African Studies University of Porto

Overview

The African Studies programme of the University of Porto offers a theoretical and methodological training, associated with a wide range of options. It combines mandatory seminars (a common core) with optional subjects from different scientific backgrounds. This coordination aims to ensure the transmission of specific knowledge on African realities and to make available theoretical and methodological tools to contribute to differentiated and qualified interventions in African realities.

Objectives

Among the aims of MEAF are the articulation of different scientific areas in order to:

• Promote global knowledge of African realities;

• Contribute to the formation of qualified staff and to the implementation of development politics in Africa;

• Contribute to the training of specialists in various areas of African scientific and professional activities;

• Develop capacities to conceive and implement projects in organizations of international cooperation and development, including ONG’s;

• Contribute to a transfer of knowledge between the academic world and the society so as to improve a qualified intervention in the fields of culture, economy, politics, society and science in Africa.

Employment Prospects

MAF students might find placements  in:

• CPLP (Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries) | Foundations | Governamental services and administration | NGO’s, namely those connected with cooperation and development aims | NGOs, newspapers and other media; associations of migrants in Africa or Europe | European Community institutions (European Commission, European Parliament, European Council) | International and intergovernmental organizations (ONU, UNESCO, among others).