Mestrado em Arte e Ciência do Vidro e da Cerâmica

Education

Master's in Glass and Ceramic Art and Science

A future where materials, art, and science come together.

The Master’s in Glass and Ceramic Art and Science at NOVA FCT, in association with the School of Fine Arts of the University of Lisbon, offers an innovative approach to these two materials, going beyond conventional disciplinary boundaries.

Bridging Art and Science, this master’s program treats glass and ceramics not only as materials through which students develop laboratory and artistic practice skills, but also as catalysts for critical thinking and creativity, supported by knowledge emerging from multidisciplinary research. Through this parallel and intersecting treatment, both in theory and practice, the program creates the conditions for the emergence of new artistic and scientific projects.

This Master’s allows for transdisciplinary research applied to Ceramics and Glass, the exploration of the intersections between Art and Science, and the promotion and exchange of knowledge and methodologies between the two fields. VICARTE – Glass and Ceramics for the Arts – sets the stage where our glass and ceramic artists and scientists perform.

 

Impulso Mestre Scholarship

These scholarships, worth 450 euros, are available to all students from the School or other Higher Education Institutions who are applying for the first time to the first year of a Master’s programme at NOVA FCT and have a final undergraduate grade of 15 or higher.

Check the regulations (in Portuguese only)!

Why this Master's?

  • A unique and competitive program at both national and international levels, with broad inter-institutional participation;
  • Combination of skills and knowledge from different fields, enabling an integrated vision and the acquisition of tools for developing scientific and artistic research projects;
  • Practical / hands-on methodology, emphasizing studio and laboratory teaching, critical analysis, exhibition setup, report writing and presentations, as well as fieldwork in facilities of partner institutions (e.g., Oficinas do Convento);
  • Exploration and emphasis on authorship and creative identity;
  • The scientific environment of the research units involved in the program supports the integration of new research projects associated with this master's;
  • The network of national and international partnerships enables the development of stimulating projects and unique opportunities for internships and career paths;
  • Faculty with international experience.

Applications 2025/26

1st Phase: FEV. 3 to MAY. 23

2nd Phase: JUN. 2 to JUL. 18

Vacancies: 15

Duration: 2 years

Format: On-site, Daytime

Language: English

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?

Course Coordinator: Márcia Gomes Vilarigues (NOVA FCT) e Fernando Quintas (FBAUL), macvc.coordenador@fct.unl.pt

Academic division: mestrados@fct.unl.pt

I want to apply:

Program

Este Mestrado permite desenvolver e aprofundar conhecimentos e competências que constituam uma base sólida para:

  • Conceber, projetar, adaptar e realizar projetos artísticos e investigação científica de elevada qualidade;
  • Realizar trabalhos consistentes originais e inovadores;
  • Desenvolver uma visão integradora de diferentes áreas disciplinares;
  • Potenciar a comunicação e a transmissão de conhecimento;
  • Desenvolver a capacidade de trabalho em equipa e de realização de projetos interdisciplinares, numa filosofia de Interdisciplinary Creative Practice.

Curriculum

For whom

    • Holders of a bachelor's degree or legal equivalent in the areas of Fine Arts, Design, Architecture, Chemistry, Physics, Materials, Conservation and Restoration, as well as other areas accepted by the Scientific Committee of the Master's program and approved by the Scientific Council of one of the Schools;

    • Holders of a foreign higher academic degree awarded after completing a first cycle of studies organized in accordance with the principles of the Bologna Process by a country participating in the Process, in the areas of Fine Arts, Design, Architecture, Chemistry, Physics, Materials, Conservation and Restoration, or other areas accepted by the Scientific Committee of the Study Cycle and approved by the Scientific Council of one of the Schools;

    • Holders of a foreign higher academic degree in the areas of Fine Arts, Design, Architecture, Chemistry, Physics, Materials, Conservation and Restoration, or other areas accepted by the Scientific Committee of the Study Cycle, and recognized as meeting the objectives of a bachelor’s degree by the Scientific Council of one of the Schools.

Career opportunities

  • The goal is to train artists and designers to pursue artistic careers or to be integrated into the design industry in ceramics and glass, contributing to increased creativity in these fields.
  • This master’s program is also open to graduates in the exact sciences, aiming to train professionals who can bridge the gap between art and science and contribute to innovation in various technological processes involving these materials.

About VICARTE

The VICARTE Research Unit is an international reference center for the study of ceramics and glass. Our main goal is to develop sustainable and innovative research that explores the dialogue between Art and Science, combining scientific knowledge, artistic practice, and traditional craftsmanship with technology. VICARTE explores synergies between different disciplinary approaches, maximizing their combined impact and the achievement of shared goals.

This Research Unit is strategically positioned to contribute to education and the promotion of glass and ceramics as media for artistic and artisanal expression. It is responsible for the Master’s in Art and Science of Glass and Ceramics, offered by the Faculty of Science and Technology of NOVA University Lisbon (NOVA FCT) and the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Lisbon (FBAUL).

The knowledge developed at VICARTE explores how our relationship with glass and ceramics has evolved over time — and why these materials continue to capture our curiosity, attention, and imagination.

More Information

About the Department of Conservation and Restoration

The Department of Conservation and Restoration of NOVA School of Science and Technology has the mission of teaching and research in the area of Heritage, promoting its knowledge, conservation and enjoyment. The teaching staff with interdisciplinary skills and the properly equipped laboratories contribute to the creation of learning and research environments in the different areas of knowledge linked to conservation, considered in its relationship between theory and practice.

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Key Figures of NOVA FCT