The PhD in Economics at the University of Barcelona offers a comprehensive and structured training framework designed to support students throughout the entire PhD journey.
Below is a visual overview of the training structure, along with detailed descriptions of each of its core components.
BESTEPS provides doctoral students with structured guidance and expertise at every key stage of developing a research project. Through expert-led lectures, the program empowers participants to take the “best steps” toward conducting efficient and impactful research. It covers the full research lifecycle: from identifying and shaping feasible projects, to effectively communicating findings and navigating the publication process.
Drawing on the lecture series, we have produced The BESTEPS Guide, available as a public good:
Download Volume 1 of The BESTEPS Guide HERE.
• Navigate the research process,
• Generate feasible and promising research questions,
• Do organized and replicable work from Day 1.
Volume 2, on research products and communication, is coming soon!
Ideas Coffees is a regular event series focused on the early stages of research, designed for PhD students to discuss newly-formed research ideas in a safe and friendly environment before starting a project.
Held biweekly, these sessions provide a friendly environment where students can freely share new ideas, receive feedback, and discuss common research challenges. The sessions aim to foster collaboration, enhance understanding of peers’ work, and build a vibrant research community within the programme.
The PhD Student Seminars target the middle phase of research projects. Held once a week, each session features one student presenting their work for 45 minutes, followed by a 15-minute discussion. These seminars offer a relaxed setting for constructive feedback and peer learning.
Technical training events include courses, reading groups and technical workshops aimed at strengthening methodological and analytical skills, organized by the Doctoral School, the PhD in Economics programme, and our departments or research groups.
Recent events include:
• Applied Economics Reading Group
• Workshop on Advanced DiD and Synthetic Control with Scott Cunningham
• Python for Economics Research
• Textual Analysis using R
• Introduction to GIS
The Conference Information Hub is a student-led collaborative platform, designed to support the final stages of research. It consists of a shared online information space where students can post and access information about upcoming conferences, workshops, and seminars. Presenting at these events is essential for receiving expert feedback and improving research quality. This initiative also promotes collaboration and knowledge-sharing among students.
1. Funding tutorials on scholarships and grants
2. A structured Job Market Preparation Plan:
• Information and experience-sharing session
• Personalized preparation meetings with job market candidates
• Mock interviews
• Mock job talks
• Job market materials review and tutorials
• Continuous on-demand support from the UBSE
3. Early-stage PhD advice sessions
This training framework ensures that students receive both the academic and professional support needed to succeed in their research and future careers. It reflects UBSE’s full commitment to cultivating the next generation of economists by supporting PhD students’ academic growth and preparing them to become active members of the international research community.