Tradition and Innovation
The Department of Physical Education and Sport (DEFD) is one of the three departments of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and is responsible for the scientific area of Sport Sciences.
Since the creation of the University of Madeira (UMa), the DEFD has been developing the Degree in Physical Education and Sport, which was the first course taught at UMa in 1989. Currently, in addition to the Degree, it offers two Master's courses: Physical Activity and Sport, and Physical Education Teaching in Primary and Secondary Education.
The DEFD traditionally has a strong relationship with the surrounding community, evident in numerous events, initiatives, and cooperation protocols for training and research with public and private entities, namely the Regional Secretariat for Education, Science and Technology, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Civil Protection, Madeira Natural Park, Municipalities, Associations, Clubs, Fitness Gyms, Retirement Centres, and others.
At the same time, over the years, networks of relations with different national and international Higher Education Institutions have been established and consolidated on the mobility of students and teachers and the promotion of joint research activities (e.g., the organization of scientific-pedagogical events, competitive research projects, and publications).
We are proud of the path followed and the results achieved, but we know that if we want to remain at the forefront of knowledge, it is not enough to honour our tradition. It is necessary to continue to innovate, enhance and renew synergies with all those, who want to contribute, so that there is a high degree of sharing and transferability of the work carried out, aiming at improving the quality of individual and collective life.
The Department of Physical Education and Sport (DEFD) is one of the three departments of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and is responsible for the scientific area of Sport Sciences.
Since the creation of the University of Madeira (UMa), the DEFD has been developing the Degree in Physical Education and Sport, which was the first course taught at UMa in 1989. Currently, in addition to the Degree, it offers two Master's courses: Physical Activity and Sport, and Physical Education Teaching in Primary and Secondary Education.
The DEFD traditionally has a strong relationship with the surrounding community, evident in numerous events, initiatives, and cooperation protocols for training and research with public and private entities, namely the Regional Secretariat for Education, Science and Technology, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Civil Protection, Madeira Natural Park, Municipalities, Associations, Clubs, Fitness Gyms, Retirement Centres, and others.
At the same time, over the years, networks of relations with different national and international Higher Education Institutions have been established and consolidated on the mobility of students and teachers and the promotion of joint research activities (e.g., the organization of scientific-pedagogical events, competitive research projects, and publications).
We are proud of the path followed and the results achieved, but we know that if we want to remain at the forefront of knowledge, it is not enough to honour our tradition. It is necessary to continue to innovate, enhance and renew synergies with all those, who want to contribute, so that there is a high degree of sharing and transferability of the work carried out, aiming at improving the quality of individual and collective life.