Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa (U.A.L.) is a higher education establishment recognised by the Ministry of Education as an institution of public interest. Autónoma was founded by a cooperative, Cooperativa de Ensino Universitário (C.E.U.), on 13 December 1985.The Cooperative itself is responsible for the economic and financial management of the University as a centre for the creation, transmission, and dissemination of culture, science and technology. Today the university is a flexible structure, adaptable to the various demands and needs of its academic bodies. As mentor of this cultural project, C.E.U. has taken on the endeavour of providing the necessary conditions for academic research as a privileged means of knowledge and of developing a collaborative teaching/learning method. UAL offers post-graduate courses that prepare students both academically and professionally for the job market. UAL excels at providing an open environment, where the exchange of ideas is welcomed so as to develop its own culture. The university offers alumni and society in general life-learning education, as well as other activities implemented by Studies Centres, always bearing in mind the need to establish a link between the university and other institutions. Besides professors of acknowledged academic and professional merit, Universidade Autónoma also supports other academic members currently enrolled in Masters and PhD Programs within the scope of the Prodep II (Program for the Educational Development in Portugal). Such measures correspond to the growing awareness for awarding tenure to some of its teachers. U.A.L. enjoys the benefit of a vast range of educational support services and social facilities such as canteens and bars, computers, photocopying and reference services, the waiving or reduction of fees, school insurance, the awarding of student grants and support for sports and cultural activities as well as for traineeships and career opportunities.