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Humanities

  • Inicio

    Director

     

    Prof. Eduardo González Calleja

     

    About the program

     

    The focus of this Ph.D. program on an interdisciplinary, creative, and innovative view of humanities as a set of closely related disciplines stands as its most distinctive feature since its inception.

    Based on its aspiration, scope, and integration of the different research groups of the program, our institution offers a working space where old distinctions between humanistic and scientific cultures are surpassed, and comprehensive lines of research are established on common grounds: language and new media, visual studies, ideas in the realm of Social Sciences, etc., all within the framework defined by new technologies and knowledge society.

    Our main objective is the training of leading researchers in practical abilities that enables them to pose innovative solutions within the different humanistic areas of academic, scientific, teaching, and professional fields.

    The program is designed for students with previous training in any of the traditional humanistic areas (or akin to these) who are interested in the development of their research work beyond the borders of their discipline applying an accurate methodology from a broad perspective.

     

    • Program regulated by RD 99/2011, January 28

    Departments

     

     

    Humanidades
  • ACCESS

    Admission profile

     

    The academic qualifications of applicants must include graduate training in the field of Arts and Humanities, as well as research interests oriented to the challenges posed by contemporary culture: technological, regulatory, multicultural or interdisciplinary, all from a humanistic perspective.

    The Ph.D. program in Humanities allows the following admission profiles. The Academic Committee may require up to 18 ECTS credits of complementary training according to the applicants' previous study. These credits will preferably be from Master's degrees such as Master in Cultural Heritage  or Master in Cultural Theory and Criticism  but will not be considered part of the Ph.D. program.

     

    Admission Profile Complementary Training
    Students with a Master’s degree in the field of Arts and Humanities (60 ECTS credits minimum) Not required
    Students with a Master’s degree in the field of Social Sciences (minimum 60 ECTS credits) Up to 12 credits
    Students from other areas with at least 24 ECTS credits in graduate training in Arts and Humanities 12-18 credits

    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.
    • Non-native Spanish speakers must give proof of knowledge of Spanish writing and speaking skills by providing either a DELE certificate (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera), granted by Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the corresponding Ministry of Education in Spain, or the SIELE GLOBAL certificate, issued by the International Service of Evaluation of Spanish Language. The minimum level required for admission is C1 (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). 
      Spanish skills will not be required for students who have completed undergraduate studies in Spanish in a Spanish-speaking country, provided that they give proof of completion of said background.
      Students with graduate or undergraduate studies in Spanish Philology, Hispanic Studies or analog degrees in a non-Spanish speaking country who do not have the DELE C1 certificate will have to do an assessment interview of their Spanish skills with the Academic Committee of the program before their possible admission.  
      Spanish skills will not be required to students whose doctoral thesis is to be done in English, provided that they give proof of C1 English level (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). This will not be required to students who have completed their studies in an English-speaking country. Students whose doctoral thesis is to be done in English who do not meet any of the previous two requirements will have to do an assessment interview of their Spanish skills with the Academic Committee of the program before their possible admission.

    Admission criteria

    The Academic Committee will consider the following aspects for admission:

    • Academic background of the applicant (Undergraduate studies, Graduate studies, Other Undergraduate or Graduate studies; Other studies). Weight: 40%.
    • Suitability of academic background (subjects, grades and language skills) for the lines of research of the Ph.D. program. Weight: 30%.
    • Research experience will be favorably assessed (publications, presentations in conferences, etc.). Weight: 10%.
    • Motivation, commitment to the program and research interests, as stated on a motivation letter by the applicant stating their interest in the Program and its lines of research. The applicant can additionally provide one or more letters of recommendation by a researcher from any university as proof of this commitment. Weight: 20%.

    The Academic Committee can request a personal interview with the candidate for a better assessment of the application.

    Seats available for the academic year: 30

  • FACULTY
  • TRAINING

    Specific training

     

    • Themed seminars. Mandatory training. 30 hours during the doctoral training period.

    Seminars taught by prestigious scholars collaborating with the Ph.D. program and by first-class international researchers. Given the renowned status of these researchers, the seminars can be occasionally hosted outside the University at other prestigious institutions of higher education.

    The program and contents of the seminars are published every year so that students can plan their schedule ahead. Participation may occasionally be concentrated in intensive two or three-day activities. Seminars are taught in English or Spanish, depending on the speaker.  

    Students must participate in these seminars throughout the first two years of their Ph.D. Part-time students will have two additional years to participate.

    The evaluation will consider the attendance and participation aspects, particularly the critical capacity and maturity of the students. Ph.D. advisors are responsible for the evaluation. To that effect, the coordinators of each activity will issue a certificate to be uploaded to the student’s Activities Document.

     

    • Doctoral thesis seminar. Mandatory training. 5 hours during the doctoral training period.

    Seminar hosted by the program on a six-monthly basis gathering Ph.D. students and advisors alike, in which the former present a preview of their research status for discussion. Advanced students may use chapters or articles submitted to journals or conferences in their presentations. This seminar, based on its nature and characteristics, varies every year. It is taught in Spanish or English.

    Students must attend one edition of these seminars throughout their doctoral training period, and give a presentation of their research during one of the last two courses. This requirement also applies to part-time students, who have two additional years to participate.

    The evaluation will consider attendance, quality of the presentations and active participation from the students in the form of questions and discussions. The coordinators of each activity are responsable for the evaluation. To that effect, they will issue a certificate to be uploaded to the student’s Activities Document.

     

    • Mobility program. Optional training*. 300 hours during the doctoral training period.

    Students can carry out at least three months of research visits at research centers in Spain or abroad of equal or higher quality than that of Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. The visits and activities proposal will be subjected to review and approval by the Academic Committee of the program. Students will preferably carry out their visit in research centers with an active scientific collaboration with the program, either formal (agreement) or informal (guest collaborations).

    The duration of these activities may vary, but it will not be less than one month in any case. They will not be carried prior to the second year of the Ph.D. Part-time students will have additional years to participate.

    Students must do a report of their visit upon completion, to be approved by the supervisor from the host center. This report, along with the report from the tutor or advisor, will become a part of the annual Ph.D. activity for the Academic Committee’s evaluation. To that effect, a certificate will be issued to be uploaded to the student’s Activities Document.

     

    *The international mobility program is mandatory for “Doctorado Internacional” eligibility purposes, as provided in general regulations (RD 99/2011) and specific regulations of the Doctoral School, art. 33.

    Further information:

     

     

    Research skills training

     

    Optional training. 6 credits during the doctoral training period.

    Research skills training focuses 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.). The Ph.D. advisor, in collaboration with the Academic Committee, will provide orientation to the students regarding the suitability of these activities. 

     

    Further information:

  • RESEARCH
    • Research Lines
      • Linguistics: morphology, syntax, lexicology-lexicography, pragmatics and discourse analysis. Synchronic and diachronic perspectives
      • Contemporary Hispanic theater and literature in its historical and cultural context
      • Theories of culture and theories of history, literature and linguistic communication
      • Philosophy and Cultural Criticism
      • Cultural Studies
      • Antiquity and Classical Legacy Studies
      • State, society and politics in the medieval, modern and contemporary world.
      • Tourism and Heritage Studies: Geography, Archaeology and Art
      • Spatial Processes in Border and Metropolitan Areas
    • Scientific results

      This is a sample of relevant publications derived from doctoral thesis work over the last years:

      • Thesis: Trayectoria artística de Josita Hernán: actriz, directora y profesora de teatro español (1914-1999)
        Author: Alba Gómez García
        Publication: “Un refugio cálido, sin censura: La Carbonera, el teatro ‘estudio’ de Piedad Salas (1952-1962)”. In: ALEC, Vol. 43.2, 87-110 (2018)
        ICDS Dissemination Index: 11.0
        Included in Arts and Humanities Citation Index, Scopus, IBZ Online, Periodicals Index Online, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, DIALNET.
      • Thesis: Los mosaicos funerarios de Túnez, España e Italia. Siglos III-VII
        Author: Luigi Quattrocchi   
        Publication: “Mosaici funerari Tardoantichi in Italia: repertorio e analisi”, Oxford: Archaeopress Publishing (2018)
      • Thesis: Biografía y obra creativa del pintor José Arencibia Gil
        Author: Germán Jiménez Martel
        Publication: “La Guerra Civil. José Arencibia Gil y otros artistas canarios”, Editorial Mercurio: Madrid (2018)
      • Thesis: Cuentos nuestros y cuentos de los otros: una metodología interpretativa del cuento como herramienta didáctica aplicada al análisis de Caperucita roja y sus cognados de Extremo Oriente
        Author: Jaime Antonio Gómez Blaya
        Publicationn: Cuentos nuestros y cuentos de los otros: una metodología didáctica aplicada al análisis de Caperucita Roja y sus cognados de Extremo Oriente. Madrid: FUNCAS. ISBN 978-84-17609-13-9 (2017)
      • Thesis: La autonomía como foco de detección de patologías sociales
        Author: Martín Fleitas González
        Publication: “¿Sólo hay realismo o constructivismo moral dentro del neokantismo contemporáneo? Notas para un fundamentación moral kantiana en base a la sola idea de libertad”, Ideas y Valores, vol. LXIV, n° 159, pp. 131-153 (2015)
        Incluida en SCOPUS, Index H 3
      • Thesis: The Experience of Cancer Illness: Spain and Beyond During the Second Half of the Nineteenth Century
        Author: Fanny Hernández Brotons
        Publication: “De los hospicios de la caridad a la Organización Mundial de la Salud: un siglo y medio de cuidados paliativos para enfermos de cáncer (1842-1990)”. In: Ricardo Campos Marín, Ángel González de Pablo, Mª Isabel Porras Gallo y Luis Montiel (eds.) Medicina y poder político: actas del XVI Congreso de la Sociedad Española de Historia de la Medicina, Madrid: SEHM y UCM, 433-437 (2014)
    • Scientific publications

