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Created in April 2012, the University of Coimbra Debating Society was founded to help students develop critical thinking, argumentation skills, and public speaking through competitive university debating. Open to students from all disciplines at the University of Coimbra (UC), the Society fosters the exchange of ideas in an academic, plural, and stimulating environment, contributing to the civic and personal development of its members.
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© DR
When was the University of Coimbra Debating Society founded, and by whom?
The University of Coimbra Debating Society was founded by UC students, and officially established on 25 April 2012.
Why was this initiative launched?
The Society was created to fill a gap in organised competitive debating at UC, promoting critical thinking, informed dialogue, and civic engagement among students.
What is its central goal?
The Society aims to help students develop argumentation, public speaking, and analytical skills, preparing them for academic, professional, and social challenges through regular debating practice. It also seeks to foster a love of debating, encourage critical thinking, and provide an interdisciplinary extracurricular space for academic and social interaction.
Who makes up the team?
The Organising Committee consists of students from all three cycles of study — bachelor’s, integrated master’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes — across various disciplines, united by their interest in debating, argumentation, and communication.
How can UC students get involved?
UC students can join the Debating Society and take part in training sessions, workshops, and tournaments, regardless of their field of study or prior debating experience. Registration is available via this link.
What activities does the Debating Society run?
Weekly training debates are held in person and are open to all UC students. Topics range from philosophical questions to current societal dilemmas, encouraging participants to deepen their understanding of the world. The Society also runs workshops focused on public speaking, argument structuring, and body language.
We also organise two annual tournaments: the University of Coimbra Debating Tournament, exclusive to UC students, and the Coimbra Open Debate Tournament, open to students from national and international universities. These activities help students develop communication, analytical thinking, teamwork, and stress-management skills, complementing their formal education and building confidence in public speaking.
How do the debates work?
The Society primarily uses the British Parliamentary Debate format. Four teams of two compete, with fifteen minutes to prepare. Speakers support or oppose a motion set by the chair, regardless of personal beliefs. Positions are randomly assigned (Opening Government, Opening Opposition, Closing Government, Closing Opposition), encouraging participants to leave their comfort zone and build arguments based on critical reasoning. This format blends political debate and parliamentary procedure, allowing virtually any topic to be debated as long as both sides are defensible.
What has been the impact of the initiative?
Since its creation, the Debating Society has become a national reference in university debating. Membership has grown steadily, with victories in national competitions — including two editions of the National University Debate Tournament — and regular participation in international tournaments such as the World Universities Debating Championship. The Society is currently a member of the National Council of University Debating, reflecting its maturity and influence in promoting critical thinking.
Where can the Society’s activities be followed?
The University of Coimbra Debating Society can be followed on social media: Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn..