University of Aveiro
Department of Environment and Planning

Integrated Master in Environmental Engineering

The Integrated Master’s Course on Environmental Engineering (IMEE) from the University of Aveiro focuses on training professionals capable of intervening in the resolution of complex environmental problems and dysfunctions and of integrating and interconnecting multidisciplinary and transversal subjects, associating the ecological, social, economic and cultural dimensions with the implementation of technological systems. Promoting active thinking and critical awareness of society in a perspective of sustainable development, through the application of knowledge and scientific and technological innovation for the preservation of the environment.

The Master’s Course, created within the framework of the Bologna Process, is the result of the evolution of the BsC in Environmental Engineering, the first environmental engineering course in Portugal which was created in 1977. In 2013 the Master’s Course in Environmental Engineering was granted the European Quality Award EUR-ACE, a distinction intended to promote the mobility of graduates within the European work market allowing their recognition in every country of the European Union. Although this study course has an integrated structure, by the conclusion of the first three years of studying it ensures an intermediate training (equivalent to a BsC in Environmental Engineering Sciences) allowing graduates to choose a professional activity at an intermediate level or to enroll in a compatible 2nd cycle of academic studies. It is also possible for graduates from other compatible 1st cycle courses to enroll in the last two years of this study course.

A Master in Environmental Engineering must respond to the demands of the future and to those of a society increasingly exigent in what regards specific technical skills, and must also, transversely, have a deep understanding of the underlying logic of society, economy and governance thus being able to actively participate in all the interventions developed in the society with environmental implications and to promote the interaction with fellow workers.

The aim of the integrated study cycle (5 years, 300 ECTS) is to provide a solid education in basic subjects (physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology) and a wide-ranging education in specialist scientific knowledge, training high level technicians able to prevent, diagnose and characterize environmental problems and dysfunctions and to propose technically and economically viable solutions. The solid grounding in the basic sciences enables students to easily adapt to technical and social developments that largely influence environmental sciences, whilst the wide-ranging education in the specialist scientific subjects allows them to integrate their acquired knowledge and to have a holistic viewpoint on environmental issues.

The education provided by this Master’s Course is the result of a new insight on Environmental Engineering, focusing less on curative solutions and more on the prevention of environmental problems. Future graduates are expected to be able to respond not only to the present challenges posed by modern organizations, but also and mainly to respond to the new challenges and the new demands of a society increasingly efficient from an environmental point of view. Motivating future graduates towards a professional career in various types of organizations (industry, research, project, consulting, …) is another objective of the study cycle, attained by innovative teaching supported on actual case studies resulting from the strong connections between the Environment and Planning Department and various corporations/organizations; on lectures by invited expert professionals; on field trips and on the possibility of developing a final Thesis/Project/Training in a corporate/organizational environment.

The Environment and Planning Department has a very dynamic training program. Under the supervision of a University supervisor and a supervisor from the host organization students are able to practice their environmental/academic knowledge in an organizational environment.

The Masters in Environmental Engineering will be able to perform the functions of senior staff in a range of industrial and organizational fields from public and private sectors whose activity involves direct or indirect interaction with the environment. The Masters in Environmental Engineering will be capable of developing environmental assessment activities, including diagnosis of environmental contamination issues and impact assessment studies; environmental management, including planning of integrated environmental management systems, control and integrated treatment of pollution in its different compartments (water, air, waste), including the design, dimensioning and operation of treatment technologies and systems/processes. In view of these capabilities professional prospects are wide, particularly in industrial corporations, as well as in project, consulting and services organizations; central and local administration; public and private organizations in the environmental sector and research laboratories or institutions.

The Environment and Planning Department (EPD) and its faculty have developed a strong relationship with the corporate/organizational world through IDAD - the University of Aveiro interface for the transfer and economic valuation of knowledge in the environmental domain. Through IDAD, in the last 7 years the EPD faculty has collaborated in around 40 contracts with the public administration, corporations and higher education institutions involving an amount of about 550 thousand euros. Besides this collaboration with IDAD, between 2009 and 2017, the EPD faculty was responsible for more than 20 protocols for the provision of services worth several hundred thousand euros. Whenever possible, graduate students are involved in these knowledge transfer activities, thus fostering their integration in the corporate world and their entry into the work market.


Admission requirements

1. Licenciatura level degree or legal equivalent in Environmental Engineering or in a closely related field of studies.

2. Foreign higher education degree in Environmental Engineering or in a closely related field of studies, awarded on completion of a 1st cycle study programme organised in accordance with the principles of the Bologna Process by a State adhering to this process.