      See below a list of relevant publications by the faculty of the PhD Program:

      • Alvar, J., Alvar, A. and Woolf, G. Sensorivm: The Senses in Roman Polytheism 2. Leiden, E.J. Brill, 2021. ISBN: 978-90-04-45973-1. Book Citation Index, Scopus, SPI
      • Branciforte, L. Donne in onda nel ventennio fascista tra modernità e tradizione (1924-1939) Soveria Manelli, Rubbettino editore, 2018. ISBN: 978-88-498-5525-8. SPI
      • Broncano, F. Espacios de intimidad y cultura material. Madrid, Cátedra, 2020. ISBN: 978-84-376-4100-3.
      • Camarero, M. G. y Cánovas, J. La realidad imaginada. La dirección artística de Félix Murcia en el cine español. Tres Cantos, Akal, 2018. ISBN: 978-84-460-4611-0. SPI
      • Castro, F. and Díaz Zarco, V. Povedano 1918-2018. Visita dialogada entre profesores y alumnos. Sugerencias para dinámicas participativas. Getafe, Instituto Universitario Agustín Millares de Documentación y Gestión de la información (UC3M), 2019. ISBN: 978-84-16829-34-7 
      • Checa, J. “Angélica Liddell y su ‘A’ de artista: una revisión crítica de La letra escarlata" Journal of Iberian Women Writers, nº 7, diciembre 2019, pp. 153-186. ISSN: 2340-9029. SCOPUS, ERIH PLUS, MIAR, Latindex
      • Conte, D. and Aventín, A. El bosque de los símbolos: corporeidad y analogía en la poesía hispánica contemporánea. Madrid, Biblioteca Nueva, 2018. ISBN: 978-84-17408-04-6.
      • Heras, B. (de las) y Fraile, T. La música en la pantalla: intersecciones entre la historia y el sonido fílmico. Madrid, Síntesis, 2019. ISBN: 978-84-917-1367-8.
      • Gaitán, A., Aguiar, F. y Viciana, H. Una introducción a la ética experimental: problemas, enfoques y método. Madrid, Cátedra, 2019. ISBN: 978-84-376-4144-7.
      • Galán; I. Il sogno di circonda. Perugia, Bertoni, 2020.  ISBN: 978-88-553-5117-1 
      • Garcés, M. P. Perspectivas teóricas y metodológicas en la elaboración de un diccionario histórico. Madrid, Iberoamericana. Editorial Vervuert, 2018. ISBN: 978-84-16922-89-5. SPI
      • García Álvarez, J. and Puente, P. Beneath the Lines. Borders and Boundary-Making from the 18th to the 20th Century Cham, Springer International Publishing, 2022. ISBN: 978-3-030-96903-5. Book Citation Index, SCOPUS, SPI
      • García Hernán, D. La guerra y la paz: una historia cultural. Madrid, Cátedra, 2019. ISBN: 978-84-376-4014-3.
      • García Pérez, R. and Morimoto, Y. De la oración al discurso: Estudios en español y estudios contrastivos. Berlín, Peter Lang, 2018. ISBN: 978-3-631-81407-9. SPI
      • Gómez Ramos, A. and Thiebaut, C. Las razones de la amargura: variaciones y tientos sobre el resentimiento, el perdón y la justicia. Barcelona, Herder, 2018. ISBN: 978-84-2544-190-5. SPI
      • González Calleja, E. Política y violencia en la España contemporánea (I). Tres Cantos, Akal, 2020. ISBN: 978-84-9104-684-4. SPI
      • Huguet, M. España en un dos caballos. Adolescentes y Transición. Madrid, Los Libros de la Catarata, 2021. ISBN: 978-84-1352-196-1. SPI
      • Neira, M. L. Música y danza "a escena" en el mundo romano (S.I a.C.-VI d.C.). Convivia y espectáculos. Madrid, Sílex, 2021: ISBN: 978-84-1907-704-2.
      • Pavón, M. V. and Morimoto, Y. “Posición de las subordinadas causales externas y partículas que las introducen: efectos interpretativos”. Revista Española de Lingüística, nº 49, noviembre 2019, pp. 49-70. ISSN: 0210-1874. FECYT Cuartil C4
      • Ribagorda, A. “Flores de Lemus, Antonio (1876-1941)”. Derecho ex cathedra. 1847-1936. Diccionario de catedráticos españoles, Madrid, Dykinson, 2019, pp. 160-166. ISBN: 978-84-1324-398-6. SCOPUS, SPI
      • Rodríguez López-Brea, C. M. y González Calleja, E. “José María Gil-Robles, el caudillo devenido en villano” Ludger Mees (ed.), Héroes y villanos de la patria, Madrid, Tecnos, 2020, pp. 291-324. ISBN: 978-84-309-7933-2. SPI
      • Romero, M. M. El legado de los emperadores hispanos. Sevilla, Universidad de Sevilla, 2018. ISBN: 978-84-472-2838-6.
      • Ruiz Franco, M. R. and Fuente, M. J. Mujeres peligrosas. Madrid, Dykinson, 2019.  ISBN: 978-84-1324-063-3. SCOPUS, SPI
      • Sánchez Pérez, F. “Milicias y voluntariado: de recrear su inexperiencia a recrear su experiencia” Ángel Bahamonde y Rosario Ruiz Franco (eds.), Los libros sobre la Guerra Civil, Madrid, Cátedra, 2021, pp. 51-83. ISBN: 978-84-376-4245-1. 
      • Verdú, D. A. and Schreckenber, S. (eds). Zwischen Aufbruch und Krise: Narrative Auseinandersetzungen mit der spanischen Transición und der deutschen ‘Wende‘, Heidelberg, Winter, 2022. ISBN: 978- 3-8253-4893-9. SPI
  • THESIS

