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Computer Science and Technology

  • Inicio

    Director

    Prof. Jesús Carretero Pérez
    Department of Computer Science and Engineering

    About the program

    The main objective of this program is to train researchers with advanced scientific and technological knowledge and who are qualified for research and innovation in the field of Information Technology. Specific research topics are related to the fields of Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Distributed, secure and multimedia systems.

    • Program regulated by RD 99/2011, January 28

    Department

     

    Computer Science and Engineering Department

     

     

    Doctorado en Ciencia y Tecnología Informática
  • ACCESS

    Student profile

    The program is aimed at students with a postgraduate background in Computer Sciences Engineering.

    Candidates with a different background may be considered for the program as long as they comply with the requirements established by current regulation regarding access to PhD studies. In these cases, the Academic Committee will determine the complementary training that candidates will need to complete.

    It is required that students have a level of proficiency in English that is enough to allow reading and writing international papers as well as attendance and participation in international conferences and events.

    Admission requirements

    According to art. 6 of the PhD studies regulation (RD 99/2011), in order to access the Program it is required to have a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and a Master's degree (or equivalent), provided that at least 300 ECTS credits have been passed in these two cycles as a whole, or the equivalent degree qualifies for level 3 of MECES (Marco Español de Cualificaciones para la Educación Superior, Spanish Framework for Higher Education Qualifications).

    Likewise, access is available to candidates in possession of foreign degrees from countries integrated into the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) when the degree can be accredited as level 7 in the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), as long as the aforementioned degree allows access to PhD level studies in the country of expedition; and candidates with a degree which is equivalent to a Spanish Master's degree, obtained in foreign education systems outside the EHEA, as long as the aforementioned degree allows access to PhD level studies in the country of expedition.

    Admission criteria

     

    • Adequacy of candidate's profile and previous studies to the lines of research of the program (40%)
    • Academic background and curriculum vitae (40%)
    • Motivation and committment to the program, research interests and letters of recommendation (20%)

     

    Seats available for the academic year: 25

     

     

  • FACULTY
  • TRAINING

    In addition to the elaboration of the doctoral thesis, students must take some training aimed at improving their research skills as well as ensuring the scientific quality of their research work. This is structured in the following types of training.

    Specific training 

    • Research Seminars and Lectures: cycles organized by the department and involving relevant research topics in the area of Computer Science and are taught by prestigious visiting professors, mostly from foreign universities. This training will be conducted mostly in English. This takes place during the first semester of each academic year. Student dedication: 20 hours

      Further information on seminars
       
    • Presentation of research results, in which Ph.D. students will participate during their second year. During these meetings, which will last for 1 to 2 days, Ph.D. students will make presentations on the development state of their thesis to other Ph.D. students and researchers from the Department.
       
    • Publication of research work: preparation and writing of articles for scientific research in journals with a proven research profile, supported by its inclusion in international databases of scientific nature. The selected journal must meet standards accepted by the international scientific community, such as anonymous peer review and should have an impact factor published in the JCR. Before depositing the thesis, each Ph.D. student must have a minimum of a research paper published or accepted for publication in one of these magazines. This publication must be made during the second or third year.
       
    • International research visit. This activity is optional for students. Ph.D. candidates, who have completed visits of at least 3 months in prestigious foreign institutions or research centers may apply for the international mention.
       
    • Ph.D. thesis pre-defense. This activity will be undertaken by students with an advanced stage of completion of their thesis, but before completion. The Academic Committee will appoint a panel of three doctors within the field of the thesis.

      The pre-reading committee will be made up of at least one Ph.D. form the relevant department and one external. The committee will issue its recommendations report.

    Research skills training

    Research skills training is focused on abilities common to all disciplines for the development of scientific and educational skills and the improvement of the professional career. This training consists of different activities (short courses, seminars, etc.), which can be recommended by the Academic Committee of the program.

    Students must take 6 credits (60 hours approximately) throughout the doctoral training period.

    Further information:

  • RESEARCH
    • Research Lines

      Knowledge Reuse and Interactive systems

      • Interactive and collaborative systems
      • ICT for emergency management and crisis informatics
      • Technology applied to education
      • Web Information Systems
      • Knowledge representation
      • Knowledge retrieval
      • Knowledge reuse
      • Advanced methods for software development
      • Technologies to manage teams and products
      • Innovation, creativity and technological entrepreneurship
      • Processes management for reuse
      • New digital technologies to envision, develop manage and deploy software based systems
      • Software engineering economics
      • Applied systems thinking

       

      Architecture of computers, communications and systems (ARCOS)

      • High performance computing
      • Parallel and distributed file systems
      • Real time systems
      • Sensors networks
      • Distributed systems

       

      Computer Security Lab (COSEC)

      • Applied cryptography
      • Systems, software and network security
      • Privacy

       

      Planning and Learning Group

      • Automated Planning
      • Machine learning
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Optimization
      • Heuristic search
      • Cognitive robotics
      • Reinforcement learning

       

      Control, Learning and Optimization Group

      • Automated Planning
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Data analysis
      • Optimization
      • Predictive control
      • Pattern recognition
      • Multiagent system
      • Data mining
      • Cognitive robotics

       

      Applied Artificial Intelligence Group (GIAA)

      • Machine learning
      • Data fusion
      • Active vision
      • Survelliance systems
      • Multiagent system
      • Trust management
      • Multiobjective optimization
      • Ambient Intelligence
      • Autonomous navigation systems
      • Fuzzy logic in control systems
      • Machine learning for spatio-temporal data
      • Smart cities

       

      Neural Networks and Bio-inspired Computation Group

      • Machine learning
      • Bio-Inspired computation: genetic algorithms, evolutionary strategies, genetic programming, swarm intelligence
      • Artificial neural networks
      • Hybrid evolutionary learning systems
      • Data mining
      • Metaheuristics

       

      Human Languages and Accesibility Technologies

      • Soft computing in corporate information systems, business processes integration
      • Natural language processing 
      • Information and communications technology and accessibility
      • Speech processing and speaker recognition
      • Deep learning methods applied to natural language processing
      • Natural language processing and accessibility

       

      SoftLab

      • Response search systems
      • Methodological frameworks for the development of accessible web applications
      • Semantic web technologies
      • Soft computing in corporate information systems, business processes integration
      • ITC project management
      • Business information systems
      • IT Government
      • Biometry
      • Big Data
      • Voice recognition
      • Software for education
      • Audio processing
      • Audiovisual accessibility
      • Information Analytics
      • Virtual and augmented reality

       

      GIGABD

      • Deep Learning applications and data enrichment
      • Accessibility and comprehensibility of data
      • Veracity and reliability of data
      • Infrastructure to facilitate BigData
    • Scientific results

      Se relaciona una muestra significativa de las publicaciones derivadas de las tesis doctorales de los últimos años.

      • Thesis: Metodología orientada a la optimización automática de la calidad de los requisitos
        Author: Eugenio Parra Corredor
        Publication: Eugenio Parra, Christos Dimou, Juan Llorens, Valentín Moreno, Anabel Fraga. A methodology for the classification of quality of requirements using machine learning techniques. Information and Software Technology. Vol 67 nº 16 pp 180-195. 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.infsof.2015.07.006
        JCR Impact Factor: 1,569, Q2
      • Thesis: Modelo de requisitos orientado al reúso efectivo (Morore)
        Author: Omar Hurtado Jara
        Publication: Gonzalo Génova, José M. Fuentes, Juan Llorens, Omar Hurtado, Valentín Moreno. A framework to measure and improve the quality of textual requirements. Requirements Engineering Journal, 18(1):25-41, March 2013.
        JCR Impact Factor: 1,147, Q2
      • Thesis: Portfolio Approaches for Problem Solving
        Author: Sergio Núñez Covarrubias
        Publications:
        1. Sergio Núñez, Daniel Borrajo, Carlos Linares. Automatic Construction of Optimal Static Sequential Portfolios for AI Planning and Beyond. Artificial Intelligence Journal. Volume 226, Issue C, pp 75-101. DOI: 10.1016/j.artint.2015.05.005. September 2015.
        JCR Impact Factor: 3,371. Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Q1
        2. Isabel Cenamor, Tomás de la Rosa, Sergio Núñez and Daniel Borrajo. Planning for tourism routes using social networks. Expert Systems with Applications, Volume 69, pp 1-9, 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.eswa.2016.10.030, 2016
        JCR Impact Factor: 3,768, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Q1
        3. Sergio Núñez, Daniel Borrajo, Carlos Linares López. Sorting Sequential Portfolios in Automated Planning. IJCAI 2015: 1638-1644
        CORE A* (Core2014 & Core2017)
      • Thesis: Creating Planning Portfolios with Predictive Models
        Author: Isabel Rosario Cenamor Guijarro
        Publications:
        1. Isabel Cenamor, Tomás de la Rosa, Sergio Núñez, DanielBorrajo. Planning for tourism routes using social networks. Expert Systems with Applications
        Volume 69, 1 March 2017, Pages 1-9. DOI: 10.1016/j.eswa.2016.10.030
        JCR Impact Factor: 3,768. Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Q1
        2. Isabel Cenamor, Tomás de la Rosa, Fernando Fernández. The IBaCoP Planning System: Instance-Based Configured Portfolios. J. Artif. Intell. Res. 56: 657-691 (2016)
        JCR Impact Factor: 2,284. Computer Science, Artificial Intelligente, Q2
        3. Tomás de la Rosa, Isabel Cenamor, Fernando Fernández. Performance Modelling of Planners from Homogeneous Problem Sets. ICAPS 2017: 425-433
        CORE A* (Core2014 & Core2017)

       

