Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Lisbon, Portugal • Founded 1967 • World Rank #1465
Overview
Established in 1971, the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (Catholic University of Portugal) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Lisbon (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Lisboa.
This institution also has branch campuses in Viseu, Braga and Porto. Officially recognized by the Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior, Portugal (Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education of Portugal), Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) is a large-sized coeducational Portuguese higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion.
Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 52-year-old Portuguese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
UCP also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Universidade Católica Portuguesa's contact information and physical address — the basics you'll want before applying or visiting. Bookmark this page as a single reference point during the application cycle.
Academic Details
These figures give a quick read on Universidade Católica Portuguesa's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing. Use them to ground decisions about programme fit and institutional capacity.
Academic Structures
The schools and colleges that constitute Universidade Católica Portuguesa's academic body are organised below. Each often controls its own admissions criteria, scholarships, and programme entry standards.
Unit 15 items
- Catolica-Lisbon School of Business and Economics
- Católica Medical School
- Católica Porto Business School
- Faculty of Biotechnology
- Faculty of Dental Medicine
- Faculty of Education and Psychology
- Faculty of Human Sciences
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Theology
- Higher Institute for Canon Law
- Institute for Political Studies
- Institute of Health Sciences
- Institute of Management and Health Organizations
- School of Arts
Degrees
Also Postgraduate Courses
Other 66 programs
- Accountancy
- Agricultural Engineering
- Asian Studies
- Bioengineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biomedicine
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration
- Cinema and Television
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Sciences
- Communication Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Dentistry
- Economics
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Sciences
- Ethics
- Family Studies
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Food Technology
- Foreign Languages Education
- Gerontology
- Health Sciences
- Heritage Preservation
- History
- Human Resources
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Information Technology
- International Business
- International Law
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- International Studies
- Law
- Leadership
- Linguistics
- Management
- Marketing
- Microbiology
- Modern Languages
- Museum Studies
- Native Language Education
- Neurosciences
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Oenology
- Pastoral Studies
- Philosophy
- Photography
- Political Sciences
- Portuguese
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Restoration of Works of Art
- Social Work
- Social and Community Services
- Sound Engineering (Acoustics)
- Spanish
- Special Education
- Technology
- Theology
- Tourism
- Translation and Interpretation
- Viticulture
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior, Portugal.
Business Administration and Economics (Lisboa) (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education and Psychology (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Educational Psychology
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Human Sciences (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Communication Studies
- Literature
- Modern Languages
- Portuguese
- Social Work
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Lisboa) (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Porto) (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Philosophy and Social Sciences (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Philosophy
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Theology (Braga) (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Theology
Common Career Paths
- Religious Educator
- Pastoral Counsellor
- Faith Community Leader
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Theology (Lisboa) (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Theology
Common Career Paths
- Religious Educator
- Pastoral Counsellor
- Faith Community Leader
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Theology (Porto) (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Theology
Common Career Paths
- Religious Educator
- Pastoral Counsellor
- Faith Community Leader
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Bioethics (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ethics
Canon Law (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Canon Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
European Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- European Studies
Family Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Family Studies
Health Administration (Viseu) (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Administration
Health Sciences (Lisboa) (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
- Nursing
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Sciences (Porto) (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Sciences (Viseu) (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Political Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Political Sciences
Religious Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Religious Studies
Arts Science and Technology (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- CITAR
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
Common Career Paths
- Chemist
- Lab Researcher
- Quality Control Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Communication and Cultural Studies (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- Cultural Studies
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Future of Law (Research Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Interdisciplinary - CIIS
History of Religion (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- History of Religion
Human Development (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- CEDH
Management and Economics (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
- Management
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Management and Economics (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
- Management
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Philosophy (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Philosophy
Philosophy and Humanities (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Philosophy
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Political Sciences (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- CIEP
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Psychological, Family and Social Welfare (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Social and Community Services
- Sociology
Studies for Portuguese-Speaking People and Portuguese Culture (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- Linguistics
Theology and Religious Studies (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Religious Studies
- Theology
Common Career Paths
- Religious Educator
- Pastoral Counsellor
- Faith Community Leader
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Fine Arts
Biotechnology (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biotechnology
Business (Porto) (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Universidade Católica Portuguesa's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping. Search matches programme names; if you don't see your subject, check the divisions section to locate the relevant faculty.
Bachelor's Degree
28 programmes
At undergraduate level, Universidade Católica Portuguesa offers 28 programmes. These bachelor's degrees typically open both direct employment pathways and routes into postgraduate specialisation.
