CESPU – Cooperative of Polytechnic and University Higher Education has become the only private institution to rise to university status with the entry into force of the new RJIES – Legal Framework for Higher Education Institutions. The University Institute of Health Sciences – CESPU is now simply known as CESPU University, marking a new stage in the 44 years of existence of the institution in Gandra, Paredes, and providing the Northern region with a new university in the Health Sciences area.
António Almeida-Dias, president of CESPU, stated that this transformation allows strengthening the institution's position in higher education in the health sector, focusing on education, research and internationalisation. The university has institutional accreditation without restrictions, incorporates research recognised with the highest classification by the FCT and attracts foreign students from 21 nationalities, representing more than 50% of the student population.
The institution's educational offering includes 14 degree-awarding study programmes: six bachelor's degrees in Biomedical Sciences, Forensic Sciences, Nutrition Sciences, Psychology, Public Health and Health Management and Administration; three integrated master's programmes; three master's programmes in Health Psychology and Neuropsychology, Oral Rehabilitation and Forensic Sciences; and two doctoral programmes in Biomedical Sciences and Toxicology.
With the entry into force of the new RJIES, 13 polytechnic institutes also became known as Polytechnic Universities, maintaining the nature of teaching that prioritises practical and applied learning. However, the new polytechnic universities can now integrate courses and organic units previously reserved for classical universities, and their presidents are now known as rectors, elected directly by the academic community.
