Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience

Due to the multiplicity of knowledge involved, this study plan is interdisciplinary in nature, integrating concepts, theories and techniques from neuroscience with knowledge and theories emerging from Psychology and Biology.

Combining theoretical training with practice and case studies, the master’s degree includes a placement in a real-world context and the development of an original research dissertation.

Note: This study cycle does not qualify graduates for independent professional practice as Psychologists.

The study plan has a duration of 2 academic years (4 semesters), totalling 120 ECTS credits.

This master’s degree has an interdisciplinary nature and is organised into two branches:

• Applied Branch, which enables students to acquire competences for applied intervention in professional contexts, with access to advanced knowledge in this field in situations of illness (namely in the areas of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Neurodegenerative Diseases, or Psychopharmacology). This branch is aimed at professionals in the Health Sciences, enhancing the efficiency of their professional practice;
• Fundamental Branch, which emphasises the development of competences for conducting scientific research, providing solid interdisciplinary training and a strong component of research methodologies that support the pursuit of a research career in this field, both in academia and in the biomedical industry.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree organised in accordance with the principles of the Bologna Process or pre-Bologna, in the fields of Behavioural Sciences (namely Psychology*), Life and Health Sciences, or other relevant areas**.

* Completion of this master’s degree does not grant access to registration with the Portuguese Psychologists’ Association.

** Admission of candidates from other areas is subject to curricular review (validated by the Scientific Council) demonstrating solid academic, scientific, or professional preparation attesting to the candidate’s ability to complete this study cycle.

Class schedule (usually):

Monday to Friday, 17:30 to 20:30

Saturday mornings

Fees and tuition
Charges and documents
Please refer to the Treasury Regulations

Ispa has placement agreements with hundreds of relevant public and private institutions, providing opportunities for its students to undertake curricular placements.

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Ispa rewards students who demonstrate outstanding academic merit by awarding scholarships, granted on the basis of admission grades or performance within their programme of study.

In addition to recognising merit, Ispa is also committed to promoting fairness and social responsibility. For this reason, students facing economic hardship may apply for a variety of scholarships that serve as a financial and social support.

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International cooperation has always been a defining feature of Ispa, which for over 30 years has offered its students the opportunity to gain experience abroad. Whether through the Erasmus+ programme (within Europe) or through non-EU agreements (such as with Brazil), students may choose from more than 40 partner universities.

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The Institute of Health Sciences of Universidade Católica Portuguesa and Ispa – Instituto Universitário, two of the institutions with the strongest tradition in Portuguese higher education, have joined as strategic partners to create a consortium in the field of Neuropsychology and Neuroscience

This partnership is based on the sharing of synergies, both in terms of human resources (particularly highly qualified lecturers with complementary backgrounds) and technical resources (such as reference laboratories, video monitoring systems, electroencephalography, among others.

The commitment of these two institutions to a project of excellence in teaching, research, and social intervention has resulted in one of the best academic offers in Europe in this field.

Please refer to the academic calendar