This course explores interactions between humans and other non-human animals in shared environments, considering humans as integral components of these ecosystems and examining forms of sustainable coexistence. Primates constitute an extremely diverse group of species, including organisms as distinct as humans and their ancestors, spider monkeys, and tarsiers. The diversity of this animal group provides a unique opportunity to understand adaptive processes across different socio-ecological contexts. In this Master’s programme, primates are therefore used as models for understanding evolution and adaptation in a range of environments, including those undergoing rapid transformation, such as anthropogenic environments, and their increasing relevance for the conservation of threatened species and ecosystems.

Embedded within the Master’s in Anthropology, the specialisation track in Primatology and Environment combines knowledge and methodologies from the social and biological sciences, addressing in an integrated manner the complexity of coexistence between humans and non-human species in shared and constantly changing environments.

OBJECTIVES
The course aims to provide students with multidisciplinary scientific and methodological knowledge, exploring fields such as ethnobiology, cognition, genetics, and spatial systems, enabling the development of academic and/or professional careers in biological anthropology, environmental anthropology, conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

The teaching staff is composed of anthropologists and biologists specialised in diverse scientific areas, with extensive research conducted in Africa, South America, and Asia. Students will have the opportunity to develop their dissertations within the research areas of the teaching staff or in other areas aligned with their interests.

CAREER PROSPECTS
The multidisciplinary nature of the curriculum enables students to apply the skills acquired across a wide range of professional fields, including scientific research, non-governmental organisations, public institutions, museums, and consultancy.

APPLICATIONS
2nd phase: 13 February 2026 to 13 April 2026
Results published: by 23 April 2026
Registration: by 4 May 2026
Course start: September 2026
Course duration: 4 semesters

Academic Coordinator: Marta Prista

Important: Special arrangements are available for working students. Recognition or credit transfer may be granted for previously accredited study (e.g. bachelor’s degrees or postgraduate qualifications).

CURRICULUM STRUCTURE
Mandatory Units
Anthropological Theories
Primate Socio-Ecology
Project Laboratory in Anthropology
Dissertation
Optional Units*
Environmental Anthropology
Comparative Primate Anatomy
Primate Cognition
Primate Conservation
Population Genetics
Research Methods in Anthropology
Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Modelling
Environmental Policies
*Students complete a total of three optional units, one of which may be taken from any postgraduate programme at NOVA FCSH. Examples include Strategic Science Communication (Department of Communication Sciences) or Sustainable Development and Ecotourism (Department of Geography). Units run on a rotating basis and therefore are not all offered every year. Some courses are taught in English.

CONTACT
Department of Anthropology, NOVA FCSH
antropologia@fcsh.unl.pt