Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo (IPVC) was founded in 1980 and is a higher education organization, built on a community of students and qualified professionals, located in the north of Portugal. It is a regional institution, whose aims are: a qualified human, cultural, scientific, technical and professional training; to carry out necessary research to accomplish its mission (create, manage and disseminate knowledge and culture, through processes of education/learning, research, transfer of technology and knowledge); and to cooperate with the regional community of Alto-Minho, particularly with its productive and entrepreneurial sectors. Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo is constituted by six Schools offering undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses, the latest very often in collaboration with national and international polytechnics and universities. It also promotes Master courses and specialization courses. Currently IPVC has around 370 teachers and 170 staff members. The courses are attended by approximately 4250 students.