Candidates matching one of the general entry requirements for PhD students will be assessed in accordance with the specific criteria and merits for each programme. Information relating to application procedures and requirements are included in the programme structure for each course.
The decision to offer a student a place on a UDC PhD programme is the result of an application-specific evaluation process, and does not affect the academic or professional status of the candidate’s existing qualifications.
See also UDC PhD Policies and Regulations, Article 5: Applications.
15
places offered in academic year 2025/2026
Recommended profile of admission
The entry profile determines the most suitable qualifications for access to the programme and that determine admission and, where appropriate, the need or not for doctoral students to carry out complementary training.
In general, students who have completed a master's degree in the fields of Computing, Computer Science, Computer Architecture and Technology and Artificial Intelligence will be able to access this Doctoral Programme without the need for additional training.
Students with the DEA degree obtained through the programmes in the aforementioned fields of knowledge will also have access to the programme without taking training complements.
In the case of other profiles that have not completed a Master's degree, an equivalence of training in research credits will be required, equal at least to those of the master's degree that gives direct access.
For any other profile, the CAPD will study the cases individually, being able to admit or not the students and establishing complementary training if necessary. In the event that students lack the previous training required in the programme, admission may be conditional on passing the complementary training established by the Academic Committee. These supplements may not exceed 15 ECTS.
Program-Specific Access Requirements
It is a mandatory requirement for admission to the doctoral programme that the student must submit a report consisting of a letter of reference from a professor of the programme that endorses the potential viability of the future thesis within the framework of the line of research to which it is linked. and that he or she could act as a director, if he or she meets the necessary requirements for it.
Application general procedure
Applications and registration for PhD programmes will be made using the online application system on the UDC website, accompanied by all necessary supporting documents. Applications and registration for external students will be made here.
If you need more information, you can check this sources the Application general procedure.
Specific access requirements of the CAPD
The selection of students for admission to the programme will be made based on the following criteria:
· Academic record (35%) determined by the grades obtained in the master's degree (or DEA or research proficiency).
· Previous research experience and its results (15%): In this section, publications, communications and other scientific contributions to conferences and their suitability to the lines of research of the doctoral programme will be assessed. Candidates must submit supporting documentation.
· Professional experience (10%): In this section, professional experience related to the lines of research of the doctoral programme will be valued. Candidates must submit supporting documentation (certification of working life, copy of contracts, scholarships, etc.).
· Other aspects accredited in the candidate's CV (10%): In this section, research stays, courses taken and courses taught related to the lines of research of the programme, knowledge of a foreign language (English) at level B or higher and knowledge of languages other than the mother tongue, etc., will be assessed. The level of English will be accredited with the corresponding official certification of those included in the list of recognized accreditations
by the Center for Modern Languages (CLM) of the USC for the different levels of the Common European Framework: https://www.usc.gal/es/servizos/clm/acreditacion/index.html.
· Adequacy of the research project included in the admission process to the corresponding line of research of the doctoral programme (10%).
· Personal interview (20%): In this section, motivation and aptitude, communication skills, etc. will be assessed.
For its validity, the merits must be justified by supporting documentation.
The same criteria will be applied to admit all students regardless of whether their dedication is full-time or part-time.
Deadlines
The application for admission (or registration renewal) and enrollment in PhD studies will be carried out according to the terms approved by the Governing Council of the UDC.
Registration
See information on how to register for UDC PhD courses.