Forensic Psychology

Providing students with multidisciplinary theoretical knowledge that prepares them for forensic contexts, this master’s degree trains independent professionals to intervene in its various dimensions, such as supporting police forces and courts, conducting psychological assessments of offenders and victims, and designing, selecting, and applying psychological interventions across the different contexts and issues of justice (e.g. domestic violence, juvenile delinquency).

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.

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

• To train independent professionals for the practice of psychology in forensic contexts, in accordance with the legislation governing this field;
• To develop competences in psychological assessment and intervention in forensic contexts, offering training of excellence and fostering a set of humans, technical, and scientific skills, as well as ethical and deontological principles, that enable integrated intervention in the legal, judicial, and social fields;
• To develop competences that ensure lifelong learning, namely through research, reading, and interpretation of scientific production;
• To prepare a new generation of researchers by investing in forensic psychology research methods and training in emerging topics within this area of knowledge.

In interventions with offenders, Forensic Psychologists work in:

• Prisons
• Juvenile Justice Teams and Penal Teams (e.g. suspended sentences)
• Associations supporting social reintegration (e.g. reintegration of former prisoners)
• Educational centres (Juvenile Justice)
• Hospitals

In victim intervention, Forensic Psychologists work in:

• Victim support associations (e.g. APAV)
• Child and Youth Protection Commissions (CPCJ)
• Hospitals

In the assessment of victims, offenders, and crime witnesses, Forensic Psychologists work in:

• National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences
• Courts
• Police forces

Graduates in Psychological Sciences or Psychology.

Daytime and/or Evening Schedule

Fees and tuition
Charges and documents
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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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• Registration as a Junior Psychologist with the Portuguese Psychologists’ Association (OPP), as a step towards obtaining the professional title of Psychologist.
• The practice of Clinical Psychology in public or private settings after obtaining the professional title of Psychologist, awarded by the OPP.
• Access to 3rd cycle graduate training (Doctoral Degree / PhD).

Please refer to the academic calendar