3. Foreign higher education degree in Environmental Engineering or in a closely related field of studies recognised as satisfying the objectives of the licenciatura degree by the scientifically and statutorily competent body.

4. The Scientific Council of the University of Aveiro may admit applicants proposed by the Director of the Study Cycle who do not meet the conditions specified above but whose academic, scientific or professional curriculum reveal an adequate preparation for frequenting the Masters programme, in accordance with Article 17, Nº 1d), Decree Law nº 74/2006, as expressed in DL nº 107/2008, of June 25, and DL nº 63/2016 of September 13, and Article 47, Nº 1d) of the Study Regulations of the University of Aveiro.

The recognition referred to in 2, 3 and 4 is valid only for entry to the study cycle and does not confer equivalence to the degree of licenciatura or recognition of this degree.

Applicants for enrolment will be selected by the Selection Board of the Study Cycle, taking into account the following parameters:

a) Academic curriculum;
b) Scientific curriculum;
c) Professional curriculum.

The study programmes are taught in English.

More information on https://acesso.ua.pt/upload/editais/e_3778.pdf.

Applications should be made exclusively via Internet, at the following address: http://paco.ua.pt. Applicants may apply to several courses (maximum 6) within the same procedure, indicating the order of preference for each one. The application process is conducted exclusively via the upload of the required documents (Photocopy of Identity Card, Residence Permit, or other identification document in the case of foreign applicants; Certificate of qualifications indicating the degree held by the applicant and final classification; etc.). The fee for application is 20 Euros (non-refundable); this fee covers the cost of the six possible choices. Payment should be made using the means of payment available on the application platform. If the applicant is unable to complete their payment using these means, they may request an alternative option by email: candidaturas(at)ua.pt More details for applying are stated in each call available (when open) here: http://www.ua.pt/course/385/?p=1


About the University of Aveiro

Created in 1973, the University of Aveiro quickly became one of the most dynamic and innovative universities in Portugal. Now a public foundation under private law, it continues to develop and implement its mission to provide undergraduate and postgraduate education, to generate research and promote cooperation with society.

Attended by about 15,000 students on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, UA has achieved a significant position amongst higher education institutions in Portugal, being one of the top universities regarding the quality of its infrastructures, the strength of its research and the excellence of its staff.

Innovative Profile

The UA is a highly regarded institution of research led education, constituted by university departments, research units, polytechnic schools, interface units, and a vocational education network. Its integrated structure permits the articulation and harmonisation of the teaching and research environments, and enables the construction of individual educational paths, from post-secondary technological specialisation programmes to doctoral degrees. Teaching activities are developed in a research-based environment, and throughout the academic year, dozens of national and international conferences are organised, generating a dynamic and multicultural atmosphere for students and staff.

Research Profile

Excellence in research is one of the hallmarks of the University: 15 of its 18 research units were classified as Very good or Excellent by international panels under the sponsorship of the Portuguese National Science Foundation in its most recent round of assessments. Four of these units carry the label of Associate Laboratory, a distinction attributed by the Portuguese Government to research institutions of sustained and exceptional merit.

Research at the UA promotes innovative products and solutions, contributing to the advance of science and technology. It is a privileged partner for companies and other national and international organisations with which it cooperates on numerous projects and for which it provides important services.

UA research projects are developed in different scientific areas: cellular biology; ceramics and composite materials; design; education and behavioural sciences; electronics and telematics engineering; environmental and marine sciences; geo-technologies and geo-engineering; governance, competitiveness and public policy; languages and cultures; technologies and science of communication; mathematics and applications; mechanical technology and automation; music and dance; nanostructures, nanomodelling and nanomanufacture; organic chemistry and telecommunications.

Study Profile

The University of Aveiro offers a wide range of degree programmes in various areas of knowledge which reflect its multidisciplinary and innovative character and are designed to build student competences in scientific and technical areas that meet the emerging needs of business, industry and society. The University’s degree programmes are delivered in an atmosphere of research, precision and quality and are organised in three cycles: the 1st cycle lasts three years and results in a Licenciatura degree; the 2nd cycle requires two years to complete a Masters degree; and the 3rd cycle takes between three and five years to obtain a Doctorate. In some Engineering fields, the UA offers integrated 1st and 2nd cycle programmes called Integrated Masters. Each year, the UA welcomes growing numbers of graduate students, a segment that currently represents just under 35% of the total student population. The recent creation of the Doctoral School, in close articulation with UA’s scientific research, will further this evolution, which reflects the need for qualification and specialisation.

Cooperation profile

The UA is a privileged partner of companies and other national and international entities, with which it cooperates on various projects and programmes and for which it provides important services. As a quality research institution, UA develops solutions and innovative products that contribute to technological, scientific, cultural and social improvement.

