The Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal (or the Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal) was established in 1979 and started teaching students in 1981.
It specialises in health and social protection, science, mathematics and computer science and social sciences, business and law. It currently comprises five higher schools: Setúbal Higher School of Technology (ESTSetúbal), School of Education (ESE), School of Business Sciences (ESCE), School of Technology of Barreiro (ESTBarreiro) and School of Health (ESS).
There is also an organisational unit, aimed at supporting students: the Social Action Services (SAS), responsible for housing, food, psychological support and sports and recreational activities.
The university has approximately 6,000 students and 650 teachers and offers more than 85 higher courses, including Professional Higher Teaching Diplomas (CTeSP), undergraduate, masters and postgraduate degrees.
It has two campuses: in the cities of Setubal and Barreiro, which are in the Greater Lisbon Metropolitan Area.
The university's aim is to stimulate professional knowledge, without neglecting the scientific and works as a safe space for the training of professional community-serving individuals. The Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal has a strong connection with the community, educational institutions, hospitals and companies in the region. Its motto is “Juntos fazemos o amanhã,” meaning together we make tomorrow.
Setubal, as a region, is known for its paper and motorcar industries, as well as its varied landscape of ocean and mountains, including a large protected area which may soon become a UNESCO Human Heritage Site. Setúbal is a coastal town known for its fishing, Serra da Arrabida National Park, Baroque-style churches and Bocage traditions.
