January
• Results: 27 January

Start of Classes: 1 February

Profile

• This MA is intended for candidates with a higher education background in areas such as Political Science, International Relations, European Studies, Sociology, Law, Economics, Management or other Social Sciences and Humanities who demonstrate academic and professional interest in contemporary political dynamics, international relations, democratic institutions, comparative politics, geopolitics and public policy analysis.
   
• The programme is suitable both for bachelor graduates and professionals seeking to deepen advanced knowledge in political theory, international analysis, democratic governance and political decision-making processes, strengthen analytical and research skills, and develop a solid understanding of the political and international challenges shaping the contemporary world.

Documents required for the online application:

• Curriculum Vitae;
• Bachelor Certificate;
• Identification Document (front and back);
• Passport-style photo;
• Application fee (consult tuition table for the relevant academic year) – non-refundable;

Optional: 2 Letters of Recommendation (upload as a single document).

The application is only submitted and considered valid after uploading all mandatory documents and payment of the application fee (non refundable).

Admission Exam:

The candidate must complete an admission exam, which consists of the commentary of a classic Political Science/International Relations text.
The text is chosen from 2 options provided to the candidate. The texts are in English and the commentary may be written preferably in Portuguese or English.

This exam is only indicative of the candidate’s interest in Political Science, International Relations and European Studies, as well as familiarity with the English language, and does not require specialized knowledge of the topics addressed. Admission exams take place at the end of the application phase. See sample admission exam here.

Interview:

The candidate will have an interview in Portuguese, which concludes the admission process, where the submitted documents and the candidate’s motivation are assessed.

The validated application will be reviewed by the Programme Coordination. Admitted candidates will be contacted by the academic services throughout the various stages of the process.

The selection of candidates will take into consideration:

Holding a Bachelor's degree (1st cycle) is a mandatory requirement for admission to the Master’s programme – see Notice:

NOTICE

International or Distant-Resident Candidates

The same conditions apply as for national candidates. Additionally, international or distant-resident candidates must submit:
- Two essays written by the candidate, with a minimum of 2000 and maximum of 2500 words each, in Portuguese or English, on a topic in Political Science or International Relations chosen by the candidate (these essays replace the admission exam required for national or distant-resident candidates). The candidate may submit an academic paper previously written, provided it meets these requirements, even if already graded.

Any plagiarism or violation of copyright in the essays or submitted work is grounds for exclusion.

Application Process – here

1) Select “Master’s Application”

• If you completed your Bachelor/Master/Postgraduate studies at UCP, click on Master’s (UCP Student/Former Student)
• If you completed your Bachelor/Master at another institution, click on Master’s (New to UCP)

2) Fill in all your personal information

3) Select the Master’s programme you wish to apply for

4) Upload the required documents
(All documents must be submitted in PDF format. The original Bachelor Certificate must be presented at the EE Secretariat at the beginning of the programme.)

5) Pay the application fee*

After submitting the application, the first contact will be made by the general Academic Services, who will remain in permanent coordination with the IEP 2nd and 3rd cycle Secretariat, which will follow up the process.

Application results: Results will be available in the candidate’s online area and at the programme secretariat (IEP).

*Admitted candidates must complete enrollment within the deadlines indicated in the calendar. At enrollment, payment of the respective fee (including school insurance) and the first monthly tuition fee is required (these amounts are non-refundable in case of cancellation of enrollment).

Any plagiarism or violation of copyright in the essays or submitted work is grounds for exclusion.