During Mestrado, students must complete three research seminars (8 credits each, 24 credits in total). For doctoral studies, one research seminar of 8 credits is required. The duration of Mestrado varies between 24 and 30 months, with the regular time frame for subsequent doctoral studies being 48 months. Students must pass a mid-term exam (exame de qualificação) in order to qualify for the research project. Mestrado und PhD programmes are concluded with a defence of the dissertation.