Catholic University of Portugal

Catholic University of Portugal

The Catholic University of Portugal, known in its native language as Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP), is a prestigious private university located in Lisbon, Portugal. Founded in 1967, UCP has grown to become one of the country's leading institutions of higher education, recognized for its comprehensive range of faculties, institutes, and research divisions that cater to a diverse array of academic disciplines. The university's establishment was a significant milestone in the Portuguese educational landscape, offering a unique blend of academic rigor underpinned by Catholic values and ethics, although it welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. UCP is structured across several campuses, with its main campus situated in Lisbon, and additional campuses in Porto, Braga, and Viseu, reflecting its national reach and commitment to serving students across Portugal. The university is divided into faculties, institutes, and schools, each specializing in different areas of study, thereby providing students with a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The Faculty of Business Administration and Economics in Lisbon is renowned for its programs in Business Administration, Economics, and Finance, preparing students for leadership roles in the global market. The Faculty of Education and Psychology offers degrees in Education, Educational Psychology, and Psychology, focusing on the development of professionals equipped to address educational and mental health challenges. The Faculty of Human Sciences covers a broad spectrum of the arts and humanities, including Communication Studies, Literature, Modern Languages, Portuguese, Social Work, and Sociology, fostering a deep understanding of human culture and social dynamics. The Faculties of Law in Lisbon and Porto are dedicated to the study of legal systems and jurisprudence, aiming to produce competent legal professionals with a strong ethical foundation. The Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences, along with the Faculties of Theology in Braga, Lisbon, and Porto, delve into philosophical inquiry and theological studies, reflecting the university's commitment to exploring existential questions and religious thought. UCP also houses several specialized institutes, such as the Institute of Bioethics, Canon Law, European Studies, Family Studies, Health Administration in Viseu, and Health Sciences in Lisbon, Porto, and Viseu, among others. These institutes offer focused programs in their respective fields, contributing to the university's reputation as a center for specialized research and study. The university's commitment to research is evident in its diverse array of research divisions, including Arts Science and Technology (CITAR), Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry, Communication and Cultural Studies, and many more. These research divisions are engaged in cutting-edge studies across disciplines, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and addressing contemporary societal challenges. The School of Arts and the School of Biotechnology, along with the School of Business in Porto, offer specialized programs that combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for successful careers in their chosen fields. In summary, the Catholic University of Portugal stands as a beacon of higher education in Portugal, distinguished by its comprehensive academic offerings, commitment to research excellence, and dedication to fostering ethical and socially responsible leaders. Through its diverse faculties, institutes, schools, and research divisions, UCP continues to make significant contributions to the academic, cultural, and social fabric of Portugal and beyond.

Universidade Católica Portuguesa

— Peter Smith