Masters Management of Social Economy Organizations

The Master's Degree in Management of Social Economy Organizations at Lusófona University (Porto University Centre) offers specialised and interdisciplinary training, designed to respond to the urgent need for professionalisation and the contemporary challenges of the social sector. The course combines knowledge of Management, Social Work, Law, Public Policy and Ethics, preparing professionals to lead with innovation and responsibility. With a strong focus on financial sustainability and social impact, the course combines a solid theoretical foundation with a practical approach geared towards solving real problems. Students are trained to design efficient strategies, manage multidisciplinary teams and implement projects that generate social, economic and cultural value.

The following may apply: a) Holders of a bachelor's degree or legal equivalent awarded by a national higher education institution in the areas of Management, Social Work, Sociology, and other areas of social sciences and humanities; b) Holders of a foreign higher education degree, awarded following a 1st cycle organised in accordance with the Bologna Process, in the areas of Management, Social Work, Sociology, and other areas of social sciences and humanities; c) Holders of a foreign higher education degree recognised by the Scientific Council as satisfying the objectives of a Bachelor's degree in the areas of Management, Social Work, Sociology, and other areas of social sciences and humanities; d) Holders of an academic, scientific or professional curriculum recognised by the Scientific Council, attesting to their ability to complete this cycle of studies. Ranking criteria: 50% previous qualification grade and 50% curriculum assessment.

The Master's Degree in Management of Social Economy Organizations is aimed at a diverse audience seeking specialized qualifications to work or advance in the sector. Target audience: - Recent Graduates: holders of a bachelor's degree (or legal equivalent) in areas such as Management, Economics, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Law, and other Social and Human Sciences, who wish to specialize in the management of social economy entities. - Sector Professionals: managers, technical directors, and senior staff of IPSS (Private Institutions of Social Solidarity), NGOs, Misericórdias (charitable institutions), Mutualities, and Cooperatives who seek to update their knowledge, acquire new management tools, and academically validate their professional skills. - Social Entrepreneurs: individuals interested in developing social innovation projects or creating their own organizations, seeking a solid foundation of knowledge in management and sustainability. - Holders of Relevant Curricula: professionals with a school, scientific, or professional curriculum recognized by the Scientific Council.

The Master's in Management of Social Economy Organizations prepares students to assume leadership, coordination, and consulting roles in a wide range of third-sector and social economy entities. The skills acquired allow for the exercise of functions in: - Direction and Management of Social Organizations: executive or technical management positions in Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Associations, Cooperatives, Foundations, and Mutual Societies, ensuring their sustainability and efficiency. - Technical Management of Social Responses: coordination of social equipment and services (e.g., residential structures, day centers, home support), ensuring service quality, team management, and compliance with current legal and fiscal regulations. - Management of Social Innovation Projects: conception, implementation, and evaluation of innovative social projects, as well as applications for national and international funding, focused on solving complex social problems and creating community value. - Social Entrepreneurship: creation and management of new initiatives and social enterprises that reconcile economic viability with social mission, applying strategic management and social marketing tools. - Social Consulting and Auditing: provision of specialized consulting services in management, strategy, financial sustainability and marketing for social economy organizations. - Corporate Social Responsibility: management of social responsibility and sustainability departments in private sector companies, developing partnerships with the social sector. Research and Teaching: pursuit of advanced academic studies (doctorate) and research activities in the area of ¿¿Social Economy and Management.