Students who meet some of the criteria listed in Article 4 of the UDC PhD Policies and Regulations will be able to access to UDC PhD programmes.
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.
10 places offered in academic year 2025/2026
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.
In addition to the requirements regulated by law and by the RDs, the program requires:
- Prove a level of knowledge of the English language equivalent to at least level B1, given that this is the main language of scientific communication at an international level. In addition, both the advanced and transversal training courses and various activities, including the Student's Day, are mostly taught in English. The accreditation of the level of English must be done by means of an official recognized certification. In the event that the candidate has the required knowledge, but lacks certification, he or she must submit an affidavit that accredits a proficiency equivalent to the required level.
- Submit two letters of reference, one of which must be from a PhD researcher who, if appointed by the Academic Committee, undertakes to supervise or co-supervise the thesis. In the event that the candidate does not have a doctoral thesis supervisor, the Academic Committee will provide support and guidance to find one, considering their area of interest.
- Submit a brief curriculum vitae.
The Academic Committee will verify that all applicants meet the requirements for access to the programme and that the proposed line of research is aligned with the areas of research established in the doctoral programme.
Once it has been verified that the candidate meets the administrative requirements, the Academic Committee will proceed to the selection and admission of the candidates. This selection process will follow the OTM-R (Open, Transparent, Merit-based recruiment) principles, which seeks to ensure that candidates are evaluated fairly and objectively, without discrimination and following clear procedures that promote equal opportunities.
The CAPD will assess applications for admission to the doctoral programme based on the following criteria:
• Academic record of the bachelor's degree, weighted by the average of the degree (25%)
• Academic record of the master's degree studies, weighted by the average of the degree (15%)
• Previous research experience (20%)
• Professional experience in the field of the doctoral programme (10%)
• Knowledge of languages, including English levels higher than required (B1) or other languages (5%)
• Endorsement from a researcher-doctor indicating (i) the potential viability of the future thesis within the framework of a line of research of the programme and (ii) that he/she can work as a supervisor if he/she meets the necessary requirements for this (15%).
• Personal interview (10%)
To be admitted to the doctoral programme, a minimum percentage of 60% must be achieved. The Academic Committee may establish new criteria compatible with the previous ones to specify the application of the principles and criteria set out. He may also conduct personal interviews on the merits alleged, if he deems it appropriate.
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.
See information on how to register for UDC PhD courses.