Degree objectives

The Master's Degree in Preschool Education aims to develop a broad, in-depth and articulated set of knowledge and skills: Scientific knowledge in the areas of teaching; Knowledge from educational sciences and early childhood education didactics; Knowledge of action based on pedagogical thinking.

School

ESE - School of Education

Study mode

presencial - Full time

Learning objectives and skills to be developed

It particularly aims to develop research and reflection skills on the professional contexts of early childhood education, as well as discernment of the sociopolitical dimensions of the profession: Responsibilities and functions of Early Childhood Educators; The personal, social and ethical dimensions of the profession; professional reflexivity skills; The structuring of educational environments serving children and families; The transversal dimension of the Portuguese Language as a structuring element of the teaching-learning process; The development of appropriate practices in order to promote development and learning and allow articulation with the 1st CEB.

Career opportunities

Professional qualification for teaching as a Childhood Educator in all areas of Pre-School Education.

Course coordinator

Sofia Gago da Silva Corrêa Figueira

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of prior learning is carried out in accordance with the Academic Regulations of the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal.

Admission requirements

Anyone who wishes to obtain professional certification to teach in early childhood education or to work in other socio-educational settings for children—such as daycare centers, playrooms, baby libraries, museums, and libraries—and who meets the necessary requirements for this purpose.
Those who meet the following conditions may apply for the program leading to a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, in accordance with Decree-Law No. 9-A/2025 of February 14:
1. Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Basic Education obtained from a Portuguese institution of higher education or, if from another institution, have the degree validated through a recognition process in accordance with Decree-Law No. 66/2018.
2. Hold a bachelor’s degree from a higher education institution in Portugal or, if from another institution, have their degree recognized through a degree recognition process, in accordance with Decree-Law No. 66/2018 and meet the minimum credit requirements set forth in Decree-Law No. 9-A/2025 in the corresponding annex reproduced below (Figure 1).
3. Individuals who have obtained 75% of the credits required by the minimum training requirements set forth in the corresponding annex transcribed below (Figure 1) may also apply for admission to a program leading to a master’s degree in this specialty. In this situation, enrollment in the course units (CU) for the specific teaching components and introduction to professional practice, including supervised teaching practice, may occur, whenever possible, concurrently with the completion of the remaining credits (nos. 7 and 8, Art. 18).
4. Possess oral and written proficiency in the Portuguese language and mastery of the essential rules of logical and critical argumentation, demonstrated by passing an exam with one of the following characteristics:
a.Documentary proof of successful completion of course units in Portuguese Language, Portuguese Linguistics, and Portuguese Didactics (totaling a minimum of 20 ECTS) or equivalent course units at any institution of higher education (for this purpose, the detailed academic transcript is considered).
b. A written and oral exam taken no more than two years prior to the application date at a higher education institution.

The information provided does not replace consultation of the Directorate-General for Higher Education (DGES) website and/or the application page.

Qualification requirements

14 course units successfully completed

Legal framework and accreditation

R/A-CR 209/2015/AL01