The PhD program has a duration of four academic years, although it is possible to request a one-year extension.

Training objectives 

The doctoral program has the following training objectives:

  • A systematic understanding of the scientific discipline represented by the program, along with mastery of the skills and research methods related to this discipline.
  • The ability to conceive, design, implement, and carry out a substantial research process with academic rigour.
  • The production of original research that extends the frontiers of knowledge in the discipline, at a level that merits national or international publication.
  • The ability to foster technological progress in the information society in both academic and professional contexts.

In the ICT PhD program, you will carry out two types of work: formative activities and research.

Formative activities are those intended to train you as a researcher. They might not be directly related to the topic of your PhD. Typical examples include attending courses, seminars, or conferences; making short- or long-term visits to other research labs; reviewing articles; and so on. The only compulsory formative activity is attendance at the ICT Research Seminar.

In addition to formative activities, you will carry out research on a topic under the supervision of your advisor. By the end of the first year, you are expected to have produced a thesis proposal outline, which will be defended in front of a committee. The objective of this examination is to assess your ability to undertake original research at the PhD level.

By the end of the third year, your PhD thesis should be completed. Given these time constraints, it is highly advisable that you identify a suitable PhD topic as early as possible.

You will record all formative activities undertaken, as well as your research progress, using a dedicated software application. Your progress will be evaluated annually by the Postgraduate Committee. In case of a negative evaluation, you will be reassessed after six months. A second negative evaluation will result in the termination of your PhD studies.

The UPF ICT PhD program is an in-person program that conducts all activities in English. These activities aim to prepare students to become independent researchers pursuing a scientific career. The Academic Committee of the doctoral program will assess each student’s progress toward completing the doctoral thesis.

By the end of the first year, all PhD students must present a thesis proposal, which will be defended in front of a committee. The objective of this examination is to evaluate the student's ability to undertake original research at the PhD level. Students have two opportunities to present their thesis proposal:

  • 1st call: September (from the 1st to the 22nd).
    Deadline for submitting the thesis proposal: 7–10 days before the date of the defence.
    In the event of a negative assessment or a “No Presented", academic regulations allow the student to be reassessed in a second call within six months.

  • 2nd call: March (from the 1st to the 31st).
    Deadline for submitting the thesis proposal: 7–10 days before the date of the defence.

A second negative or "No Presented" assessment will result in definitive withdrawal from the PhD program.


Research seminars and Activities document:


CÍCLIKS courses:

Each academic year, CÍCLIKS organises courses aimed at doctoral students in order to promote research, professional development and ongoing training. As a general rule, the courses will be given in English. You can find further information here.