Here you will find a description of CESPU degree system, structured according to Bologna Process principles.
The degree (1st cycle) normally lasts six to eight semesters and provides between 180-240 ECTS credits. This level of study provides students basic scientific knowledge and instrumental and systémic skills on their degree area very important to their immediate employability or for further studies at next level, including Masters (2nd cycle).
Masters (2nd cycle) normally lasts between three and four semesters and provides between 90-120 ECTS credits. This type of program requires attendance of theoretical courses, preparation and public defense of an original thesis, and / or conducting an internship or a project plus the preparation and defense of the respective reports, in the case of professional master's degrees or others that are oriented for the labor market.
Some higher educational programmes (Dental Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences) have a structure composed by two integrated levels (1st Cycle and 2nd Cycle). The first level (six semesters, graduate degree) does not allow the acquisition of the necessary professional skills, but gives students the basic knowledge and training in their subject area, as well as the possibility to continue their studies in another national or international higher education institution. The second level (four to six semesters) is characterized by a specialized training that qualifies students for the profession. The cycle comprises an integrated set of courses, writing and defending a thesis or a project report or placement at the end of the program. Upon the completion of these joint masters, with a normal length of ten or twelve semesters, giving between 300-360 ECTS credits, students receive a master's degree and are considered professionally qualified for the profession.