What is the "tips4life"
section about?

(contains a Disclaimer)

We designed our website to be more than just an information hub about our program; it's a practical support tool for students. This includes guiding them to relevant resources when they have academic doubts. That's why we've developed a page with FAQs from students within the department. 

While these FAQs offer a starting point, it's important to note that they haven't been endorsed by any authoritative body; they're crafted by us solely for informational purposes.

  • The department website details the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs available in the department. There, you can find an overview of the programs, the number of available vacancies, and the application procedures. Some degrees also feature alumni testimonials and examples of student’s projects.

  • INSPIRA regularly invites former students to share their experiences at events, allowing current students to connect with them and gain valuable perspectives on their academic and professional journeys.

  • The Informatics Student Association's (NEI) also hosts an annual event called ‘Talks with Former Students', where current students can engage in discussions with alumni from different degrees, providing firsthand experiences and guidance.
  • The UC provides some of the necessary academic information for a new student at UC here on its website!

  • By joining INSPIRA, as a mentee or as a mentor, you will be part of a community committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

  • The Informatics Student Association's (NEI) organizes social gatherings for the department students throughout the academic year.

    • And do not forget, everyone is scared, just speak to the person next to you.

  • Detailed descriptions of each master's program, including the structure, the number of vacancies, and the application procedures are available on the department website. Some degrees also include alumni testimonials and examples of student’s projects.

  • INSPIRA events and The Informatics Student Association's (NEI) 'Talks with Former Students' provide insights into alumni experiences across departmental degrees, offering valuable guidance and firsthand experiences.

  • Yes, you may.

    Students can enroll on ECTS credits from elective courses offered by the university. Approval from the program coordination may be necessary. For further details, you should contact the department’s staff and/or the course coordinator.

  • A master’s dissertation is an academic work, which showcases a student's ability to carry out independent research and analysis within their field of study. It includes in-depth exploration of a topic, literature review, data analysis, and original findings presentation, contributing new insights to the academic community. sourced from

  • In this link, you'll find a definition of a master's dissertation and important tips.
    However, keep in mind that the structure may vary depending on the field of study. You should discuss this with your supervisor.

    There is no such thing as a “right structure”.

  • Dissertation structures vary by the field of study. You can find dissertations from different areas of expertise in this repository. These resources offer different insights and may inspire your work. But remember, your dissertation must be a result of your own work and creation to avoid issues of plagiarism.

  • The department typically organizes two lectures per year, led by the course coordinators or the student association. These sessions aim to clarify the nature of a dissertation and provide guidance on its composition. So, stay tuned!

    It's crucial to choose a dissertation topic that genuinely interests you.


  • Once you've identified your passion, here are the two possible paths you may follow:
    • Contact a professor or company you are interested in working with and, together, craft a dissertation proposal tailored to your interests. This approach lets you shape your research based on your preferences.

    • Select from a list of predefined dissertation or internship proposals on the department’s internship website. These proposals have been outlined by faculty and/or industry professionals, providing a pre-structured path.

  • If you choose to pursue a dissertation within the department, a professor from the department will be your main supervisor. If you choose an internship at a company, your main supervisor will be someone from the company, with a second supervisor from DEI that will be assigned to help you with the dissertation structure.

  • For dissertation procedures, visit the department’s internship website. Go to the courses section, select your course, and choose the relevant academic year.

  • Remember to consider the application deadlines, as the process entails several steps. You'll find the calendar by following the preceding step.
  • A PhD is the highest level of academic degree awarded by universities. Completing a doctoral degree will mean you acquired expertise in a field of study through intensive study and research. It also means writing a thesis and defending it in front of a panel of experts.

    Typically, a PhD is pursued after completing a bachelor's or master's degree and entails about 4 years of advanced postgraduate study.
  • The Department website provides information on the Doctoral degrees available. There you’ll find information about the structure, application details, and funding. The doctoral program in Informatics has a FAQs, testimonials, and inquiries section.

  • You may also visit the website of the Direção Geral do Ensino Superior where you can find more information about other degrees and the bureaucracies of doctoral degrees.

  • INSPIRA regularly invites former students to share their experiences at events, allowing current students to connect with them and gain valuable perspectives on their academic and professional journeys.

  • The Informatics Student Association's (NEI) also hosts an annual event called ‘Talks with Former Students', where current students can engage in discussions with alumni from different degrees, providing firsthand experiences and guidance.

    There will always be someone to help you.


  • The Informatics Student Association's (NEI) has a mobility committee that can help you.

    They have a telegram channel where students can ask questions and seek guidance. They also organize events to explain the Erasmus process and invite students who’ve been Erasmus Students to share testimonials.

    The Instagram of NEI includes informative FAQs, that can be a fast source of information for students.

  • The department has a technical and academic staff committee to deal with mobility issues. Feel free to approach them for any Erasmus-related questions.

    There is no secret or single recipe on how to make the perfect CV.


  • In this link and in this one, you can find an explanation of what a CV is and tips on how to create one.

  • The Interaction Design Foundation has an article with tips for crafting a CV for UX job applications. You can access it through this link.

  • “ As Raparigas do Código ” organises workshops on career paths where they explain how to structure a CV and a LinkedIn profile. You'll also find tips in the posts on their Instagram profile.

    There is no secret or single recipe on how to make the perfect portfolio.


  • In this link , you can find an explanation of what a Portfolio is, tips on how to create one, and recommended online platforms for showcasing your work.
  • The department website details the available degrees section for the doctorate curriculum, application details, and funding. For the doctoral program in informatics , you will find FAQs, testimonials, and an inquiry form.

  • You may also visit the website of the Direção Geral do Ensino Superior where you can find more information about the bureaucracies of doctoral degree in the University of Coimbra.

  • INSPIRA regularly invites former students to share their experiences at events, allowing current students to connect with them and gain valuable perspectives on their academic and professional journeys.
    Additionally, by participating in the INSPIRA program, it may become easier to decide whether you want to continue in academia or move into the business world, as you will interact with individuals from various backgrounds who can provide you with firsthand insights and testimonies.

  • The Informatics Student Association's (NEI) also hosts an annual event called ‘Talks with Former Students', where current students can engage in discussions with alumni from different degrees, providing firsthand experiences and guidance.
  • INSPIRA regularly invites former students to share their experiences at events, allowing current students to connect with them and gain valuable perspectives on their academic and professional journeys.
    Additionally, by participating in the INSPIRA program, it may become easier to decide whether you want to continue in academia or move into the business world, as you will interact with individuals from various backgrounds who can provide you with firsthand insights and testimonies.

  • The Informatics Student Association's (NEI) also hosts an annual event called ‘Talks with Former Students', where current students can engage in discussions with alumni from different degrees, providing firsthand experiences and guidance.

  • As Raparigas do Código also provide content about ICT careers on their social media and organize workshops, for women, on career management!

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