Comunicação Social e Cultural Media Studies & Mass Media
Filosofia Philosophy & Ethics
Línguas Estrangeiras Aplicadas Linguistics & Language Studies
Serviço Social Social Work
Ciências da Comunicação Communication Studies
Estudos Portugueses Linguistics & Language Studies
Ciências Biomédicas Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Arte - Conservação e Restauro Visual Arts
Administração e Gestão de Empresas Business Administration
Ciência Política e Relações Internacionais Politics & International Relations
Turismo Tourism & Leisure
Direito e em Gestão Programa de Dupla Licenciatura em Direito e em Gestão Law 3 years 180 credits
Teologia Licenciatura em Teologia Religious Studies 3 years 180 credits
Som e Imagem Film & Animation
Psicologia Psychology
Microbiologia Biological Sciences
Gestão Management & Leadership
Enfermagem Nursing
Economia Economics
Direito Law
Conservação e Restauro Licenciatura em Conservação e Restauro Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years 180 credits
Cinema Film & Animation
Ciências Religiosas (EaD) Licenciatura em Ciências Religiosas (EaD) Religious Studies 3 years 180 credits
Ciências e Sociedade (Liberal Sciences) Licenciatura em Ciências e Sociedade (Liberal Sciences) Education & Teaching 3 years 180 credits
Ciências da Nutrição Nutrition & Dietetics
Bioengenharia Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Gestão | WU - Vienna Licenciatura em Gestão | WU - Vienna Business & Management 3 years 180 credits
Gestão | KEDGE Licenciatura em Gestão | KEDGE Business & Management 3 years 180 credits
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
32 programmes
Universidade Católica Portuguesa's 32 programmes at this tier lead to a master's qualification, valued for the focused, research-informed depth they add beyond undergraduate study.
Som e Imagem Mestrado em Som e Imagem Arts, Design & Architecture 2 years 120 credits
Regeneração e Viabilidade Tecidular Mestrado em Regeneração e Viabilidade Tecidular Medicine & Health 2 years 120 credits
Psicologia e Desenvolvimento de Recursos Humanos Mestrado em Psicologia e Desenvolvimento de Recursos Humanos Psychology 2 years 120 credits
Psicologia Mestrado em Psicologia Psychology 2 years 120 credits
Microbiologia Aplicada Mestrado em Microbiologia Aplicada Natural Sciences & Mathematics 2 years 120 credits
Marketing Mestrado em Marketing Marketing 2 years 120 credits
Gestão de Indústrias Criativas Mestrado em Gestão de Indústrias Criativas Business & Management 2 years 120 credits
Gestão Mestrado em Gestão Business & Management 2 years 120 credits
Finanças Mestrado em Finanças Business & Management 2 years 120 credits
Engenharia Biomédica Mestrado em Engenharia Biomédica Engineering & Technology 2 years 120 credits
Enfermagem Comunitária na área de Enfermagem de Saúde Comunitária e de Saúde Pública Mestrado em Enfermagem Comunitária na área de Enfermagem de Saúde Comunitária e de Saúde Pública Medicine & Health 2 years 120 credits
Engenharia Alimentar Mestrado em Engenharia Alimentar Engineering & Technology 2 years 120 credits
EMJM Digital Creativity Art & Science Mestrado Europeu EMJM Digital Creativity Art & Science Natural Sciences & Mathematics 2 years 120 credits
Double Degree com a Aston University 2 years 120 credits
Double Degree com a Corvinus University of Budapest 2 years 120 credits
Ciências da Educação Mestrado em Ciências da Educação Education & Teaching 2 years 120 credits
Enfermagem Médico-Cirúrgica na área de Enfermagem à Pessoa em Situação Crítica Mestrado em Enfermagem Médico-Cirúrgica na área de Enfermagem à Pessoa em Situação Crítica Medicine & Health 2 years 120 credits
Enfermagem de Reabilitação Mestrado em Enfermagem de Reabilitação Medicine & Health 2 years 120 credits
Enfermagem de Saúde Infantil e Pediátrica Mestrado em Enfermagem de Saúde Infantil e Pediátrica Medicine & Health 2 years 120 credits
Direito e Gestão Mestrado em Direito e Gestão Law 2 years 120 credits
Direito Mestrado em Direito Law 2 years 120 credits
Conservação e Restauro de Bens Culturais Mestrado em Conservação e Restauro de Bens Culturais Arts, Design & Architecture 2 years 120 credits
Cinema Mestrado em Cinema Arts, Design & Architecture 2 years 120 credits
Ciências Religiosas (EaD) Mestrado em Ciências Religiosas (EaD) Religious Studies 2 years 120 credits
Business Economics Mestrado em Business Economics Business & Management 2 years 120 credits
Biotecnologia para a Bioeconomia Mestrado em Biotecnologia para a Bioeconomia Natural Sciences & Mathematics 2 years 120 credits
Biotecnologia e Inovação Mestrado em Biotecnologia e Inovação Natural Sciences & Mathematics 2 years 120 credits
Auditoria e Fiscalidade Mestrado em Auditoria e Fiscalidade Business & Management 2 years 120 credits
Double Degree com a University of Groningen 2 years 120 credits
Double Degree com a NEOMA Business School Business & Management 2 years 120 credits
Double Degree com a Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) Business & Management 2 years 120 credits
Double Degree com a KEDGE Business School Business & Management 2 years 120 credits
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
10 programmes
Universidade Católica Portuguesa's 10 programmes at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.