      • Thesis: Cybersecurity in Implantable Medical Devices
        Author: María Carmen Cámara Núñez
        Publications:
        1. Carmen Cámara, Pedro Peris-López, Juan E. Tapiador. Security and privacy issues in implantable medical devices: A comprehensive survey. Journal of Biomedical Informatics. 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2015.04.007
        JCR Impact Factor: 2,447, Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications. Q1
        2. L. González-Manzano, J. M. de Fuentes, P. Peris-Lopez, and C. Camara. Encryption by heart (ebh)—using ecg for time-invariant symmetric key generation. Future generation computer systems, vol. 77, pp. 136-148, 2017. Q1.
        3. C. Camara, P. Peris-Lopez, J. E. Tapiador, and G. Suarez-Tangil. Non-invasive multi-modal human identification system combining ecg, gsr, and airflow biosignals. Journal of medical and biological engineering, vol. 35, iss. 6, p. 735–748, 2015. Q3.
        4. C. Camara, P. Peris-Lopez, and J. E. Tapiador. Human identification using compressed ecg signals. Journal of medical systems, vol. 39, iss. 11, p. 148, 2015. SJR Q1.
      • Thesis: Application Partitioning and Mapping Techniques For Heterogeneous Parallel Platforms
        Author: Rafael Sotomayor Fernández
        Publications: 
        1. R. Sotomayor, L. M. Sanchez, J. Garcia-Blas, J. Fernandez, and J. D. Garcia. Automatic CPU/GPU Generation of Multi-versioned OpenCL Kernels for C++ Scientific Applications. International journal of parallel programming, vol. 45, iss. 2, pp. 262-282, 2017. Q2.
        JCR Impact Factor: 1,322, Computer Science, Software Engineering, 32/104, Q2
        2. D. R. del Astorga, R. Sotomayor, L. M. Sanchez, J. Garcia-Blas, A. Calderon, and J. Fernandez. Assessing and discovering parallelism in C++ code for heterogeneous platforms. The Journal of Supercomputing, pp. 1-16, 2016. Q2.
        3. J. D. Garcia, R. Sotomayor, J. Fernandez, and L. M. Sanchez. Static partitioning and mapping techniques of kernel-based applications over modern heterogeneous architectures. Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory, 2015.
        4. L. M. Sanchez, J. Fernandez, R. Sotomayor, S. Escolar, and J. D. Garcia. A Comparative Study and Evaluation of Parallel Programming Models for Shared-Memory Parallel Architectures. New Generation Computing, vol. 31, iss. 3, pp. 139-161, 2013. Q3
      • Thesis: Aproximación holística a la integración de modelos SPI en entorno microempresa
        Author: Mary Luz Sánchez Gordón
        Publications:
        1. Sánchez-Gordón, M.L., Amescua, A., O’Connor, R. V. & Larrucea Xabier (2017). A standard-based framework to integrate software work in small settings. Computer Standards & Interfaces, 54(3), 162–175. DOI: 10.1016/j.csi.2016.11.009
        JCR Impact Factor: 1.633, Computer Science, Software Engineering, 40/106, Q2
        2. Herranz-Sánchez, E., Colomo-Palacios, R., de Amescua-Seco, A., & Sánchez-Gordón, M.L. (2016). Towards a Gamification Framework for Software Process Improvement Initiatives: Construction and Validation. Journal of Universal Computer Science, 22(12), 1509-1532.
        https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11219-015-9282-6
        https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0920548916301891?via%3Dihub
        JRC Impact Factor: 0.696, Computer Science, Software Engineering, 90/106, Q4
      • Thesis: Security Protocols for Mobile Ubiquitous E-Health Systems
        Author: Pablo Picazo Sánchez
        Publications:
        1. Pablo Picazo-Sanchez, Juan Tapiador, Pedro Peris-Lopez, Guillermo Suarez-Tangil. Secure Publish-Subscribe Protocols for Heterogeneous Medical Wireless Body Area Networks. Sensors, 14(12), 22619-22642. Dec 2014
        JCR Impact Factor: 2.245; Q1
        2.Pablo Picazo-Sanchez, Lara Ortiz-Martin, Pedro Peris-Lopez, Nasour Bagheri. Weaknesses of fingerprint based mutual authentication protocol. Security and Communication Networks, doi:10.1002/sec.1161, Nov 2014
        JCR Impact Factor: 0,720; Q3
        3. Pablo Picazo-Sanchez, Nasour Bagheri, Pedro Peris-Lopez, Juan Tapiador. Two RFID Standard-based Security Protocols for Healthcare Environments. Journal of medical systems 37 (5), 1-12, Aug 2013
        JCR Impact Factor: 1,372; Q3
      • Thesis: Maturity based approach for ISMS Governance
        Author: Knut Haufe
        Publications:
        1. Haufe, K., Dzombeta, S., Brandis, K., Stantchev, V., & Colomo-Palacios, R. (n.a). Improving transparency and efficiency in IT security management resourcing. IEEE IT Professional. 2018
        JCR Impact Factor: 1.067, Computer Science, Software Engineering, 47/106, Q2
        2.Knud Brandis, Srdan Dzombeta, Knut Haufe. Towards a framework for governance architecture management in cloud environments: A semantic perspective. Future Generation Comp. Syst. 32: 274-281 (2014). DOI: 10.1016/j.future.2013.09.022
        JCR Impact Factor: 2,786, Computer Science, Theory & Methods, 8/102, Q1
        3. Srdan Dzombeta, Vladimir Stantchev, Ricardo Colomo Palacios, Knud Brandis, Knut Haufe. Governance of Cloud Computing Services for the Life Sciences. IT Professional 16(4): 30-37 (2014). DOI: 10.1109/MITP.2014.52
        JCR Impact Factor: 0.819, Computer Science, Software Engineering, 62/104, Q3
      • Thesis: Demographic change: towards a framework to manage IT-personnel in times of scarcity of talent
        Author: Olaf Radant
        Publication: Radant, O., Colomo-Palacios, R., & Stantchev, V. (2016). Assessment of continuing educational measures in software engineering: A view from the industry. International Journal of Engineering Education, 32(2B), 904-915, 2016
        JCR Impact Factor: 0.559, Engineering, Multidisciplinary, 61/85, Q3
    • Scientific publications

      This is a sample of relevant faculty publications:

      Knowledge Reuse and Interactive Systems

      • Tajadura-Jiménez, A., Newbold, A., Zhang, L., Rick, P., Bianchi-Berthouze, N. As Light as You Aspire to Be: Changing Body Perception with Sound to Support Physical Activity. In 2019 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems Proceedings (CHI 2019), May 4–9, 2019, Glasgow, Scotland, UK. ACM, New York, NY, USA. DOI: 10.1145/3290605.3300888
      • Eito-Brun, Ricardo; Amescua-Seco, Antonio. Automation of Quality Reports in the Aerospace Industry. ISSN: 0361-1434 ; E-ISSN: 1558-1500 ; DOI: 10.1109/TPC.2017.2788678 IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication, 2018, Vol.61(2), pp.166-177
      • Génova, G., & Quintanilla Navarro, I. (2018). Discovering the Principle of Finality in Computational Machines. Foundations of Science, 23(4), 779-794.
      • Yang, Lp; Maceachren, Am; Mitra, P; Onorati, T. Visually-Enabled Active Deep Learning for (Geo) Text and Image Classification: A Review. ISSN: 2220-9964; DOI: 10.3390/ijgi7020065 Isprs International Journal Of Geo-Information, 2018 Feb, Vol.7(2)
      • Sanchez-Segura, Mi; Dugarte-Pena, Gl; Medina-Dominguez, F; de Jesus, CG. System dynamics and agent-based modelling to represent intangible process assets characterization. ISSN: 0368-492X ; DOI: 10.1108/K-03-2017-0102 Kybernetes, 2018, Vol.47(2), pp.289-306
      • Javier García Guzmán; Lisardo Prieto González; Jonatan Pajares Redondo; Mat Max Montalvo Martínez; María Jesús L. Boada. Real-Time Vehicle Roll Angle Estimation Based on Neural Networks in IoT Low-Cost Devices. Sensors. 2018. Vol.18(7), p.2188
      • Sanchez‐Segura, M., Hadzikadic, M., Dugarte‐Peña, G., & Medina‐Dominguez, F. (2018). Team Formation Using a Systems Thinking Approach. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 35(4), 369-385.
      • Garcia Guzman, Javier; Prieto Gonzalez, Lisardo; Pajares Redondo, Jonatan; Sanz Sanchez, Susana; Boada, Beatriz L. Design of Low-Cost Vehicle Roll Angle Estimator Based on Kalman Filters and an IoT Architecture. Sensors (14248220), 2018, Vol.18 (6), p.1800-1801
      • Fraga, Anabel; Llorens, Juan; Génova, Gonzalo. Towards a Methodology for Knowledge Reuse Based on Semantic Repositories. ISSN: 13873326 ; DOI: 10.1007/s10796-018-9862-7 Information Systems Frontiers, Jun 2018, pp.1-21
      • Sanchez-Segura, Maria-Isabel; Ruiz-Robles, Alejandro; Medina-Dominguez, Fuensanta; Dugarte-Peña, German-Lenin. Strategic characterization of process assets based on asset quality and business impact. ISSN: 0263-5577; E-ISSN: 1758-5783 ; DOI: 10.1108/IMDS-10-2016-0422 Industrial Management & Data Systems, 11 September 2017, Vol.117(8), pp.1720-1737
      • Sanchez-Segura, Maria-Isabel; Dugarte-Peña, German-Lenin; Medina-Dominguez, Fuensanta; Ruiz-Robles, Alejandro. A model of biomimetic process assets to simulate their impact on strategic goals. ISSN: 1387-3326; E-ISSN: 1572-9419; DOI: 10.1007/s10796-016-9702-6 Information Systems Frontiers, 2017, Vol.19(5), pp.1067-1084
      • Montero, A., Zarraonandia, T., Diaz, P., & Aedo, I. (2017). Designing and implementing interactive and realistic augmented reality experiences. Universal Access in the Information Society, 1-13.
      • Zarraonandia, T.; Diaz, P.; Aedo, I. Using combinatorial creativity to support end-user design of digital games. Springer Nature ISSN: 13807501 DOI: 10.1007/s11042-016-3457-4 Multimedia Tools & Applications, 2017, Vol.76 (6), p.9073-9099.
      • Andrea Bellucci; Ignacio Aedo; Paloma Díaz. ECCE Toolkit: Prototyping Sensor-Based Interaction. E-ISSN: 1424-8220 ; DOI: 10.3390/s17030438. Sensors, 01 February 2017, Vol.17(3), p.438
      • de La Vara, Jose Luis; Génova, Gonzalo; Álvarez-Rodríguez, Jose María; Llorens, Juan. An analysis of safety evidence management with the Structured Assurance Case Metamodel. ISSN: 0920-5489; DOI: 10.1016/j.csi.2016.10.002. Computer Standards & Interfaces, February 2017, Vol.50, pp.179-198
      • Sanchez-Gordon, Mary-Luz; de Amescua, Antonio; O’connor, Rory V.; Larrucea, Xabier. A standard-based framework to integrate software work in small settings. ISSN: 0920-5489 ; DOI: 10.1016/j.csi.2016.11.009 Computer Standards & Interfaces, November 2017, Vol.54, pp.162-175
      • Eito-Brun, Ricardo; Amescua, Antonio. Dealing with software process requirements complexity: an information access proposal based on semantic technologies. ISSN: 0947-3602; E-ISSN: 1432-010X; DOI: 10.1007/s00766-016-0256-4 Requirements Engineering, 2017, Vol.22(4), pp.527-542
      • Tajadura-Jiménez, A., Banakou, D., Bianchi-Berthouze, N., Slater, M. Embodiment in a Child-Like Talking Virtual Body Influences Object Size Perception, Self-Identification, and Subsequent Real Speaking. Scientific Reports 2017 Aug 29;7(1):9637.DOI:10.1038/s41598-017-09497-31
      • Tajadura-Jiménez, A., Vakali, M., Fairhurst, M.T., Mandrigin, A., Bianchi-Berthouze, N., & Deroy, O. Auditory Pinocchio: Rising pitch changes the mental representation of one’s finger length. Scientific Reports, 2017 Jul 18;7(1):5748. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05870-4

