Universitat de Barcelona

The main aim of doctoral programs is to provide advanced training for students in research techniques through an organized series of training and research activities. After the preparation and defence of a doctoral thesis, these activities lead to a doctoral degree.

Royal Decree 1393/29 October 2007 established the organization and planning of official university education and set out a legal framework for adapting studies to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

These new regulations have brought about significant changes in the organization of doctoral studies. Third cycle studies are now focused on the preparation and defence of a doctoral thesis. However, students must first carry out research training activities in one or more university master’s degree courses.

Thus, to obtain a doctoral degree in this legal framework, students must take and pass a doctoral program, which is made up of two periods:

The training p eriod, in which students undertake research training activities as part of the university master’s degree course or courses that are required for each doctoral program.

The research period, in which the student prepares their doctoral thesis, which consists of an original research project. In addition, this period may include bridging courses or specific additional activities, which shall preferably be incorporated into a master’s degree. The research period is commonly referred to as the "doctoral studies" period.