The complexity of health issues and the trends and developments that have been seen in the area of Sexual and Reproductive Health policies in the country, particularly in the north, and the corresponding demand for specialised healthcare in this area justify the setting up of the Master’s Degree Course in Maternal Health and Obstetric Nursing by the Bragança Polytechnic, the Polytechnic University of Viana do Castelo and the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro consortium, through their own Schools of Health/Nursing.

The syllabus for the Master’s Degree Course in Maternal Health and Obstetric Nursing is in compliance with legal and regulatory provisions and promotes the development of scientific, technical and human skills for providing specialised nursing care, shaped by the Portuguese Nursing Association, adjusted to changing needs, the problems and the health systems and programmes in this area, particularly in terms of healthcare promotion, disease prevention, the promotion of repair/re-adaptation processes, training peers and other professionals, management and research.