This degree is an integral part of initial teacher training and qualifies graduates to teach Informatics in the 3rd Cycle of Basic Education and Secondary Education, in accordance with the legal provisions in force (Decree-Law No. 79/2014, of 14 May). The curriculum structure of the degree, incorporating the training components identified in the aforementioned legal document, is based on the following principles, which guide the scientific and professional training of teachers at these levels of education:

• Requirement for solid training both in their area of specialisation and in general education and teaching;

• Relevance of professional practice, necessarily linked to specialised training, general education and teaching training, and an introduction to educational research methodologies, supervised by a university lecturer and a supervisor from the cooperating school. Thus, professional practice is introduced in the 1st semester, increasing in importance in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th semesters, focusing preferably on classes from all levels of education considered;

• Need to develop the reflective and critical skills of future teachers in order to contribute to their training as responsible, autonomous and ethically demanding professionals, capable of reflecting effectively on their professional practice;

• Mastery of educational research methodologies and techniques, demonstrated through the preparation of an internship report, carried out under supervision and assessed by a jury in public examinations.