The section of the document Marc general i criteris per a la programació universitària de Catalunya (General Framework and Criteria for University Planning of Catalonia) on the requirements that must be satisfied by proposed new courses specifies that, among the general competences for obtaining a degree, universities must include the requirement that students have knowledge of a third language, preferably English, to an appropriate level in accordance with the needs they will have on each type of course, and must specify the mechanisms that will facilitate this learning and the forms of assessment provided.

To this end, Pompeu Fabra University has drawn up the Plan of Action for Multilingualism (PAM), containing various actions in regard to languages that are fully in keeping with the Catalan government's criteria for university planning.

UPF considers that, in general, its students should be able to acquire a level of English equivalent to B2 by the start of their third year of study. This is the level required to be able to take courses taught in English in the third and fourth years, and also for being able to engage successfully in international mobility and internships. That is why a specific assessment system has been set up with a level accreditation mechanism including two tests: PDL (Language Diagnosis Test) and PCCL (Language Competence Test).

The degrees of the Faculty of Economics and Business Ciences are organized so that English is a tool for acquiring knowledge of their courses.

Specifically, in the degree in Business Administration and Management, the degree in Economics and the degree in Business Administration-Management there is a gradual range of courses taught in English for the 1st and 2nd year. In addition, it is mandatory that between 3rd and 4th year 30 credits in English must be taken.
Previously, it is recommended that the student should have achieved a level of competence for the B.2 common European reference framework or First Certificate in English.

The degree in International Business Economics is entirely taught in English. The recommended level corresponds approximately to First Certificate in English.

At the Double Degree in Business Administration / Law and Economics / Law a minimum of 30 credits in English must be taken in courses of Economics / Business Administration, plus 10 ECTS in Law courses and also the Legal English course.