Coordinator
Duarte Miguel Henriques Neto
Who is this course for?
People who have a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Sport, a similar subject, or a legal equivalent.
DGES Registry
Course registered at the General Directorate of Higher Education with the number R/A-Cr 20/2013/AL02
Accreditation of the Study Program
Decision: Accredited 6 years
Publication Date: 15-07-2025
Description
Physical exercise is a tool for promoting health and assisting in the rehabilitation of populations with chronic non-communicable diseases. The Master's Degree in Exercise and Health at UMaia is an advanced and specialised higher education course that enables students to master the professional and scientific methodologies and procedures of Exercise Physiology, both in a laboratory setting and in real-life practice. The Master's Degree in Exercise and Health provides Exercise Physiologists with solid, specialised training with a view to intervening and working with different populations throughout the life cycle (pregnant women, children, young people and the elderly), as well as with populations with chronic non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular, renal, oncological, osteoarticular, neuromuscular, mental and other metabolic diseases.
Professional Opportunities
The Master's Degree in Exercise and Health enables Exercise Physiologists to assess, prescribe and monitor physical exercise programmes in apparently healthy populations or those with chronic non-communicable diseases. This course of study is aligned with the demands of the labour market and the guidelines of national and international professional bodies in the field of exercise and health.
What makes this course different?
The Master's Degree in Exercise and Health is an advanced and specialised course that integrates innovative scientific knowledge in a pedagogical environment situated in the contexts of the Exercise Physiologist's work. The group of lecturers and researchers who make up the teaching staff of the course have extensive professional experience, as well as internationally renowned scientific research activity. The adoption of a pedagogical model based on research and scientific knowledge allows students in this programme to develop solid skills in evidence-based intervention and critical analysis, in line with the most innovative practices at the intersection of health and physical exercise. The existence of institutional partners such as hospitals, family health units, rehabilitation clinics, local authorities, community centres, companies, schools (public and private) and sports organisations allows students to develop knowledge and skills in a real context, in nationally and internationally renowned institutions.
Research
The Master's Degree in Exercise and Health is recognised by the Centre for Research in Sport, Health and Human Development (CIDESD) - a research and development unit accredited by the Foundation for Science and Technology, recently rated as ‘Excellent’. Students in this cycle of studies have the opportunity to apply for Scientific Research Initiation Scholarships, integrated into different research programmes.