    Thesis defense

     

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

    Universidad Carlos III de Madrid and the Doctoral School establishes the follow-up procedures to guarantee the quality of the doctorate's training and supervision. It also facilitates the procedures for the proper evaluation and defense of the doctoral thesis.

     

    Further information:

     

     

    Requirements for thesis defense

     

    To proceed to the thesis defense, the student must meet the following requirements:

    • Obtain approval of the thesis supervisor and the Academic Committee to proceed to the defense
    • Complete the complementary training (if required upon admission to the program)
    • Participate in the themed seminars hosted by the program
    • Submit a contribution to one edition of the doctoral seminars
    • Have at least one conference communication or a journal paper published (or accepted for publication). Both must be related to the thesis research topic.

    Only for 'Doctorado Internacional' eligibility purposes: Carry out a research visit of at least three months at a research center in a foreign country.

  • USEFUL INFORMATION
    • Overview

      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. The thesis must give account of the student’s scientific work and meet the quality standards established by the Academic Committee of the program. Theses are defended in a public dissertation event, where they are subjected to assessment by an expert committee.

      As a general rule, Ph.D. candidates must have been enrolled on their program for a minimum period of 24 months before initiating thesis defense proceedings.

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

      Once you get approval for your thesis defense by your tutor, advisor and Academic Committee, a minimum span of 8 weeks (excluding holiday periods) is usually required to go through these stages:

      1. Plagiarism management procedure
      2. Thesis deposit. Three weeks.
      3. Approval of thesis defense and appointment of Thesis Committee by the Dean of Doctoral School. One week.
      4. Defense session logistics. Three weeks.
      5. Thesis defense

      What is the plagiarism management 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 management procedure prior to the authorization of the defense.

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

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

      Further information:  Plagiarism management

      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 are signed, the Thesis Committee’s Secretary will appoint a date for the defense. The Doctoral School Office on campus will be in charge of the logistics of the event (room reservations, technical equipment, etc.) and the travel procedures of the committee members, when applicable.

      Additionally, the Postgraduate Office will submit a digital copy of the thesis to each member of the Thesis Committee at least 15 days prior to the defense session. This file will contain any allegation or comment submitted by the experts during the deposit period.

      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 is my thesis assessed?

      All Committee members must receive a copy of the thesis 15 days prior to the defense event.

      Once the Ph.D. candidate completes his/her dissertation, the Committee can provide feedback or pose questions. Their global assessment will be given in terms of Fail (No Apto), Pass (Aprobado), Good (Notable) or Excellent (Sobresaliente).

      Theses with an Excellent (Sobresaliente) grade are eligible for the cum laude distinction. The committee members will subsequently cast their votes via separate secret ballot in closed session. Only if all votes are favorable will the committee submit their proposal for the thesis to be awarded the cum laude distinction to the university Chancellor. In this case, each member of the committee will finally cast their vote, anonymously and in a sealed envelope, for the thesis to be considered for the Outstanding Thesis Award by Universidad Carlos III de 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 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 | Getafe Campus

    Carmen Martín Gaite Building, Office 18.0.A15
    C/ Madrid, 135
    28903 Getafe (Madrid)

    Contact