       

      Arquitectura de computadores, comunicaciones y sistemas (ARCOS)

      • D. E. Singh and J. Carretero, “Combining malleability and i/o control mechanisms to enhance the execution of multiple applications,” Journal of systems and software, vol. 148, pp. 21-36, 2019.
      • J. Garcia-Blas and C. Brown, “High-level programming for heterogeneous and hierarchical parallel systems,” The international journal of high performance computing applications, vol. 32, iss. 6, pp. 804-806, 2018.
      • S. Alonso-Monsalve, F. Garca-Carballeira, and A. Calderón, “A heterogeneous mobile cloud computing model for hybrid clouds,” Future generation computer systems, 2018.
      • S. Caino-Lores, A. Lapin, J. Carretero, and P. Kropf, “Applying big data paradigms to a large scale scientific workflow: lessons learned and future directions,” Future Generation Computer Systems, p. -, 2018.
      • G. A. Vazquez-Martinez, J. L. Gonzalez-Compean, V. J. Sosa-Sosa, M. Morales-Sandoval, and J. Carretero, “CloudChain: A novel distribution model for digital products based on supply chain principles,” International journal of information management, vol. 39, iss. April, pp. 90-103, 2018.
      • D. R. del Astorga, M. F. Dolz, J. Fernandez, and J. Garcia-Blas, “Hybrid static-dynamic selection of implementation alternatives in heterogeneous environments,” The journal of supercomputing, 2017.
      • D. Economou, M. Mentzelopoulos, N. Georgalas, J. Carretero, and J. Garcia-Blas, “Virtual environments and advanced interfaces,” Personal and ubiquitous computing, 2017.
      • S. Alonso-Monsalve, F. Garcia-Carballeira, and A. Calderon, “ComBos: A complete simulator of Volunteer Computing and Desktop Grids,” Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory, vol. 77, pp. 197-211, 2017.
      • M. F. Dolz, D. D. R. Astorga, J. Fernandez, M. Torquati, J. D. Garcia, F. Garcia-Carballeira, and M. Danelutto, “Enabling semantics to improve detection of data races and misuses of lock-free data structures,” Concurrency and Computation: Practice and Experience, p. e4114–n/a, 2017. e4114 cpe.4114
      • D. R. del Astorga, M. F. Dolz, J. Fernandez, and J. D. Garcia, “A generic parallel pattern interface for stream and data processing,” Concurrency and Computation: Practice and Experience, p. e4175–n/a, 2017. e4175 cpe.4175
      • P. Llopis, F. Isaila, J. Garcia-Blas, and J. Carretero, “Model-based energy-aware data movement optimization in the storage I/O stack,” The journal of supercomputing, 2017.
      • F. Marozzo, F. Rodrigo-Duro, J. Garcia-Blas, J. Carretero, D. Talia, and P. Trunfio, “A Data-aware Scheduling Strategy for Workflow Execution in Clouds,” Concurrency and Computation: Practice and Experience (CCPE), 2017.
      • R. Sotomayor, L. M. Sanchez, J. Garcia-Blas, J. Fernandez, and J. D. Garcia, “Automatic CPU/GPU Generation of Multi-versioned OpenCL Kernels for C++ Scientific Applications,” International journal of parallel programming, vol. 45, iss. 2, pp. 262-282, 2017.
      • S. Gesing, J. Carretero, J. Garcia-Blas, and J. Montagnat, “Boosting analyses in the life sciences via clusters, grids and clouds,” Future generation computer systems, vol. 67, pp. 325-328, 2017.
      • G. L. Stavrinides, F. Rodrigo-Duro, H. D. Karatza, J. Garcia-Blas, and J. Carretero, “Different aspects of workflow scheduling in large-scale distributed systems,” Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory, vol. 70, pp. 120-134, 2017.

       

      Computer Security Lab (COSEC)

      • Camara, P. Peris-Lopez, L. Gonzalez-Manzano, and J. Tapiador, “Real-time electrocardiogram streams for continuous authentication,” Applied soft computing, vol. 68, pp. 784-794, 2018. 
      • L. Ortiz-Martin, P. Picazo-Sanchez, P. Peris-Lopez, and J. Tapiador, “Heartbeats do not make good pseudo-random number generators: an analysis of the randomness of inter-pulse intervals,” Entropy, vol. 20, iss. 2, 2018. 
      • H. Martin, P. Martin-Holgado, P. Peris-Lopez, Y. Morilla, and L. Entrena, “On the entropy of oscillator-based true random number generators under ionizing radiation,” Entropy, vol. 20, iss. 7, 2018. 
      • P. Peris-Lopez, L. González-Manzano, C. Camara, and J. M. de Fuentes, “Effect of attacker characterization in ecg-based continuous authentication mechanisms for internet of things,” Future generation computer systems, vol. 81, pp. 67-77, 2018. 
      • Camara, P. Peris-Lopez, H. Martín, and M. Aldalaien, “Ecg-rng: a random number generator based on ecg signals and suitable for securing wireless sensor networks,” Sensors, vol. 18, iss. 9, 2018. 
      • J. Blasco and P. Peris-Lopez, “On the feasibility of low-cost wearable sensors for multi-modal biometric verification,” Sensors, vol. 18, iss. 9, 2018. 
      • S. F. Aghili, H. Mala, and P. Peris-Lopez, “Securing heterogeneous wireless sensor networks: breaking and fixing a three-factor authentication protocol,” Sensors, vol. 18, iss. 11, 2018. 
      • J. M. de Fuentes, L. González-Manzano, J. Tapiador, and P. Peris-Lopez, “Pracis: privacy-preserving and aggregatable cybersecurity information sharing,” Computers & security, vol. 69, pp. 127-141, 2017. 
      • L. González-Manzano, J. M. de Fuentes, P. Peris-Lopez, and C. Camara, “Encryption by heart (ebh)—using ecg for time-invariant symmetric key generation,” Future generation computer systems, vol. 77, pp. 136-148, 2017. 
      • P. Peris-Lopez and H. Martin, “Hardware trojans against virtual keyboards on e-banking platforms – a proof of concept,” Aeu – international journal of electronics and communications, vol. 76, pp. 146-151, 2017. 
      • H. Martin, P. Peris-Lopez, E. San Millan, and J. E. Tapiador, “A lightweight implementation of the tav-128 hash function,” Ieice electronics express, vol. 14, iss. 11, pp. 20161255-20161255, 2017. 

