Polytechnic Institute of Viseu

The creation of the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, on 26th December 1979, through the Governmental Act-of-Law nº513-T/7, is clearly framed by the broader philosophy which supported the successful implementation of polytechnic higher education in our country. The widening of higher education to the whole territory, in a logic of combating the concentration in the main coast cities, and the innovation made possible by a closer contact between the training institutions and the surrounding community, seem to have been two of the factors that have driven forward the creation of polytechnic higher education in Portugal and, particularly, in the region of Viseu.

From all general objectives of the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, we should stress the cooperation with the surround community, on a reciprocal basis, aimed at promoting awareness of regional problems and the implementation of proper solutions. Furthermore, there are other objectives to be considered: technical, humanistic and personal training of its students, in order to make them capable of contributing to the development of the Portuguese society; development of research activities, having in mind the needs of the surrounding context; and cultural exchange and cooperation with other state/private institutions, at the national and international levels.

In the last two decades, the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu has grown continuously and it now includes 6 units: 5 higher schools - The School of Education, The School of Technology, The Agrarian School, The School of Technology and Management (in the city of Lamego), The Health School; and The Welfare Services. Presently this institution has over 7000 students and 400 teachers. It currently offers higher training in many fields, such as teacher training, media studies, cultural studies, social service, sports, multimedia, engineering (in many areas), management, marketing, tourism, agrarian sciences and nursing.

The Polytechnic Institute of Viseu is a state higher education institution aimed at producing and disseminating knowledge, carrying out research activities and training professionals, in order to promote sustainable development and quality of life in the region. This institution is guided by fundamental values such as multidimensional training, respect for rights, active participation of all, ethical commitment towards society, excellence and autonomy. Constant efforts are being made with the objective of building an institution with national and international visibility, based on excellence at the levels of teaching, scientific and cultural production and on its contribution to effective regional and national development and also to equal opportunities.

The international cooperation of the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (PIV) is preserved in its statutes and promotes, directly or through its schools, the integration into networks, partnerships and cooperation relations with foreign higher education institutions, international scientific organizations, and other institutions, in particular within the European Union, bilateral or multilateral agreements signed by the Portuguese Government. The PIV also promotes cooperation within the Portuguese speaking countries for the purpose of joint coordination activities. Actions and international cooperation programmes must be compatible with the nature and purposes of the Institute and its schools and take into account its strategic development and broad lines of national policy, especially in what concerns education, science, culture and international relations. For choosing partners it will be considered the academic offer, learning and training conditions, teaching and learning language, facilities and viability for joint projects development, both in terms of teaching/training and research that may bring skills development benefits to students, teachers and staff.