Biotecnologia Doutoramento em Biotecnologia Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years 180 credits
Ciência e Tecnologia Alimentar e Nutrição Doutoramento em Ciência e Tecnologia Alimentar e Nutrição Education & Teaching 3 years 180 credits
Ciência e Tecnologia das Artes Doutoramento em Ciência e Tecnologia das Artes Education & Teaching 3 years 180 credits
Ciências da Educação Doutoramento em Ciências da Educação Education & Teaching 3 years 180 credits
Conservação e Restauro de Bens Culturais Doutoramento em Conservação e Restauro de Bens Culturais Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years 180 credits
Direito Doutoramento em Direito Law 3 years 180 credits
Enfermagem Doutoramento em Enfermagem Medicine & Health 3 years 180 credits
Gestão Doutoramento em Gestão Business & Management 3 years 180 credits
Teologia Doutoramento em Teologia Religious Studies 3 years 180 credits
Applied Psychology: Adaptation and change in contemporary societies Ph.D. Applied Psychology: Adaptation and change in contemporary societies Psychology 3 years 180 credits
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
2 programmes
These 2 programmes cover Universidade Católica Portuguesa's associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation options — qualifications valued for fast, targeted, or pathway-oriented study.
Medicina Medicine
Medicina Dentária Dentistry
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Universidade Católica Portuguesa, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Use the programme finder to browse Universidade Católica Portuguesa's 72 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Programme-level requirements at Universidade Católica Portuguesa typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
- 4 Submit your application
Universidade Católica Portuguesa processes applications through www.ucp.pt. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +351 (21) 721 4000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Common questions students ask about Universidade Católica Portuguesa — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.
In what year was Universidade Católica Portuguesa established?
Universidade Católica Portuguesa was founded in 1967 (approximately 59 years ago).
In which city is Universidade Católica Portuguesa?
Universidade Católica Portuguesa is based in Lisbon, Portugal.
Is Universidade Católica Portuguesa public or private?
Universidade Católica Portuguesa is a private institution.
How many students study at Universidade Católica Portuguesa?
Universidade Católica Portuguesa has approximately 10,000-14,999 students.
Where does Universidade Católica Portuguesa stand in university rankings?
Universidade Católica Portuguesa is ranked #1465 globally and #7 in Portugal.
Does Universidade Católica Portuguesa have a religious affiliation?
Yes, Universidade Católica Portuguesa is affiliated with Christian-Catholic.
What is Universidade Católica Portuguesa's academic structure?
Universidade Católica Portuguesa is organised into 15 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Universidade Católica Portuguesa officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior (DGES).
Where can I learn more about Universidade Católica Portuguesa?
The institution's website is www.ucp.pt.
Top-Ranked Universities in Portugal
These are the most highly ranked universities in Portugal. Putting Universidade Católica Portuguesa alongside them gives a clearer picture of where it sits in the national academic landscape, especially when reputation matters for credential portability.
Members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU)
Member institutions of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) often have reciprocity arrangements on accreditation — degrees from one member institution typically face fewer credential-recognition issues at others.
Other Portuguese Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Beyond Universidade Católica Portuguesa, several other universities affiliated with Christian-Catholic operate with similar values, campus life, and pastoral support — useful comparisons if faith identity is part of your decision. Pastoral support varies meaningfully between affiliated institutions.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Universities near Universidade Católica Portuguesa often have cross-enrolment or visiting-student arrangements that let students take modules at the partner institution. Worth checking if subject coverage at Universidade Católica Portuguesa is narrow in your area.
Where Else to Study Business & Management
Industry partnership exclusives on Business & Management programmes vary — some Portugal institutions hold sponsored chairs, others run rotating industry guest-teaching arrangements.
Universities Often Compared with Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Students applying to Universidade Católica Portuguesa often shortlist similar institutions of comparable scale, prestige, and academic depth. These universities frequently appear alongside Universidade Católica Portuguesa on application lists, useful for hedging or for direct head-to-head comparison.
