Vocational psychology in psychology education in Portugal

Abstract

This study aims to understand the representativeness of Vocational Psychology across Psychology courses taught in 2019/20 academic year, in Portugal. Frequency and content analysis of each courses’ curricular units were run, to distribute these units by general Psychology specialties and advanced Vocational Psychology specialty, defined by Portuguese Psychologists Association. Among 173 Portuguese higher education institutions, 31 teach Psychology courses, making a total of 109 courses. Of these, 26 are undergraduate, 55 masters, five integrated masters and 23 doctorates degrees. In regard to the 1167 curricular units analyzed, from de 46 courses selected, approximately 2.7% address themes of Vocational and Career Development Psychology. This demonstrate the need to affirm this area of knowledge in Psychology training, to promote useful key competencies for personal career management. Therefore, psychologist will be able to face multiple career challenges and intervene among the community.