The undergraduate programme in Political Science and International Relations at FCSH/NOVA was founded in 1996 and it was integrated in the Department of History of Ideas in 1999. This turned onto the Department of Political Studies in 2004.

The academic offer of the Department of Political Studies embraces the three study cycles:

1st cycle (BA): the curricular structure integrates the scientific areas of Political Science and International Relations, comprising mandatory and elective courses. Students are advised to follow an academic curriculum. This programme attributes the academic degree of Licenciado.

2nd cycle (MA): comprises five areas of specialisation – Political Science, International Relations, European Studies, Area Studies, and Globalization and Environment. This cycle attributes the academic degree of Mestre.

3rd cycle (PhD): two autonomous programmes are offered, both awarding the academic degree of Doutor.

(i) PhD in Political Science, with four specialisations:

• Elites and Political Behaviour;
• Institutions and Political Processes;
• Political Theory and Analysis;
• Public Policies.

(ii) PhD in International Relations, with four specialisations:

• Security Studies and Strategy;
• Area Studies;
• Globalization and Environment;
• History and Theory of International Relations.

For a period of five years (2013/18), the Department also hosts the PhD in Global Studies, an interdisciplinary programme funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology.

Over the years, the Department of Political Studies has been established as one of the main national references in Political Science and International Relations teaching and research.

The theoretical and methodological pluralism, the openness to debate and critical thinking, and the demand for both accuracy and innovation, are major features of the academic profile of this Department.