Q1. Is the University of Beira Interior a public university?
+A: Yes. The University of Beira Interior is a recognised public university in Portugal.
The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Beira Interior (UBI) is one of Portugal's leading public medical schools, recognised for its innovative medical education, strong clinical training, biomedical research, and modern teaching methodology. Located in Covilhã, Portugal, the faculty has earned an excellent reputation for producing highly skilled physicians through an integrated, patient-centred approach to medical education.
Established in 2001, the Faculty of Health Sciences was designed as one of Portugal's most modern medical schools. The faculty combines advanced scientific education with extensive practical clinical experience while maintaining close partnerships with hospitals, healthcare institutions, and biomedical research centres throughout Portugal.
The Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine follows the standards established by the Portuguese higher education system and the European Higher Education Area. The six-year curriculum combines biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, scientific research, communication skills, public health, ethics, and evidence-based medicine to prepare students for modern healthcare practice.
Students begin with foundational biomedical sciences including anatomy, histology, embryology, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, pathology, pharmacology, neuroscience, epidemiology, behavioural sciences, public health, medical ethics, and scientific methodology. These disciplines establish the scientific knowledge required for clinical medicine.
Teaching methods combine lectures, anatomy laboratories, biomedical practical sessions, simulation-based education, clinical skills training, seminars, case-based discussions, digital learning platforms, problem-based learning, and small-group tutorials. Students progressively strengthen analytical thinking, communication skills, professionalism, teamwork, and clinical reasoning throughout the programme.
The curriculum promotes patient-centred healthcare by integrating theoretical knowledge with practical medical training. Students develop competencies in disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, patient safety, healthcare quality improvement, and ethical medical decision-making.
Clinical education begins early and gradually expands throughout the programme. Students receive supervised clinical training through affiliated healthcare institutions, particularly Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira, where they work alongside experienced physicians and multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
Clinical rotations include internal medicine, general surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics, emergency medicine, anaesthesiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, ENT, radiology, oncology, nephrology, endocrinology, respiratory medicine, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, geriatrics, rehabilitation medicine, family medicine, and community healthcare.
Students actively participate in ward rounds, outpatient clinics, emergency departments, operating theatres, multidisciplinary meetings, diagnostic investigations, patient interviews, and supervised patient management. Clinical responsibilities increase progressively throughout the programme, allowing students to build confidence and professional competence.
Simulation-based education represents one of the faculty's major strengths. Students develop procedural skills using advanced simulation laboratories equipped with patient simulators, emergency medicine training facilities, consultation rooms, procedural laboratories, surgical simulation equipment, and digital healthcare technologies before treating patients directly.
Biomedical research remains fully integrated throughout medical education. Students participate in research involving neuroscience, oncology, cardiovascular medicine, molecular medicine, genetics, immunology, regenerative medicine, infectious diseases, pharmacology, epidemiology, public health, biomedical engineering, precision medicine, and digital healthcare. Research activities strengthen scientific thinking and evidence-based clinical decision-making.
The Faculty of Health Sciences collaborates extensively with hospitals, research institutes, healthcare organisations, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical institutions, and international universities. These collaborations provide students with opportunities for scientific research, international mobility, interdisciplinary education, and healthcare innovation.
Students also study healthcare leadership, evidence-based medicine, healthcare quality improvement, patient safety, medical ethics, healthcare law, digital medicine, public health, and interprofessional collaboration throughout the curriculum.
Educational facilities include anatomy laboratories, biomedical research laboratories, simulation centres, clinical skills laboratories, digital learning environments, specialised research institutes, modern medical libraries, and affiliated teaching hospitals equipped with advanced healthcare technologies.
Student life includes scientific societies, medical associations, research groups, international exchange programmes, volunteering opportunities, cultural organisations, sports facilities, and leadership initiatives. Students receive academic mentoring, career guidance, and comprehensive support throughout their studies.
Graduates pursue residency training, specialist medical practice, biomedical research, academic medicine, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, healthcare administration, public health, and international medical careers after meeting the licensing requirements of their destination countries.
Today, the University of Beira Interior continues to strengthen its international reputation through innovative education, outstanding clinical training, modern research, and a strong commitment to patient-centred healthcare.