       

      Grupo de Planificación y Aprendizaje

      • Álvaro Torralba; Linares-López, C. & Borrajo, D. (2018), 'Symbolic Perimeter Abstraction Heuristics for Cost-Optimal Planning', Artificial Intelligence 259, 1--31.
      • Fuentetaja, R.; Borrajo, D. & de la Rosa, T. (2018), 'Anticipation of Goals in Automated Planning', AI Communications 31(2), 117--135.
      • Pozanco, A.; Fernández, S. & Borrajo, D. (2018), 'Learning-driven Goal Generation', AI Communications 31(2), 137--150.
      • Borrajo, D. & Fernández, S. (2018), 'Efficient Approaches for Multi-Agent Planning', Knowledge and Information Systems, 1--55.
      • Martínez, M.; García, J. & Fernández, F. (2018), 'On-Line Case-Based Policy Learning for Automated Planning in Probabilistic Environments', International Journal of Information Technology and Decision Making.
      • González, J. C.; Pulido, J. C. & Fernández, F. (2017), 'A three-layer planning architecture for the autonomous control of rehabilitation therapies based on social robots', Cognitive Systems Research 43, 232--249.
      • Martinez-Gil, F.; Lozano, M. & Fernández, F. (2017), 'Emergent behaviors and scalability for multi-agent reinforcement learning-based pedestrian models', Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory 74, 117--133.
      • Pulido, J. C.; González, J. C.; Suárez-Mejías, C.; Bandera, A.; Bustos, P. & Fernández, F. (2017), 'Evaluating the Child–Robot Interaction of the NAOTherapist Platform in Pediatric Rehabilitation', International Journal of Social Robotics 9(3), 343—358.
      • Martinez-Gil, F.; Lozano, M.; García-Fernández, I. & Fernández, F. (2017), 'Modeling, evaluation, and scale on artificial pedestrians: A literature review', ACM Computing Surveys 50(5).
      • Cenamor, I.; Núñez, S.; de la Rosa, T. & Borrajo, D. (2017), 'Planning for Tourism Routes using Social Networks', Expert Systems with Applications 69, 1--9.

       

      Grupo de Control, Aprendizaje y Optimización

      • Fault detection and identification methodology under an incremental learning framework applied to industrial machinery, J. A. Carino and M. Delgado-Prieto and J. A. Iglesias and A. Sanchis and D. Zurita and M. Millan and J. A. O. Redondo and R. Romero-Troncoso, IEEE Access, (2018), 10.1109/ACCESS.2018.2868430.
      • Feature selection for classification tasks: Expert knowledge or traditional methods? Corrales, D.C.; Lasso, E.; LEDEZMA, A. & Corrales, J.C. (2018). Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems , Preprint  1-11. DOI: 10.3233/JIFS-169470.
      • How to Address the Data Quality Issues in Regression Models: A Guided Process for Data Cleaning. Corrales, D.C.; Corrales, J.C. & LEDEZMA, A. (2018). Symmetry 10 (4). DOI: 10.3390/sym10040099.
      • Forecasting Sea Level Changes Applying Data Mining Techniques to the Cristobal Bay Time Series, Panama. Simmonds, J. A.; Gomez, J. A. & LEDEZMA, A. (2017). Journal of Water and Climate Change, 8 (1), 89-101. DOI: 10.2166/wcc.2016.041.
      • Evolving cloud-based system for the recognition of drivers' actions, Goran Andonovski, Igor ˇSkrjanc, Agapito Ledezma, Oscar Sipele, Jose Antonio Iglesias, Araceli Sanchis. Expert Systems with Applications. (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2017.11.008.
      • Real-time Recognition of Calling Pattern and Behaviour of Mobile Phone Users through Anomaly Detection and Dynamically Evolving Clustering, Jose Antonio Iglesias, Agapito Ledezma, Araceli Sanchis, Plamen Angelov, Applied Sciences, Special Issue Human Activity Recognition, 7(8), 798 (2017). Doi:10.3390/app7080798.
      • Integration of context-aware conversational interfaces to develop practical applications for mobile devices. David Griol, José Manuel Molina & Araceli Sanchis. Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Smart Environments (JAISE). Thematic Issue on Human-centred AmI: Cognitive Approaches, Reasoning and Learning (HCogRL). (2017) (Pend. publicación).

       

      Grupo de Inteligencia Artificial Aplicada (GIAA)

      • “Agent-based Simulation with Netlogo to Evaluate AmI Scenarios”, N. Sanchez-Pi, J. Carbo, J. M. Molina. Journal of Simulation. 12:1: 42-52, 2018.
      • “Building multi-domain conversational systems from single domain resources”. D. Griol, J. M. Molina. Neurocomputing. 271: 59-69, 2018.
      • Lauro Snidaro, Jesus García, James Llinas, Erik Blasch “Recent trends in context exploitation for Information Fusion and AI" AI Magazine 2018 in press
      • Washington Padilla, Jesús García. “Data association methodology to improve spatial predictions in alternative marketing circuits in Ecuador" Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience. 2018 in press
      • “Electronic institutions and neural computing providing law-compliance privacy for trusting agents”, M López, J Carbó, J M Molina, J. Pedraza. Journal of Applied Logic. Volume 24, Part A, 2017, Pages 119-131. ISSN: 1570-8683 DOI 10.1016/j.jal.2016.11.019 0.834 77/104 Area CS theory and methods
      • “Crowd-based ambient assisted living to monitor elderly health in outdoor settings”, A. Cristina-Bicharra, C. Vivacqua, N. Sanchez-Pi, L. Martí, J. M. Molina. IEEE Software. 34(6): 53-57 (2017). JIF (2017) 2,879, posición 13 de 104 en Computer Science, Software Engineering (Q1).
      • “Player: An Open Source Tool to Simulate Complex Maritime Environments to Evaluate Data Fusion Performance”, A. Luis, J. M. Molina, J. García. Journal of Simulation Modeling Practice and Theory Volume 76, August 2017. JIF (2017) 1,942, posición 25 de 47 en Engineering, Industrial (Q3) y posición 24 de 46 en Engineering, Manufacturing (Q3).
      • "Incorporating Android conversational agents in m-learning apps", D. Griol, J. M. Molina, Z. Callejas. Expert Systems. Volume 34, Number 1, February 2017. JIF (2017) 1,430, posición 75 de 132 en Computer Science, Artificial Intelligent (Q3) y posición 48 de 103 en Computer Science, Theory and Methods (Q2).

       

      Grupo de Redes Neuronales y Computación Biológica

      • "A recommender system based on implicit feedback for selective dissemination of eBooks”. R. Gonzalez-Crespo, E. R. Nuñez-Valdez, D. Quintana, P. Isasi, E. Herrera-Viedma. Information Science. 467, 87-98. 2018
      • "Evolutionary design of Convolutional Neural Networks for human activity recognition in sensor-rich environments”. A. Baldominos, Y. Sáez, P. Isasi. Sensors, 18 (4). 2018
      • "System Steganalysis with Automatic Fingerprint Extraction”. A. Cervantes, T. Sloan, J.C. Hernandez, P. Isasi. PLOS ONE, 13 (4). 2018
      • "Internet use and psychological well-being at advanced age: Evidence from the English longitudinal study of aging”. D. Quintana, A. Cervantes, Y. Sáez, P. Isasi. Journal of Environmental research and public health, 15(3). 2018
      • “Evolutionary Convolutional Neural Networks: an Application to Handwriting Recognition”. A. Baldominos, Y. Sáez, P. Isasi. Neurocomputing, 283, 38-52. 2018
      • "A Comparative Study of Classical Clustering Method and Cuckoo Search Approach for Satellite Image Clustering: Application to Water Body Extraction". Labed, K., Fizazi, H., Mahi, H., & Galvan, I. M.  Applied Artificial Intelligence, 32(1), 96-118, 2018. IF= 0.587, Q4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08839514.2018.1451214
      • "A filter attribute selection method based on local reliable information". Martín, R., Aler, R., & Galván, I. M.  Applied Intelligence, 1-11, 2018. IF=1.983. Q2. DOI: 10.1007/s10489-017-095
      • "Improving the separation of direct and diffuse solar radiation components using machine learning by gradient boosting". Aler, R., Galván, I. M., Ruiz-Arias, J. A., & Gueymard, C. A.  Solar Energy, 150, 558-569 (2017). Q1
      • "Automatic Cloud‐Type Classification Based On the Combined Use of a Sky Camera and a Ceilometer". Huertas‐Tato, J., Rodríguez‐Benítez, F. J., Arbizu‐Barrena, C., Aler‐Mur, R., Galvan‐Leon, I., & Pozo‐Vázquez, D. (2017). Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 122(20) (2017). Q1
      • "Multi-objective evolutionary optimization of prediction intervals for solar energy forecasting with neural networks". Galván, I. M., Valls, J. M., Cervantes, A., & Aler, R.  Information Sciences, 418, 363-382.  2017. JCR-2017: 4.305, Q1
      • "Grid-enabled evolution strategies for large-scale home care crew scheduling". F. Luna, J. F. Valenzuela, P. Isasi, A. Cervantes. Cluster Computing. 2017
      • "Random Forest Prediction of IPO Underpricing”. D. Quintana, Y. Sáez, P. Isasi. Applied Sciences: Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, 7 (6). 2017
      • "Extending ACO for Fast Path Search in Huge Graphs and Social Networks”. D. Cuadra, F.J. Calle, J. Rivero, P. Isasi. Expert Systems with Applications, 86 (15), 292-306. 2017
      • "Clustering technique for large-scale home care crew scheduling problems”. D. Quintana, A. Cervantes, Y. Sáez, P. Isasi. Applied Intelligence, 47 (2), 443-455.  2017.

