Pre-school Education

This master’s degree fosters in students an investigative and reflective attitude, enabling them to draw on concrete situations from educational practice to seek responses grounded in theoretical models and the most recent research. At the same time, it promotes the development of relational skills essential to a nursery schoolteacher and training that respects and values the diversity of children’s characteristics and needs.

This is one of the programmes that emerged from the partnership between Ispa and ESEI Maria Ulrich (2014–2020), creating a joint academic offer that brings together, expands, and strengthens the expertise of both institutions. The training places particular emphasis on the dialogue between theory and practice, with the latter being provided through two curricular placements: the first in a Nursery and the second in a Kindergarten, across a wide network of public and private partner institutions with which Ispa has established agreements.

In addition to the teaching activities held at Ispa, some complementary activities take place at the Casa das Expressões, in Penedo.

Note: This study cycle qualifies graduates for professional practice as Nursery School Teachers

The programme has a duration of 3 academic semesters, totalling 90 ECTS credits.

• To train nursery schoolteachers capable of adopting an investigative and reflective attitude, drawing on concrete situations from educational practice and seeking responses supported by current research and theoretical frameworks;
• To develop relational skills essential to the role of nursery school teacher;
• To provide training that respects and values the diversity and heterogeneity of pupils’ characteristics and needs;
• To deliver knowledge of child development so that, in pedagogical intervention, each child may be understood and given the necessary support for their safe development, learning, creativity, and autonomy.

Primarily oriented towards a teaching career in pre-school education, graduates of this master’s degree may work in:

• Nurseries and Kindergartens (public and private)
• After-school activity centres (ATLs)
• Educational departments of local authorities
• Social solidarity institutions
• Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
• Cultural centres and museums
• Libraries and play centres
• Research

To apply for this master’s degree, candidates must meet the following prerequisites:

• A bachelor’s degree in Basic Education
• Approval in a written and oral proficiency test in the Portuguese language

Daytime and/or Evening.

The opening of an evening class is subject to a minimum number of enrolled students.

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

Please refer to the academic calendar