Political Science and International Relations Degree Receives A3ES Accreditation

The Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and International Relations at Universidade Lusófona has received a highly positive evaluation from the Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education (A3ES), recognising the programme's sustained development and the successful implementation of several recommendations from the previous evaluation.

In its report, the External Assessment Committee (CAE) highlights the significant strengthening of the academic staff in the field of Political Science, the introduction of two specialisation pathways in the third year of the programme, the modernisation of teaching and research infrastructure, and the consolidation of quality assurance mechanisms.

The CAE also emphasises the programme's consistently strong demand, with more than 200 applicants competing for 50 places, as well as the high employability of its graduates and its growing ability to attract international students, who account for approximately 20% to 25% of enrolments.

The committee identifies the following key developments:

• The strengthening of the academic staff through the recruitment of new specialists in Political Science;
• The introduction of two specialisation pathways, allowing students to tailor their studies to their academic and professional interests;
• The reinforcement of research through collaboration with the LusoGlobe research unit and participation in national and international research projects;
• The enhancement of internationalisation through expanded academic partnerships and the promotion of student and staff mobility;
• Improved teaching conditions, including new facilities for academic staff, students and support services, as well as upgraded digital resources and the e-learning platform.

The report also recognises that the academic staff possess appropriate qualifications, with all lecturers holding doctoral degrees and the vast majority affiliated with research units rated Very Good or Excellent by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).

The CAE further highlights the programme's growing scientific output, reflected in an increase in publications, participation in research networks, and the consolidation of research projects. The report also values the collaboration between senior and junior researchers, which has strengthened the programme's research capacity.

Despite the positive evaluation, the report identifies areas for improvement during the next accreditation cycle, particularly the reinforcement of specialised academic staff in International Relations, a more balanced distribution of teaching workloads, increased international scientific output, and improved on-time completion rates.

The External Assessment Committee also recommends increasing the maximum number of admissions to 58 places, acknowledging the programme's high demand and continued development, while stressing that this growth should be accompanied by stronger research conditions, improved academic performance, and more effective student international mobility.

According to the CAE, the Bachelor's programme has solid foundations to further consolidate its position within Portuguese higher education, standing out for the quality of its education, its growing scientific capacity, and its continued commitment to pedagogical innovation and internationalisation.