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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a doctorate good for?

Doctoral studies are not applied or oriented towards the practice of a specific profession. They allow you to study a given subject in depth and give you the training necessary for carrying out research, that is, for work leading to new knowlege in that subject. Nowadays, a doctor's degree (or PH.D.) is a prerequisite for a university career; with it you qualify for a full-time job teaching and doing research in the university.

How many years does it take to become a doctor?

The program is conceived so that it can be completed within two or two and a half years. The doctoral disssertation should take no more than four years to finish from that moment. (Extensions may be granted, but, unless there are cogent reasons, it is not advisable to lengthen the training period excessively.)

How much does it cost?

The year 2004-05, the price of the teaching credit was 55,89 €, and the price of the research credit was 70,98€.

In order to complete the program, you must register for 26 teaching credits and 12 research credits. (If you do not pass the credits for a particular course or paper, you will need to register for them again.)

Are there fellowships?

The program lacks the means to offer its own fellowships. However, it has the mobility grants for non-local students that are provided by the Spanish Ministry of Education for doctoral programs that have been awarded the "Mención de calidad" (Recognition of Quality). And it makes it easier for students to apply for official postgraduate fellowships (Spanish Ministry of Education, Generalitat de Catalunya).

Does it make sense to pursue the program without writing a doctoral dissertation?

Training in research cannot be considered complete until the doctoral dissertation has been read. However, the student is given an intermediate degree that is official in the whole of Spain when he/she completes the credits of the program before beginning his/her dissertation. It is the Advanced Studies Diploma, or DEA, which recognizes the student's capability for research.

Is it possible to follow the doctoral program while studying?

Yes. The structure of the program makes it possible, as it allows for specialization from the very beginning, and concentrates classes (and therefore attending classes) on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. It is necessary to have some time for reading and studying.