Cooperation and
Development
Master's Degree (Distance Learning)
ABOUT THE COURSE
Result of the accreditation process by the Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education (A3ES) • Decision: Accredited • Number of years of accreditation: 6 • Validity period of accreditation: 31/07/2027 • A3ES Resolution • Self-assessment report
Schedule/Timetable: Mostly online; in-person attendance is required for 5% sessions (including the presentation and defense of the project work). Maximum number of admissions: 20
Presentation
The Master's degree in Humanitarian Action, Cooperation and Development (MHACD) is a master's program fully recognized by the Portuguese Ministry of Higher Education and has also been accredited by the Portuguese Higher Education Agency.
The study program runs for two academic semesters, completed by a final semester for the development of a project. The master's degree is taught primarily through distance learning, but students must attend five percent of the sessions in person (including the presentation and defense of the project). The MHACD uses modern distance learning platforms and tools (CANVAS, Zoom, Google Meet). Students thus have access to all its resources and can communicate with teachers from anywhere in the world. A technical support team for online learning offers continuous and rapid assistance to distance learning students.
Languages of instruction
The language of instruction at MHACD is English.
Objectives
The MHACD program provides specialized skills and knowledge in Humanitarian Action, Cooperation, and Development. Upon completion of the program, students gain a deep understanding of regional, national, and international humanitarian issues facing the world today. With this advanced training, they can expect to launch their careers in the field of humanitarian action. If they are already working (in international organizations, for example), they can further their professional achievements in this area. The MHACD program is equally useful for those who are already experts in their fields as well as for early-career professionals.
There is a near-total absence of recognized advanced online training in this field within Europe. Therefore, the Fernando Pessoa University is leveraging, for the first time, its extensive experience and partnerships with humanitarian NGOs to develop this unparalleled program, featuring flexible methodologies and cutting-edge learning tools.
Research areas
The field of Humanitarian Action, Cooperation, and Development is a scientific universe in itself and is constantly evolving.
The MHACD program is innovative in many aspects and, more specifically, in its teaching methods and content:
• Firstly, in the classic or basic areas, it conveys a wealth of knowledge about the essential and operational components of humanitarian action on a global scale, covering the following topics: the fundamentals of humanitarian action and the project cycle in humanitarian work; basic standards on health and development; the management of NGO missions and fieldwork; disaster management; agencies and indicators of international cooperation for development; support for vulnerable populations, refugees and forced migrants in general; and applicable standards in international humanitarian law.;
• Secondly, the master's degree allows you to take advantage of learning through the use of new technologies in the field of Humanitarian Action. Distance learning makes the learning process (or professional retraining) easier and more convenient (new communication possibilities, online applications and tools, etc.);
• Thirdly, as a master's student, you will be invited to join a project team and complete your final project work (60 to 80 pages) on a topic of practical applicability, under the supervision of one of the team's professors. The final work (project work) must be presented in person at the Fernando Pessoa University in Porto, Portugal.
Organization of studies
The MHACD program is taught primarily through distance learning. There are three types of specialized resources that students can use for each subject: recorded video lectures; synchronous online classes (online meetings between teachers and students); and assignments submitted through the online platform.
Each subject, also called a curricular unit (see curriculum plan), covers one semester and includes three modules, which are further subdivided into a maximum of five topics (to facilitate the learning process).
The tasks that each student will have to complete may include small research projects, reading reports or e-portfolios, participation in discussion forums, collaborative work (with other students), or oral presentations. Teachers provide regular feedback on academic progress, advise and guide each student in their educational journey and in improving their performance levels and skills.
Curriculum Plan
2nd Cycle (Master's Degree) • 3 semesters • 90 ECTS
According to Official Gazette Order No. 9025/2021
Scientific area: Social and behavioral sciences
1st Year • 1st Semester
| Course Unit | ECTS |
|---|---|
| Fundamentals of humanitarian action, cooperation and development | 8 |
| Conflict and disaster management | 6 |
| Strategic management of NGOs and missions. | 6 |
| Methodology of scientific work | 4 |
| International organizations: security, humanitarian action and development | 6 |
1st Year • 2nd Semester
| Course Unit | ECTS |
|---|---|
| Crisis, reconstruction and development | 6 |
| Applied international law | 4 |
| International cooperation policies | 6 |
| Health and development | 6 |
| Project and fieldwork seminar | 8 |
2nd Year • Annual
| Course Unit | ECTS |
|---|---|
| Project work | 30 |
Coordination
Professor Doctor John Casqueira
Request information about the course:
ERASMUS+ EXCHANGE
Students at the Fernando Pessoa University (UFP) who meet the eligibility criteria have the opportunity to undertake periods of study and/or internships through international mobility programs.
International student study periods are carried out at higher education institutions outside of Portugal with which UFP maintains student exchange agreements under the Erasmus+ Program (within the European area), or other existing bilateral exchange agreements.
Information regarding mobility/exchange programs is available through the International Relations Office. (connection).
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The MHACD Master's program is recommended for candidates who already work or intend to work in areas related to humanitarian risk prevention and management, in NGOs providing humanitarian aid or related services, in international organizations, in development promotion and human rights defense agencies, or in civilian or military organizations involved in peacekeeping operations in conflict zones.
The course is also very suitable for organizations interested in issues of vulnerability and poverty eradication, in planning and managing risks involving certain populations (e.g., children), in resolving ethnic and religious conflicts, in protection against violence and human trafficking, as well as for media professionals and decision-makers associated with political processes (e.g., monitoring electoral processes).
The program is designed to meet the demands of the job market. It aims to provide candidates with a highly practical understanding of the skills and knowledge necessary to manage both the strategic aspects and the more practical aspects of implementing humanitarian issues, in both the public and private sectors.
PRECARIOUS
In addition to the application requirements, it is equally important to consult the information regarding fees, tuition, and charges applicable to master's degree programs. On this page, you will find a section dedicated to tuition fees for master's programs, as well as other relevant information about credit transfers, charges, and fees associated with different academic services.
Employability & Academic Success
To help better understand the academic outcomes and professional integration of UFP graduates, the most recent report on Employability and Academic Success is available. This document contains concrete data on the employability rates of graduates from master's programs and other study cycles, as well as academic success rates for the 2023/24 academic year.