       

      Human Languages and Accesibility Technologies

      • Lourdes Moreno López, Paloma Martínez Fernández. (2019). The Harmonization of ICT Accessibility Standards for Public Policies. Computer. (in press). IEEE Computer Society, 0018-9162. 2019, Enero.  [Impact factor: 1.940 (Q1) (2017), Software Engineering]
      • Francisco José García-Peñalvo, Lourdes Moreno López. (2019). Empirical evaluation of educational interactive systems. Quality & Quantity, International Journal of Methodology. SPRINGER, 1573-7845. 2019, Enero. [Impact factor: 1,072 (Q3) (2017), Social Science, Interdisciplinary]
      • Víctor Suárez-Paniagua, Isabel Segura-Bedmar: Evaluation of pooling operations in convolutional architectures for drug-drug interaction extraction. BMC Bioinformatics 19-S(8): 39-47 (2018)
      • Lourdes Moreno, Paloma Martínez, Javier Muguerza, Julio Abascal. Support resource based on standards for accessible e-Government transactional services. Computer Standards & Interfaces 58: 146-157 (2018), Elsevier, [Impact factor: 1.479 (Q2) (2017), Software Engineering]
      • Isabel Segura-Bedmar, Cristóbal Colón-Ruiz, Miguél Ángel Tejedor-Alonso, Mar Moro-Moro. Predicting of anaphylaxis in big data EMR by exploring machine learning approaches. Journal of Biomedical Informatics 87: 50-59 (2018)
      • Jose Luis Jimenez Marquez; Israel González Carrasco; José Luis López Cuadrado; Belén Ruiz-Mezcua Towards a Big Data Framework for Analyzing Social Media Content. International Journal of Information Management. 2018. JCR Q1
      • Jose Luis Jimenez Marquez; Israel González Carrasco; José Luis López Cuadrado. Challenges And Opportunities In Analytic Predictive Environments Of Big Data And Natural Language Processing For Social Network Rating Systems. IEEE Latin America transactions. 2018. JCR Q4
      • Alejandro Rafael Garcia Ramirez, Israel González Carrasco, Amarilys Lima Lopez, Jose Luis Lopez Cuadrado, Ángel García Crespo. Towards Human Smart Cities: Internet of Things for sensory impaired individuals. Computing. 2017. JCR Q2
      • Víctor Suárez-Paniagua, Isabel Segura-Bedmar, Paloma Martínez. Exploring convolutional neural networks for drug-drug interaction extraction. Database 2017: bax019 (2017)
      • Isabel Segura-Bedmar, Paloma Martínez. Simplifying drug package leaflets written in Spanish by using word embedding. J. Biomedical Semantics 8(1): 45:1-45:9 (2017)
      • Isabel Segura-Bedmar, Antonio Quirós, Paloma Martínez. Exploring Convolutional Neural Networks for Sentiment Analysis of Spanish tweets. EACL (1) 2017: 1014-1022

       

      SOFTLAB

      • García-Crespo, Á., López-Cuadrado, J. L., González-Carrasco, I., Colomo-Palacios, R., & Ruiz-Mezcua, B. (2012). SINVLIO: Using semantics and fuzzy logic to provide individual investment portfolio recommendations. Knowledge-Based Systems, 27, 103-118. JCR: Q1.
      • Gonzalez-Carrasco, I., Garcia-Crespo, A., Ruiz-Mezcua, B., & Lopez-Cuadrado, J. L. (2012). An optimization methodology for machine learning strategies and regression problems in ballistic impact scenarios. Applied Intelligence, 36(2), 424-441. JCR: Q2.
      • Gonzalez-Carrasco, I., Garcia-Crespo, A., Ruiz-Mezcua, B., & Lopez-Cuadrado, J. L. (2012). A neural network--based methodology for the recreation of high-speed impacts on metal armours. Neural Computing and Applications, 21(1), 91-107. JCR: Q3.

       

      GIGABD

      • Harith Aljumaily, Debra Laefer, Dolores Cuadra. Integration of LiDAR and GIS data for point cloud semantic enrichment (2019). Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing, Volume 85, Number 1, January 2019, pp. 29-42(14) (Q1, 5.990).
      • Javier Calle, Jesica Rivero, Dolores Cuadra, Pedro Isasi. Extending ACO for Fast Path Search in Huge Graphs and Social Networks  (2017). Expert Systems with Applications (Q1, 3.98).
      • Alejandro Baldominos, Javier Calle, Dolores Cuadra. Beyond Social Graphs: Mining Patterns Underlying Social Interactions (2017). Pattern Analysis and Applications (Q4, 0.646).
      • Rocío Calvo, Ana Iglesias & Leonardo Castaño, (2017). Evaluation of accessibility barriers and learning features in m-learning chat applications for users with disabilities. Universal Access in the Information Society (JCR: Impact Factor: 1.302). Vol. 16(3). Pp 593-607.
      • Javier Calle, Jesica Rivero, Dolores Cuadra, Pedro Isasi. Extending ACO for Fast Path Search in Huge Graphs and Social Networks  (2017). Expert Systems with Applications (Q1, 3.98).
      • Harith Al-Jumaily, Debra Laefer, Dolores Cuadra. Urban Point Cloud Mining Based on Density Clustering and MapReduce (2017). Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering 31 (5), 04017021 (Q1, 1.268).
      • Alejandro Baldominos, Javier Calle, Dolores Cuadra. Beyond Social Graphs: Mining Patterns Underlying Social Interactions (2017). Pattern Analysis and Applications (Q4, 0.646).

       

      Further information on the full list of publications

  • THESIS

    Thesis defense

     

    The doctoral thesis consists of an original research work developed by the doctoral student in the field of knowledge established by the program, which enables the student for autonomous work in the field of R+D+i.

    Universidad Carlos III de Madrid and its Doctoral School establish follow-up procedures to guarantee the quality of the student's training and supervision. They also facilitate the procedures for the proper evaluation and defense of the doctoral thesis.

     

    Further information: 

     

     

    Requirements for thesis defense in Computer Science and Technology

     

    Before initiating thesis defense proceedings, please:

    -Contact the Administration Office of the Department to learn about the specific stages of the defense process.

    -Check the Training and research activities required by the Ph.D. Program that have to be registered on your academic record prior to the defense.

     

    • Ph.D. thesis pre-defense: The pre-defense will take place at an advanced stage of the thesis, but before completion.

      The Academic Committee will appoint a panel of three doctors related to the topic of the thesis. The committee’s pre-reading will include at least a doctor from the Department and an external one. After the presentation of the thesis by the student, each member of the committee shall prepare a separate report, in which he will indicate the merits of the thesis as well as aspects that require improvement before its defense. The committee may also give a negative report and reject the thesis.
       
    • Thesis deposit: to submit his Ph.D. thesis, the student will be required to demonstrate his work by presenting his research merits before the Academic Committee.

     

    Thesis as a collection of publications

     

    The Academic Committee can authorize the presentation of the thesis report as a collection of publications. The defense of the thesis will be carried out under the same conditions than those of a regular thesis.

    Further information:

  • USEFUL INFORMATION
    • Ph.D. Studies Overview
      Información Práctica de los Estudios de Doctorado

       

      Our Ph.D. programs focus on the acquisition of skills and abilities required to undertake high-quality research work within the strategic framework and lines of research of the university. Students will be expected to work independently under supervision and guidance of top experts in their fields in order to produce novel, groundbreaking research work in the form of a dissertation.

      The Ph.D. thesis constitutes the expected outcome of the doctoral training, stating the specifics of the research work and results. The thesis must meet the high-quality standards required by the Ph.D. program and be subject to public defense and assessment by an independent thesis committee.

      A favorable assessment of the thesis enables Ph.D. students to request their official Ph.D. degree certificate, issued by the Spanish Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte.

       

      Doctoral training calendar 

      Duration of the academic year: October 1st through September 30th

      Process Period
      Admission According to the start semester of the PhD:

      Second semester of the 24/25 academic year
      Admission application deadline: September 1st 2024 through January 31st 2025 (23:59 h., CET) 
      PhD start date: March 30th 2025

      First semester of the 24/25 academic year
      Admission application deadline: February 1st through August 31st 2024 (23:59 h., CET) 
      PhD start date: November 15th 2024
      Enrollment According to the start semester of the PhD:

      Enrollment period for new students
      First semester: July 17th through 31st and September 1st through 30th (23:59 h., CET) of the current academic year
      Second semester: March 1st through 30th (23:59 h., CET) of the current academic year

      Enrollment period for continuing students
      September 1st through 30th (23:59 h., CET) of the current academic year
      Annual Assessment  June
      All PhD candidates are subject to annual evaluation.

      December
      Only students whose June evaluation was unfavorable are subject to evaluation. 

      In both cases the evaluation is based on the progress of the thesis project (Reseach Plan) and the doctoral activities carried out during the academic year.
       
      Thesis Defense Thesis defense can be carried out throughout the academic year.
       
    • Procedures
      Activa tu correo y accede al espacio virtual de doctorado

       

      Activate your uc3m e-mail and access your Ph.D. student webspace

       

      Academic procedures

      Imagen Campus Getafe

       

       

      Información Práctica de los Estudios de Doctorado

       

       

       

       

       

      Further information

      Ayudas económicas para la Formación Doctoral

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       


       

      Seguimiento y Evaluación del curso doctoral

       

      Realización de Estancias Internacionales

       

       

      Consulta la información para la presentación y defensa de la Tesis Doctoral

       

    • FAQ

      Ph.D. Studies

      Parque de las Moreras

      What is a Ph.D.?

      A Ph.D. is a period of training in skills and abilities required to undertake independent, high-quality research work in the realm of R&D under the supervision of top experts in their respective fields.

      What are the terms of access to a Ph.D. program?

      As a general rule, candidates are required to hold a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree. Credits for both must amount to at least 300 ECTS credits.

      Additionally, specific requirements and candidate profiles are described in each program’s terms of access. Before applying for admission, it is strongly recommended to take the  Ph.D. Programs into consideration, as well as its lines of research, profiles of the scholars involved and final results (theses and scientific publications) as proof of the program’s quality and specialization.

      Shat is the duration of a Ph.D.?

      The regular duration of a full-time Ph.D. program is 4 years. This period can be extended up to 5 years.

      The regular duration of a part-time Ph.D. program is 7 years. This period can be extended up to 8 years. 

      You may apply, for justified reasons, for either an extension or a leave of absence from your Ph.D. training period to the Academic Committee of your program. Your request must be endorsed by your tutor/advisor. Further information:  Duration of Ph.D. studies

      Can I do my Ph.D. entirely online?