Mission

The UA’s mission is to create knowledge and expand access to knowledge through research, education and cooperation for the benefit of people and society; to undertake the project of global development of the individual; to be active in the construction of a European research and education community; and to promote a model of regional development based on innovation and scientific and technological knowledge.

A brief history

The University of Aveiro will be built in defence of sacred and permanent values and looking towards the calm construction of the future,” declared Professor Veiga Simão at the inauguration ceremony of the Rector of the New School. “The 15th of December 1973 will be a date remembered by future generations”.

The Minister of National Education at the time, Professor José Veiga Simão, began his speech at the Museum of Aveiro during the inauguration of the founding committee of the UA, made up of Professor Victor Gil and other renowned members of Aveiro’s academic community. The pedagogical and scientific activities of the new university were launched in 1974 with its first degree programme in Telecommunications and its first 46 students.

UA focused on the creation of undergraduate degrees in innovative areas not yet explored by the traditional universities in Portugal, and in fields of relevance to the regional and national structure.

In 1976, Degrees in Environmental Science and Education, Natural Science and Education, Mathematics and Education, English-Portuguese and Education and French-Portuguese and Education were launched. At that time the student population reached 338 students. In the same year, the first of the university’s own infrastructures were built on the site where later the University’s Santiago Campus would be established.

In the academic year 1977/78, the government proposed the creation at the UA of a pilot project: the first Integrated Centre of Teacher Education (CIFOP) in the country. This entailed the development of innovative curricula and methodologies suitable for the education of teachers, from kindergarten through to higher education. The University of Aveiro thus developed one of its major areas of intervention – teacher education and training. The driving force behind this project was Professor João Loureiro, former Vice-Rector of the UA.

The 1980s represented a period of consolidation with the establishment of internal regulations and the creation of essential organs during the mandate of the second Rector, Professor José Rodrigues, and the conclusion of the acquisition process for the building site of the future Campus, during the mandate of the third and first elected Rector, Professor Renato Araújo. Following the passing of the law on university autonomy in 1988, the University was able to consolidate its organic structure, with the approval, in June of 1989, of the University Statutes.

In 1986, a group coordinated by the Architect Nuno Portas selected some of the most prestigious Portuguese and internationally renowned architects to project the university’s new buildings. The University Campus of Santiago would thus become a contribution to the quality of the architectural heritage of the city. Nowadays, UA buildings, created by Alcino Soutinho, Álvaro Siza Vieira, Pedro Ramalho, Luís Ramalho, José Maria Lopo Prata, Eduardo Souto Moura, Adalberto Dias, Rebello de Andrade, Jorge Kol de Carvalho, Gonçalo Byrne and Figueiredo Dias, among many others, are admired every year by hundreds of national and foreign visitors and specialists.

At this time, the range of degree programmes offered was extended to pioneering areas such as Environment, Industrial Management, Music, Tourism, Materials, Industrial Chemistry and New Technologies.

In the nineties, a new phase of evolution began for the UA, in which new priorities like internationalisation and cooperation were defined, namely through participation in European programmes, reinforcement of relations with countries where Portuguese and other Romance languages are spoken, participation in networks and partnerships with international universities, and the signing of protocols with national and international institutions, organisations and companies.

Cooperation with society was reinforced through the intervention of the University in the promotion of knowledge, technology and innovation transfer in business and entrepreneurial settings. At the same time, positive steps were taken in the organisation of continuing education and distance learning that took on a growing importance in the diversification of publics and the satisfaction of their educational needs.

Throughout this process of development, the University maintained a concern with providing students and teachers with the best work spaces, scientific infra-structures and high quality study conditions. This concern with the physical environment was recognised by the international evaluation team – Evaluation Committee of the European Board of Rectors (1996), which wrote in its final report:

“A focus of light and liberty within its region, AU (Aveiro University) clearly has all the assets required to become one of the best universities in Portugal.”

In the second mandate of the fourth Rector, Professor Júlio Pedrosa, the academic population exceeded 8,000 students and research reached a high standard. The dynamism of the University’s teaching staff and researchers made the UA the Portuguese University with the highest number of internationally recognised research projects, a feature that it still maintains today.

In the year of its 25th anniversary, a new stage of development began with the integration of polytechnic education into the University’s initial education project. The foundation of the Águeda School of Technology and Management in 1997, the integration of the Institute of Higher Education for Accountancy and Administration in 1999, the creation of the Health School in 2000 and the establishment of a Polytechnic School in the north of the Aveiro district, the School of Design, Management and Production Technologies - Aveiro North in 2004 are the concrete results of this project.