University of Minho

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​The University of Minho is currently one of the most prestigious Portuguese higher education institutions, and is gradually becoming more prominent internationally. The University was founded in 1973, and it is currently comprised of three campi: the Gualtar Campus, in Braga, and the Azurém and Couros Campi, in Guimarães. The University"s governance is carried out by the following bodies: ...the General Council, the Rector and the Management Council. These bodies are incumbent of directing the University in its scientific, educational, and cultural activities and in its interaction with society, as well as of ensuring the proper planning and financial and administrative management of the institution. The University comprises the following advisory bodies: Academic Senate, Cultural Council and Disciplinary Council. Falling within the authority of theses bodies to advise the Rector and the General Council in the exercise of their duties and to provide scientific opinions in accordance with these statutes.
UMinho assumes a clear institutional commitment to quality and quality assurance (QA). Its guarantee constitutes a key vector for its operation and development. This principle is consecrated in the statutory commitment of the University to develop its activity within a culture of quality, based on responsibility, action efficiency and the prevalence of the common good. To pursue this, UMinho has defined an institutional strategy for quality, explicitly expressed in its Quality Policy. The strategy is consolidated​ in an internal quality assurance system, known as SIGAQ-UM. The SIGAQ-UM is defined in two structural documents: the Quality Plan and the Quality Manual.
The basic principle of the institutional strategy for quality is the shared vision of the mission and goals of the University. This vision is defined by a strategic plan of institutional development and operationalisation, involving all levels of the institution.
Thus, the key elements for the definition and implementation of the quality strategy are:

• The Quadrennium 2013/2017 Action Plan, adopted by the General Council, as a proposal from the Rector;
• An operational plan, developing the strategic programme in specific action plans, not only at the institutional level, but also at the level of the organic units and services (Quality Plan);
• The definition of procedures and institutionalised mechanisms for the systematic monitoring, assessment and intervention, with the goal of continuous improvement, properly documented in a Quality Manual.

The quality policy also includes the implementation of an organisational culture aimed at stimulating innovation, involving the entire academic community in quality processes. The goal is to internalise a quality culture that will permeate all activities and projects, in which assessment is seen as a natural element of the institution"s activities, from a double viewpoint of continuous improvement and of providing critical information concerning the degrees of achievement of the University"s mission.
The University of Minho has a strong policy for internationalisation, which is reflected in its main lines of action - education, research and innovation, and interaction with the society.
Regarding education, through its interaction with more than 80 countries and 400 universities around the world, UMinho is very active in the recruitment of international students, in mobility programs, in the establishment of degrees in association, and in distance learning, vectors that allow for the internationalisation of its educational offer.
The University of Minho offers a wide range of courses corresponding to first, second and third cycles of studies leading to undergraduate (BA/BSc), graduate (MA/MSc) or doctorate (PhD) degrees. Bachelors degrees (first cycle) have 180 or 240 ECTS, the equivalent to 3 or 4 years. Integrated masters programmes​ (courses that combine a bachelor with a master) have 300 or 360 ECTS, the equivalent to 5 or 6 years. Master programmes have 90 and 120 ECTS meaning one year and a half and two years, but some have 60 ECTS (1 year). PhD studies (third cycle) have 180 and 240 ECTS, meaning 3 and 4 years of study. All these cycles of studies can be attended on a part-time basis. In addition to these cycles of studies, the University of Minho also provides a large number of courses that do not provide an academic degree, namely specialised training courses at masters and PhD level. The University also offers several short courses and a Preparation Course for Attendance of higher education (mature students over 23 years of age).​​
The sustainability policy adopted by UMinho is defined in the Strategic Plan of UMinho 2020. It contains the administration, management, operational management, educational activity, research activities, the dissemination of its performance and its impact which is based on a holistic vision. This vision is a fundamental element to assure the quality levels of life in the campi, among the Academic and the surrounding communities.
UMinho"s performances in the Environmental, Social, Economic and Cultural dimensions are disseminated, on a regular basis, according to the best international practices. This communication should also be a tool for communicating strategy and the paths taken, and as an instrument for demonstrating and inducing new behaviours, as well as for promoting new partnerships with other institutions that share the same view as UMinho"s.