      No. All Ph.D. Programs require some face-to-face activity throughout the training period. The duration of face-to-face activity is established by each Program.

      How can I apply for a part-time enrollment status?

      You can state your part-time enrollment status upon admission or, once you have initiated your training period, by submitting a request for justified reasons to the Academic Committee of your program. Your request must be endorsed by your tutor/advisor. Further information:  Enrollment status for Ph.D. studies

      If you are the recipient of a pre-doctoral contract with the UC3M, you must be a full-time student for the entire duration of the contract in application of article 21 of Law 14/2011, of  the1st of June, on Science, Technology and Innovation.

      Must I take any other training in addition to my research work?

      Yes. There are three different types of additional training to be taken during your Ph.D.:

      • Complementary training. Applicable only to students whose terms of admission state this training as required.
      • Specific training. Activities within the framework of your Ph.D. program.
      • Research Skills training. Courses or activities focused on abilities common to all disciplines (communication, academic writing, stress management, etc.).

      Further information on Doctoral Training: Monitoring and Development of these FAQ.

      A favorable assessment enables students to apply for their official Ph.D. degree certificate issued by the Spanish Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte. An additional Doctorado Internacional distinction is awarded to students who met a number of specific requirements during their training period.


      What is an Interuniversity Ph.D.?

      Interuniversity PhDs are joint degree programs by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid in collaboration with other Spanish or international institutions. The outcome of these programs does not translate into multiple degrees but just one equivalent to the training undertaken by the student.

      Admission

      How can I apply for admission to a Ph.D. program?

      Your application for admission must be submitted online. Signing in is previously required in order to get your login and password. Further information on how to carry out this process:  Apply for admission

      I have not completed my Master’s degree yet. May I apply for admission now?

      According to art. 6 of the PhD studies regulation (RD 99/2011), in order to access the PhD studies it is required to have a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and a Master's degree (or equivalent), provided that at least 300 ECTS credits have been passed in these two cycles as a whole, or the equivalent degree qualifies for level 3 of MECES (Marco Español de Cualificaciones para la Educación Superior, Spanish Framework for Higher Education Qualifications).

      Likewise, access is available to candidates in possession of foreign degrees from countries integrated into the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) when the degree can be accredited as level 7 in the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), as long as the aforementioned degree allows access to PhD level studies in the country of expedition; and candidates with a degree which is equivalent to a Spanish Master's degree, obtained in foreign education systems outside the EHEA, as long as the aforementioned degree allows access to PhD level studies in the country of expedition.

      When can I apply for admission?

      Applications for admission for the first semester of the 24/25 academic year with start date on the 15th of November 2024 can be submitted from February 1st through August 31st 2024 (Spanish peninsular time, CET)*

      Applications for admission for the second semester of the 24/25 academic year with start date on the 30th of March 2025 can be submitted from September 1st 2024 through January 31st 2025 (Spanish peninsular time, CET)*.

      *Except where noted in the details of each Ph.D. Program.

      The PhD academic year begins on October 1st and ends on September 30th. 

      What documents do I need to submit?

      Scan in advance, in pdf format, the documentation requirements to be attached to your application. The documents listed below are mandatory in all cases:

      • National Identity Document: DNI, NIE, or passport
      • Previous degree certificate or diploma (Master’s degree or equivalent), or proof of payment of issuance fees. 
      • Academic transcript of previous degree (Bachelor's and Master’s degree or equivalent), including grades
      • Curriculum Vitae
      • Authorization of disclosure of educational and employment information
      • Ph.D. research proposal
      • Endorsement for thesis project

      Some programs may require additional documents, such as reference letters by notable researchers, foreign language skills certificate, etc.

      Can I choose when to start my doctoral training?

      Yes. As a new student, you must state in your application for admission whether you want to start your training in the first semester (November 15) or second semester (March 30).

      I want to apply for a scholarship or financial aid program. Must I do it before or after applying for admission to a Ph.D.?

      It is strongly recommended to apply first for your Ph.D. program of choice at uc3m, as most of the granting institutions require proof of admission (or application for admission) to a Ph.D.

      Further information on Scholarships and Financial Aid Programs of these FAQ.

      I submitted my application. When will I know if I am admitted?

      The review process of your application consists of two stages:

      • Administrative validation. Your application will be reviewed at the Doctoral School Office on campus to ensure that it meets the admission requirements. You will be contacted if necessary.
      • Academic evaluation. If your application has succesfully passed the previous stage, it will be forwarded to the Academic Committee of the Ph.D. program for review. You will be notified of the Committee's decision by certified mail sent to the postal address provided in your application.

      This process may take up to one-two months. You will be notified of the Committee’s resolution by e-mail.

      I have been admitted. When must I submit my enrollment form?

      In you are admitted to a Ph.D. program, you have to submit your online application for enrollment in the periods set by the university to that effect, according to the instructions indicated in your letter of admission, our website or the Enrollment section of this FAQ, including the payment of tuition fees. If you do not submit your enrollment for the academic year for which you were admitted, your admission will be cancelled.

      What is complementary training and when should it be taken?

      Complementary training is required by the Academic Committee in the admission letter, depending on the applicant's access profile.
      They consist of subjects from a uc3m research master's degree, which are considered necessary to successfully complete the doctoral research.
      These training complements must be taken and passed mandatorily during the first year of doctoral training.
      In other words, if you start your studies in November of an academic year, the training complements must be taken in the first semester (the subjects begin in September), or in the second semester of the same academic year (the subjects begin in February).
      If, on the other hand, you start your studies in March, then the complements must be taken in the same academic semester (the subjects start in February) or in the first semester of the following academic year (the subjects start in September).

      These circumstances should be taken into account when planning the start of your studies at uc3m, and for the processing of visas and organisation of your stay in the country.

      Doctoral training scholarships. Exemptions

      Campus Getafe

      What types of financial aid programs can I apply for?

      There is a wide variety of financial aid programs for doctoral training that cover partial or total tuition fees and, in some cases, allow uc3m to formally hire the Ph.D. student as a training researcher.

      Who are the awarding bodies?

      Here is a list of the most common scholarship and financial aid programs:

         - Formación de Investigadores del Ministerio de Innovación / Researchers Training by Ministerio de Innovación (formerly known as FPI scholarships)
         - Formación de Profesorado Universitario del Ministerio de Educación / University Faculty Training by Ministerio de Educación (formerly known as FPU scholarships)
         - Researchers Training by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, awarded by the institution departments
         - Ph.D. Scholarships by La Caixa
         - Ph.D. Scholarships by Comunidades Autónomas (Autonomous Regions of Spain)
         - Scholarships by Fundación Carolina (for Latin American students)
         

      Further information:  Doctoral Training Scholarships


      When and how can I apply for these?

      Each granting body has its own application and awarding periods. It is strongly recommended to apply first for your Ph.D. program of choice at uc3m in all cases, as most of these institutions require proof of admission (or application for admission) to a Ph.D.

       

      Do I have to be admitted to a Ph.D. in order to apply for admission?

      It is not required in most cases, but, as pointed out previously, you must have at least submitted your application for admission in order to be eligible (check the awarding institution’s specific terms). Only if you are eventually granted the scholarship or financial aid will it be required to be admitted and enrolled on the program in order to accept the aid and be hired as a training researcher at uc3m.

       

      I received a scholarship or financial aid. Do I have to notify uc3m?

      Yes. As a recipient of any financial aids, it is recommended to notify the university for these to be applied upon enrollment. If your scholarship status is not registered in your self-enrollment application, please contact the Doctoral School Office, either in person or by e-mail at admisiondoctorado@uc3m.es

       

      Where will I undertake my Ph.D. research work?

      Your research and teaching activities (when applicable) will be carried out at the department or Institute stated in your contract within the framework of your Ph.D. program under the supervision of the tutor and advisor(s) appointed by the Academic Committee.


      Who is in charge of managing my scholarship or financial aid program?

      Granting institutions usually delegate on uc3m the management of these aids according to the terms originally established by those and our own rules and regulations.

       

      Who is to evaluate the progress and outcomes of my research work?

      All our Ph.D. students must submit the progress of their research work for evaluation by the Academic Committee of their Ph.D. program. Recipients of any financial aid program must also provide this information to the granting body.

       

      Are there any other tuition fees exemptions?

      Yes. As a new student, if you are eligible for any of the following exemptions or discounts recognized by the Spanish administration, you must submit certified copies of the pertinent documents to the Postgraduate Office on campus before enrollment proceedings so that these exemptions apply upon enrollment.

      • Large Family status: Certified copy of the Large Family status card (general or special)
      • Disability: Certified copy of Disability Identification card (minimum 33% disability)
      • Other: Certified copy of proof of exemption for victims of terrorist attacks (including their spouses and children) or children of civil and military servants who perished in the line of duty.

      These documents must be valid for the academic year for which the exemption is requested.

      Enrollment

      How to enroll

      Our Ph.D. Management platform allows to process your enrollment online. To access the platform, enter your UC3M username and password.

      When to enroll               

      New students can choose the start date of the Ph.D. studies. Enrollment period varies accordingly:

      Students starting first semester:

      Students starting second semester*:

      • Enrollment period: March 1st through 30th (23:59 h., Peninsular Spanish time)
      • Start date of Ph.D. training: March 30

      *In these cases, students benefit from a reduced tuition fee, applicable only for first-year enrollment.

      Your start date will determine the length of your Ph.D. training period.

      As a continuing student, the enrollment period is September 1st through 30th (23:59 h., Peninsular Spanish time) of each academic year.

      What modules should I register on my application?

      You must select the following modules of your enrollment application:

      • Ph.D. Monitoring for your doctoral training year. 

      Required in all cases. It will be registered by default in your application. 

      • Complementary credits.

