BaPIS, an opportunity to study topical issues from a global perspective
Contra el genocidi i contra la violació dels drets humans, a Gaza i arreu del món
Peace comes when you talk to the person you most hate. And that’s where the courage of a leader comes.
Desmond Tutu (1931-2021), first recipient of an honorary doctorate from UPF
These words, spoken by Desmond Tutu, the first person ever to be awarded an honorary doctorate by UPF, are more applicable today than ever. The UPF condemns, and will always condemn, the use of violence to settle disputes. At UPF, we advocate approaching political or territorial conflicts based on dialogue and respect for all peoples and minorities.
As a university, we also want to show our support to the academic community in countries at war. Universities and scientific institutions are more necessary than ever in these regions. Access to education and the promotion of critical thinking, in the context of strong independent institutions, are the way to ensure the informed debate and reflection that can open the door to new avenues for finding solutions.
At UPF, we are aware of the university community’s concern for the human rights violations we are seeing in the conflicts around us. That is why on this website you will find information about campaigns and actions related to current conflicts, as well as opinion pieces and institutional statements. We also offer a dedicated e-mail address – [email protected] – to contact the university and let us know about your interests and concerns.
BaPIS, an opportunity to study topical issues from a global perspective
Pre-enrolment is now open to international students for the Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies.
Pre-enrolment for the Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) is now open to students from outside UPF. This programme offers UPF and international students the perfect opportunity to gain interdisciplinary knowledge and complete their curriculum. The multifaceted school provides a whole series of subjects approached using an active and multifocal learning methodology. The different courses deal with topical issues from a global viewpoint, such as ethics in the globalised world or innovation in law. For future students to learn more about what is on offer, a virtual information session will take place on 21 May.
The BaPIS courses are worth 6 ECTS credits and are taught by teachers or teaching teams from across the University’s faculties. The enrolment requirements are: to be studying the second, third or fourth year of a degree and have a good academic record and command of the teaching languages for the chosen courses (Catalan, Spanish and English). The classes for the 2021 fall edition will take place between 27 September and 9 November.
"BaPIS gave me the opportunity to share my interests with students from different academic backgrounds, to learn from them and broaden my knowledge”
In addition, the BaPIS experience is not limited to classroom time. With a view to students getting to know one another and creating a sense of community, there are a number of activities on offer, such as film societies or book clubs. Testimonials from students like Nerea Álvarez reaffirm the emphasis the program places on active learning: "The BaPIS program gave me the opportunity to share my interests with students from different academic backgrounds, to learn from them and broaden my knowledge”.
"It is a program that navigates across the different disciplines, and the overall theme, the creativity of the human factor, stimulates new ways and new approaches to today’s major challenges”
BaPIS is one of UPF’s central initiatives in its internationalisation and innovation strategy. All participants are encouraged to go beyond the borders of their own disciplines, learn more about topics that complement their syllabus and attain credits in an international environment. As María Morrás, the academic director of BaPIS, asserts, “It is a program that navigates across the different disciplines, and the overall theme, the creativity of the human factor, stimulates new ways and new approaches to today’s major challenges”.
Related Assets
Catalan government
Catalan development cooperation aims to help prevent and respond to emergency situations. This page explains how you can collaborate on the provision of foreign aid both in general and to specific regions.
European Commission
Through cooperation and assistance programmes, the European Commission offers humanitarian aid and coordinates efforts with other international actors to promote peace and stability in war-torn regions.
Oxfam Intermón
Oxfam Intermón works in 90 countries. They have launched a fundraising campaign, which is more necessary than ever, given the magnitude of today’s wars. The NGO is also sponsoring a campaign to collect signatures to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is a medical-humanitarian action organization that provides assistance in 70 countries to people threatened by armed conflicts, violence, epidemics or neglected diseases, natural disasters and exclusion from medical care. They have also promoted a campaign to collect signatures to ask for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Red Cross
The Red Cross also provides emergency humanitarian aid in regions in crisis.
Legal Clinic
The UPF Legal Clinic regularly holds talks and roundtables on the protection of human rights in crisis regions.
Libraries Without Borders
The Libraries Without Borders programme, sponsored by the Catalan Development Cooperation Agency (ACCD), offers Catalan public library patrons knowledge and insight into situations of human rights violations and provides resources to take action.
Council for At-Risk Academics
The Council for At-Risk Academics, in partnership with universities and higher education institutions, provides urgently-needed help to academics in immediate danger, those forced into exile, and many who choose to work on in their home countries despite serious risks.