“I have always known that I enjoyed communicating and that I wanted to pursue this area. But to do what? Business Communication or Journalism?” These were questions that I struggled with and I found the answer in the Degree in Social and Cultural Communication at Universidade Católica Portuguesa. This is because it allows me to choose a more specific area, after a year of exploring the different variants of the vast world of Communication.

I decided, in the summer of 2018, to participate in the Junior Academy of the Faculty of Human Sciences to gain a better understanding of how the Faculty functioned and to become acquainted with its environment. It was the best decision I have ever made, since it was after this experience that I became aware of the quality of teaching at FCH and of its teaching staff’s concern with students – which removed all doubt about which institution I would choose in which to pursue my studies.

After a semester at university, I can confirm all of the above, and classes with small numbers of students enable a very close relationship with teachers. Curricular units allow us to acquire a broad general, humanistic and scientific culture, which is essential for any journalist. In addition, the degree offers us a first glimpse of the “real world”; as early as the first semester we were given the opportunity to edit a newspaper article (with current news). Furthermore, the fact that we study three languages allows us to not only increase the quality of our mother tongue, but also to communicate with speakers of other languages, a huge asset in this area.

I am certain that I have chosen the right degree, the one that is the most complete and that has the best professionals, at an outstanding university, that encourages me daily, offers me fantastic opportunities, helps me to establish a vast network of contacts and one that will undoubtedly stay with me in years to come.”

“At the end of secondary school, the question that looms in the minds of almost all students is ‘What now?’ I found out about the Social and Cultural Communication degree at Católica and I applied without hesitation. I realised from the beginning that I had made a great choice. At Católica we are not ‘just another student’. Lecturers know us as individuals, are always available to guide us along our academic journey and to encourage critical thinking. There is an excellent balance between practice and theory and the fact that the first year covers several areas in communication is a very beneficial differentiating factor, since we gain a better idea of the complexity of the world of communication. In addition to the excellent teaching staff, the atmosphere and mutual help between colleagues is excellent; we are made to feel at home. I’m still not certain what I will do next, but I know that everything I learned and will learn at this university will reflect positively on my professional and personal life.”

"When I was offered a place at the Faculty of Human Sciences and UCP, I thought I was going to be just one more student, but the past months have proved the opposite. From the beginning, there has been a great deal of support by all the lecturers, who guide us in the great shift from Secondary to Higher Education. I feel that here, I will develop my skills and, without a doubt, make great friendships for life."