      Only applicable if the Academic Committee of your program established these credits as obligatory in its admission resolution, in which case you have been properly notified in your admission letter. These credits will be registered by default in your application.

      Other activities of your doctoral training may not require enrollment. If so, our Doctoral School Office is in charge of the registration process:

      • Specific training: Activities included in the curriculum of your Ph.D. program. 
      • Research Skills training: Only required for students of some Ph.D. programs.  

      What are the costs of tuition fees?

      These are the tuition fees for all your Ph.D. training:

      1. Academic fees

      Academic monitoring of Ph.D. training year.  

      • Ordinary fee (full-time, starting first semester): 390 €.
      • Reduced fee* (full-time, starting second semester): 234 €.
      • Reduced fee (part-time, starting first or second semester): 234 €.

                  *Full fees will apply in subsequent years.

      Training credits

      • Complementary training (only for students who are required to take these credits as established in their resolution of admission). If the subjects are the same as subjects from an official degree, the price will be the same as in the original degree. The prices range from € 45,02 to € 80-150 €, depending on the master's program and the doctoral year of enrollment (first, second or subsequent).
      • Research Skills training courses. 45,02 € per credit. Credits from other institutions also require an enrollment at UC3M . A reduced 25% fee will apply in these cases (11,25 € per credit).

      Thesis defense. 143,15 €

      Ph.D. Degree Certificate. 229,86 €

      1. Administrative fees
      • Registrar’s Office expenses. 6,11 €
      • Academic record proceedings (first-year students only). 27,54 €
      1. School insurance. 1, 12 €. Applicable to Spanish or international students (legal residents) under 28 years of age.

      Students who fail to fulfill the payment of these fees will be dismissed from the Ph.D. program.

      Further information:  Tuition fees

      How do I validate my first-year enrollment?

      Upon completion and payment of your enrollment, the Doctoral School will get in touch with you and set an appointment to provide the original documents to have your enrollment validated in compliance with the access requirements to Ph.D.

      Documents

      According to your previous studies, the documents to be submitted are listed below: 

      1. If you have taken an official Master's degree at UC3M, you are not required to submit any documents. The Doctoral School will check your records accordingly.

      2. If your access degree for Ph.D. was issued by a University from Spain or a European Union country, or a state of the European Economic Area or Switzerland, it is required to provide the following original documents: 

      • Access degree certificate for Ph.D. (Master's degree or equivalent) or payment receipt of issuance fees.
      • Grades certificate of access degree to Ph.D. (Master's degree or equivalent).

      3. If your access degree for Ph.D. was issued by a University from a country other than the ones indicated above, it is required to provide the following legalized documents:

      • Access degree certificate for Ph.D. (Master's degree or equivalent) or payment receipt of issuance fees.
      • Grades certificate of access degree to Ph.D. (Master's degree or equivalent).

      There are different ways to have your documents legalized. Find which legalization procedure applies in your case:  Legalization of Foreign Degrees

      Please note that the legalization procedure must be carried out from the home country. It is strongly recommended to do it in advance. 

      Original hard copies of the documents must be provided along with their photocopies. The Doctoral School will check both originals and their copies and have them certified. If the degree certificates and documents have an electronic signature or digital certification (with safe verification codes), these will be submitted by e-mail at admisiondoctorado@uc3m.es.

      All documents must be submitted in Spanish, English, French, Italian or Portuguese (certificates and degrees provided in other languages must have attached an official Spanish translation).  

      The submission period will be notified by e-mail within a month after the end of the enrollment period.

      What are my rights and obligations as a uc3m student?

      Please refer to the following documentation issued by the regional authorities and uc3m. All of them apply to Ph.D. candidates at Uc3m.

      • Students Statute of the Region of Madrid (Estatuto del estudiante de la Comunidad de Madrid)
      • uc3m students Rights and Obligations (Carta de los derechos y deberes del estudiante en la uc3m)
      • Rules and Regulations of the Doctoral School at uc3m (Reglamento de la Escuela de Doctorado de la uc3m)
      • Good Practices of the Doctoral School at uc3m (Código de buenas prácticas de la Escuela de Doctorado de la uc3m)

      Additionally, you have access to the university's support services to students and researchers.

      Further information:  Rules and Regulations

      Ph.D. Studies: Monitoring and Development

      Biblioteca María Moliner

      How are my Ph.D. supervisors appointed?

      Ph.D. tutors and advisors are advanced members of the uc3m faculty or other research institutions who serve as mentors of your research work and keep track of your progress. They also facilitate your communication with the Academic Committee of the program.

      Tutors are appointed by the Committee upon your admission. Tutors must hold a Ph.D. degree and have ties with the program, as well as a proven track record in research of at least six years (or proof of equivalent qualifications).

      The Committee will also appoint an advisor within three months from initial enrollment on the program. Thesis advisors must hold a Ph.D. degree and have a proven track record in research of at least six years (or equivalent qualifications), as well as specific research experience in the field of your thesis. Advisors' may be based at any university, center or institute in Spain or abroad. A professor may be appointed as both tutor and advisor of a Ph.D. student.

      The Academic Committee may change these designations throughout your doctoral training period for justified reasons.

      Must I take any other training in addition to my research work?

      Yes. There are three different types of additional training to be taken during your Ph.D.:

      • Complementary training. Maximum: 40 ECTS credits. Applicable only to students whose terms of admission state this training as required. The Academic Committee will determine the credit-based courses or subjects in the admission resolution. As a general rule, this training must be taken during the first year.
      • Specific training. Students are also expected to participate in a number of activities relevant to their field of research: seminars, meetings, conferences, courses, etc. These activities may require prior enrollment at uc3m. Your tutor or advisor will confirm the contents of your specific training program.
      • Research Skills training. Some Ph.D. programs at uc3m require training in research skills focused on abilities common to all disciplines (communication, academic writing, stress management, etc.). These credits can be earned at either uc3m or other institutions and require formal enrollment at uc3m in all cases, as well as the approval of your tutor or advisor.

      How is the progress of my research evaluated?

      The Academic Committee of your program will evaluate the progress of your research project and activity report on an annual basis in the month of June. Grounds for evaluation are to be registered in the following documents:

      • Research Plan. Not to be mistaken for the research proposal submitted when applying for admission. As a new Ph.D. student, you must elaborate an initial Research Plan within the first year of your doctoral training period. This plan will serve as a tracking tool of your project, listing the objectives and methodology of your research as well as a comprehensible timeline stating the periods estimated for the achievement of each goal. It must have attached your tutor or advisor's evaluation report in order to be submitted for assessment to the Academic Committee of your program.

      An annual update of this Plan must be submitted in subsequent years, with the corresponding tutor or advisor’s evaluation report, so that all parties involved in your doctoral training can track and assess your progress.

      • Activity Report. In addition to your Research Plan (initial or updated), it is also required to register any activity relevant to your Ph.D. research: courses, seminars, meetings, conventions, publications, international fellowship programs, etc. Be sure to have attached all certificates and/or work papers as proof of completion.

      In the event of an unfavorable assessment by the Academic Committee, you will be subjected to evaluation again in December.

      TWO CONSECUTIVE UNFAVORABLE ASSESSMENTS (JUNE AND DECEMBER) WILL RESULT IN THE CANCELLATION OF YOUR ENROLLMENT AS A Ph.D. STUDENT

      Can I join an international research visit program?

      Yes. Undertaking a period of research abroad is a requirement for Doctorado Internacional distinction eligibility. Among other requirements, your visit must have a minimum duration of three months; also, the report of activities and outcomes of your research at the host institution must be written and presented in one of the languages used for scientific dissemination in your field of research (different from any of Spain’s official languages). Prior approval by your tutor/advisor and the Academic Committee of your program is required. The Committee will evaluate your visiting research reports and, if approved, submit your candidacy for the Doctorado Internacional distinction to the Doctoral School Board.

      Thesis defense

      Biblioteca Carmen Martin Gaite

      What is a Ph.D. thesis?

      The Ph.D. thesis is the intended outcome of the doctoral training period. Your thesis must give account of your scientific work and meet the quality standards established by the Academic Committee of the program.

      What is the Ph.D thesis defense?

      It involves presenting the doctoral research work (objectives, achievements, method, results...)

      in a public academic event before an expert Court that will evaluate the work and the exhibition.

      Prior to the development of the academic act, it is necessary to comply with a series of steps:

      Approval of the thesis by the thesis directors, Review of the thesis by external experts, Approval of the thesis by the CAPD, Pass the plagiarism analysis, Deposit the thesis with the academic community, Obtain the approval of the thesis defense and the evaluation panel.

      When can I start the thesis defense process?

      As a general rule, you must have been enrolled on your Ph.D. program for at least 24 months before initiating the thesis defense proceedings.

      You must bear in mind that the deposit of the thesis must begin before your maximum period of permanence in the Doctoral Program expires (please check your deadline and start the process at least two and a half months in advance).

      What is the deadline for depositing the thesis?

      It depends on the date you started your studies and your dedication to the doctoral project: there is a maximum period of 5 years - including an extension of one final year - if your dedication is "full time"; There is a maximum period of 8 years - including an extension of one final year - if your dedication is “part-time” (in mixed cases, the maximum period will depend on the dates). Please check your deadline well in advance - in your electronic file - to properly schedule the final stages.

      I have approval to proceed to the thesis defense. What are the stages of this process?

      Once you comply with the requirements to initiate the process, a minimum of 15 weeks (University holidays period not included) is normally necessary to carry out the entire process:

      1. Defense request to the Academic Committee of the PhD Program, along with the thesis document and a proposal of two external experts to issue their reports. (starting point)

      2. Reports received by the external experts (4-8 weeks approx.)

      3. Plagiarism control procedure (2 weeks approx.)

      4. Thesis deposit. (2 weeks)

      5. Approval of thesis defense and appointment of Thesis Committee by the Dean of Doctoral School. (1 week approx)

      6. Organization of the defense session (2 weeks approx).

      7. Thesis defense session

      How do I start the process to defend the thesis?

