Psychoanalytic Clinical Psychology

The programme covers both normal and pathological development and applies the principles of the psychoanalytic model to the understanding of individuals, groups, organisations, and social situations. It combines reflective engagement with theory and practice with the experience of a curricular placement, enabling students to work with real cases across different forms of clinical and psychotherapeutic intervention. The programme is taught by a team of lecturers with first-hand knowledge and experience of the various fields in which psychoanalysis is applied in today’s world, focusing not only on the conventional setting but also on responding to the social and scientific challenges we currently face.

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

To train Psychologists within a practitioner–researcher model, equipping them with the competences required for both professional practice and research.

These include:

• Competences for future autonomous clinical work, carried out ethically and with knowledge of professional deontology;
• Skills in observation, interviewing, assessment, diagnosis, and the writing of psychological reports;
• Competences and tools of intervention to apply psychoanalytic theory and models to contemporary contexts, including clinical, health, educational, social, and organisational settings;
• The acquisition and development of critical and reflective knowledge, the ability to formulate and test hypotheses, as well as to evaluate one’s own intervention;
• An aptitude for systematic clinical research and knowledge of appropriate methodological tools for this purpose;
• An aptitude for lifelong learning and professional updating.

The practice of Clinical Psychology — with psychoanalytically informed listening

— in both public and private contexts is the main objective of this master’s degree. Other career opportunities include:

• Private practice
• Hospitals and mental health departments across the full spectrum of care
• Hospitals, health centres, and long-term care facilities
• Local authorities
• Community services and support for minority populations
• Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS)
• School counselling services
• Research

• Graduates in Psychological Sciences or Psychology.

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

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