      You must have the final document “doctoral thesis” with the approval of your thesis director/s and make a request to the Doctoral Program (by electronic means, through SIGMA, or through the Doctoral School Management Office).

      You must have the final thesis document, check that all the information related to your doctoral file is correct (tutor, director, title of the thesis, etc.), review and finalize the Doctoral Activity Report that resides on the SIGMA electronic platform, prepare your CV and the required technical and non-technical summaries and, with the help of your director(s), prepare a proposal for external reviewers that is accepted by the Academic Committee of the PhD Program.

      What does “prior review by external experts” consist of?

      The doctoral thesis must be informed by external reviewers-evaluators, at the beginning of the process. Therefore, you must prepare, with the help of your thesis director(s), a proposal for reviewers, which the Academic Committee will approve or modify, and finally request the reports, so that they are prepared within the maximum period of a month.

      Further information: Review by external experts

      Should I prepare a new doctoral thesis document, once I have received the recommendations from external experts?

      Once the reports are requested and received, the Academic Committee of the PhD Program may suggest changes or additions to the thesis, based on said opinions. You will have one month to prepare the final thesis document and respond to the Academic Committee with an improvement report.

      What is the plagiarism analysis procedure?

      To ensure compliance with the principles established in the Code of Good Practice for Managing Plagiarism of Ph.D. Theses of the Doctoral School, all theses must be subjected to a plagiarism control procedure prior to the authorization of the defense.

      Once the Academic Committee of your Ph.D. program determines that your research period is finished and your thesis is ready for deposit, a pdf file of the thesis will be submitted to the Doctoral School.

      The plagiarism analysis will produce a Coincidence Report and a Reasoned Report of said coincidences, which the Academic Committee will review and approve first, sending the result to the Director of the Doctoral School, so that the plagiarism analysis may be considered satisfactory.

      The final document of the thesis that will go through the defense process (deposit, sending to the Evaluation Court and custody in the institutional archive of uc3m) will be the document that has satisfactorily passed the plagiarism control.

      The results of this study will be at the disposal of the members of the Thesis Committee, should they be requested.

      Further information:  Plagiarism analysis

      What is the thesis deposit?

      The deposit of your thesis enables UC3M professors and scholars of your field to review your work before the defense. The deposit period is 15 days (excluding August), after which all comments and observations by the experts will be reported to the Academic Committee and yourself. 

      Further information:  Thesis deposit

      Who approves the defense?

      Once your thesis has successfully passed both stages, the Academic Committee of the program will elaborate their proposal for thesis defense, providing details of the proposed members of the Thesis Committee on the Authorization of thesis defense and appointment of Thesis Committee. Eligibility for “Doctorado Internacional”, “Doctorado Industrial” or International Cotutelle must be indicated, where applicable.

      This proposal will be submitted for the Dean of the Doctoral School's approval of the thesis defense and the appointment of Thesis Committee members.

      Who can be a member of the Thesis Committee?

      The Thesis Committee consists of three members (President, Secretary, and a spokesperson) and a substitute. All of them must hold a Ph.D. degree and a proven track record in research. In all cases, the Committee will be formed by a majority of members external to the University and to the institutions collaborating with the School or the Ph.D. Program.

      Further information:  Defense session. Appointment of Committee members

      How is the thesis defense organized?

      Once all authorizations and the appointment of the Evaluation Committee have been obtained, the defense date will be agreed. The Doctoral School office will be in charge of organizing the event, developing the necessary logistical activity (reservation of rooms, media, etc.), as well as managing travel and stays of the members of the tribunal. The Doctoral School will announce the date and place of the academic event to the entire community.

      15 business days in advance of the defense act, the Doctoral School will also send each of the Committee members a copy of the thesis in digital format.

      Further information:  Defense session. Appointment of Committee members

      Do I have to pay any fees before the defense?

      Yes. The payment of thesis defense fees must be fulfilled before proceeding to defense. Additionally, payment of enrollment fees for the academic year in which the defense takes place must be up to date.

      How will the defense and evaluation of the thesis be carried out?

      The defense act is a public academic act. Once the doctoral student has presented and defended his or her thesis, the committee may provide comments or ask questions to the doctoral student. Subsequently, in a private session, the court will deliberate, which will render a report and an evaluation decision. The grade obtained (Failed, Passed, Notable or Excellent) will be reflected in the defense report.

      Additionally, and only in those cases in which the qualification has been Excellent, the members of the tribunal will proceed to record, by means of a separate and secret vote, their proposal for granting the cum laude mention and, when appropriate, their opinion on the merit of the thesis candidacy for the Outstanding Thesis Awards of the Carlos III University of Madrid.

      How can I apply for my Ph.D. certificate?

      Your application for the official Ph.D. degree certificate and the payment of the corresponding fees is done online.

      Issuance of your certificate may take a few months. Until then, you may apply for a temporary certificate as proof of successful completion of your Ph.D. studies as of the date of your thesis defense.

      Where is my Ph.D. thesis published?

      Your thesis will be published in e-archivo, the open online repository of Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, and Teseo the Ph.D. database managed by the Ministry of Universities. In the event of partial or temporary restrictions pertaining to the publication of your thesis, you must report them to the university.

      Glossary of terms

      Ph.D. Program. Array of training and activities oriented to the acquisition of abilities required to undertake autonomous research work in the realm of R&D. Each Ph.D. program establishes their own procedures and lines of research for the development of theses within the framework of their respective fields.

      Academic Committee. The coordinator/director of the program and two other Ph.D. members constitute a program's Academic Committee, the body in charge of the various training areas and research progress of the program, as well as the authorization of thesis defense of their Ph.D. candidates.

      Doctoral School. Academic body in charge of the management and coordination of all Ph.D. programs.

      Ph.D. Thesis. Original piece of research carried out by Ph.D. candidates in their field of knowledge. Presented as a written dissertation according to the quality, content and format guidelines set by the Ph.D. program for its public defense.

      Tutor. Supervisor in charge of tracking the training progress of the Ph.D. candidate and serving as a communication link between the researcher and the Academic Committee. Tutors must be attached to uc3m faculty with a proven research track record. Tutors are appointed upon approval of admission by the Academic Committee.

      Thesis advisor. Supervisor in charge of tracking the training progress of the Ph.D. candidate. Advisors are experts in the field of the Ph.D. candidate's research, not necessarily attached to uc3m faculty (if they are, they can also be appointed as tutors). Advisors are appointed within the first three months of the student's Ph.D. training period. A student may have more than one advisor.

      Specific training. Specific activities pertaining to the field of research of each Ph.D., designed to provide students with the knowleddge and opportunity for debate required for the development of their research work: seminars, meetings, conferences/dissertations, international research visits, etc.

      Research Skills training. Training activities oriented to the acquisition of skills common to all disciplines. All students are required to earn at least 6 credits (60 hours) throughout their doctoral training period. Enrollment on these courses is performed separately from their regular doctoral training.

      Complementary training. Maximum 40 ECTS credits. Training that the Academic Committee may deem necessary in their admission resoluction in order to complement the Ph.D. candidate's previous academic background. Enrollment on these credits will be required in addition to the student's regular doctoral training. These credits are usually earned during the first Ph.D. year. 

      Research plan. Document to be drafted within the first six months of Ph.D. training detailing the student’s research project to be subjected to annual evaluation every month of June. It must be approved by the tutor, the thesis advisor and the Academic Committee. This plan must be updated and submitted for review and evaluation purposes on a yearly basis.

      Ph.D. Activity report. A registration account of all training activities pertaining to the Ph.D. student's research. The tutor and thesis advisor must endorse these activities for them to be submitted to the Academic Committee for annual evaluation in June. 

      Student record. Academic details of every Ph.D. student as registered in uc3m databases, including activities and credits completed. This information is to be attached to the thesis in the final stages of defense approval.

      Academic transcript. Official document signed by the Head of Doctoral Studies certifying a student's academic record.

      Monitoring and assessment. Annual process by which the research progress and activities of a Ph.D. candidate are subjected to evaluation by the Academic Committee.

      Written Agreement. Document signed by all parties involved in a thesis research project (Ph.D. student, tutor, advisor/s, and Academic Committee) stating their roles and specific conditions pertaining to confidentiality agreements, copyright or use and distribution of research outcomes, where applicable, as well as conflict resolution procedures.

      Thesis public review. Procedure required to allow the academic community to review the student's thesis and issue comments and observations prior to the defense. The thesis is usually deposited at the university's intranet.

      Thesis defense. Academic event open to the public in which Ph.D. candidates defend their research work before a committee of experts in their field. The defense is followed by a question and answer session led by the defense committee in order for it to give their assessment.

      Defense committee. Committee consisting of three experts with proven track records of research in the field of the thesis, most of which must be based outside uc3m. The committee gives their assessment of the thesis and awards the cum laude distinction and the Outstanding Thesis Award candidacy, where applicable.

    • Itinerary
      Itinerario Estudiante de Doctorado
    • Regulations
    • Quality

      GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT PH.D.

      ☛ Implementation Year: 2013-2014

      QUALITY ASSURANCE

      The Academic Committee of the Ph.D. complies with the SGIC-UC3M. It is responsible for the quality analysis of the program and produces the Degree Reports ("Memoria Académica de Titulación").

      QUALITY INDICATORS

      COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS

  • CONTACT
    Bienvenida Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

    Doctoral School Office | Leganés Campus

    Rey Pastor Building, Office 3.0.B.08
    Avenida de la Universidad, 30
    28911 Leganés (Madrid)

    Contact