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Law

  • Inicio

    Director

     

    Prof. María José Santos Morón

     

     

     

    About the program

     

    The strategy of the Ph.D. in Law has a practical orientation aimed at both knowledge of special and unique subjects and the preparation of research capacity, whether in the academic or professional field, taking into consideration the needs and the situation of research in the field of law science.

    The program pursues the training and development of the research skills necessary for the pursuit of an academic career in the university environment as well as preparation for professional legal research.

     

    • Program regulated by RD 99/2011, January 28

    Departments

     

     

    Tomás Quadra-Salcedo
  • ACCESS

    Candidate profile

    Candidates should have an interest in pursuing a deeper knowledge of legal matters and the development of research aimed at addressing the new legal challenges of today's society.

    A good academic background is required (with a minimum average B grade, Spanish "notable", in the previous degree), as well as a certified high English level. Knowledge of other languages ​​will be considered valuable, especially those commonly used in legal research (French, Italian, German).

    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

    The Academic Committee of the program considers the following criteria for the merit-based selection and admission process:

    • Academic transcript of previous studies (minimum average score: B, 7/10). The average score must be stated on the transcript according to the grading system applied in its case.
    • Curriculum Vitae
    • English skills or, where applicable, skills in other European languages (minimum: B1 or equivalent). Official certificate is required as proof.
    • Two letters of recommendation by professors from this or other institutions stating the capacity and competence of the candidate
    • Relation of the thesis project with the lines of research of the PhD Program. The thesis project must be endorsed by a UC3M professor specialized in the subject matter of said project.

    Candidates whose native language is other than Spanish are required to provide an official certificate stating a minimum B2 level in Spanish (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages-CEFR). This will not be required from students who have completed higher education studies in Spanish in a Spanish speaking country.

     

    Candidates with an academic background in other fields of knowledge must submit a thesis project stating the connection of their previous education with the Law area. This project must be endorsed by a professor of this program.

    The program considers the following access profiles, depending on which the Academic Committee can demand the completion of complementary training in their resolution of admission. This training consists of methodology classes of research masters at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid ( Master's Degree in Civil Liability for candidates with an academic or research profile; Master's Degree in Advanced Studies in Public Law). Complementary training is completed by students over one semester (as a general rule, from early September to late December) in face-to-face sessions in Spanish.

     

    Access profile  Complementary training
    Candidates with a Master's Degree in Law (research) Not required
    Candidates with a Master's Degree in Law (academic, professional or with no research training) Up to 18 ECTS credits
    - Up to 12 ECTS in methodology subjects of uc3m Master's degrees in Law research
    - Up to 6 ECTS in research work on subjects that are different from the PhD thesis project.
    Candidates with a Licenciatura (former Bachelor's degree) in Law Up to 18 ECTS credits
    - Up to 12 ECTS in methodology subjects of uc3m Master's degrees in Law research
    - Up to 6 ECTS in research work on subjects that are different from the PhD thesis project.
    Candidates with an academic background in other areas Up to 40 ECTS credits
    - Subjects of methodology of law and theory of law in UC3M Master' degrees in research in the Law area.
    - Specific subjects related to the topic of the PhD research project. These subjects are to be carried out in the aforementioned Master's degrees.

     

    Seats available for the academic year: 45

    Resolutions of admission are announced every three months.

     

    Deadline for applications for admission for first semester (September onward): 20th of July (23:59 h., Spanish peninsular time) 
    The decision of the Academic Committee will be notified, respectively, in June and in the first half of September.

    Deadline for applications for admission for the second semester (March onward) : 31st of January (23:59 h., Spanish Peninsular Time) 
    The decision of the Academic Committee will be notified, respectively, in the first half of December and the first half of March.

  • FACULTY
  • TRAINING

    In addition to the elaboration of the doctoral thesis, students must take some training aimed at complementing (if necessary) and improving their research skills as well as ensuring the scientific quality of their research work. This is structured around three types of training.


    Complementary training

     

    Required only for students who have this training as a requirement in their resolution of admission. Complementary training is completed by students over one semester (as a general rule, from early September to late December) in face-to-face sessions in Spanish. Further information on the "Access" section.

     


    Specific training

     

    Required for all students of the program.

    These activities consist of seminars and conferences organized by the Law departments of the university that tutors and directors of thesis consider adequate for their student's line of research.

    It is required to attend a minimum of two conferences on Philosophy of Law and Theory and Methodology of Law, one conference on non-legal subjects and five conferences or seminars or conferences on the different legal disciplines. As a general rule, these activities must take place at this university, but those organized by other universities or institutions (such as Real Academia of Legislación y Jurisprudencia) can be accepted.

     

     

    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 2 credits (20 hours approximately) throughout the doctoral training period.

    Please note: Attendance to seminars or conferences on legal subjects at uc3m or other institutions only qualifies as specific training; under no circumstances will it be eligible for research skills credit recognition.

     

    Further information: 


     

  • RESEARCH
    • Research Lines

      Impact of new technologies on corporations

      • FAR (Freedom and Regulation - Law and Private will in the Shaping of the Markets)
      • New technologies and corporations
      • New technologies and PYMES
      • Industrial property and new technologies
      • International commercial arbitration

       

      Group of International Private Law

      • Aeronautical Law
      • Illegal circulation of cultural property
      • International contracts
      • Competition Law
      • International Civil Procedure Law
      • Family and Successions Law

       

      Globalization, integration process and international cooperation

      • Current changes in the international community and its legal system
      • Current problems of International Economic Law and development cooperation
      • Globalization, integration process and international cooperation
      • International protection of human rights of people and disadvantaged groups
      • Human rights, law state and democracy

       

      Urban activity and territorial cohesion: environment, Public Health and risk management​

      • Territorial and urban policy
      • Urban planning, climate and environmental management
      • Sustainability and environment
      • Public policy and governance
      • Legal regime of economic activities

       

      General interest services, economic activity and public intervention

      • Public policy and governance
      • General interest services, economic activity and public intervention
      • Legal regime of economic activities
      • Spanish Constitution and European integration

       

      Labour Law, econonomic changes and new society​

      • Labour Law, econonomic changes and new society
      • Social Security and prevention of occupational hazards
      • Moral work harassment
      • Social protection in international labour relationships

       

      Challenges of civil law in XXI century

      • Contracts, consumers and digital environment
      • Tort law and unjust enrichment
      • New perspectives in the patrimonial and family field
      • Intelectual property and new technologies 

       

      Administration of justice and its tools​

      • Social Security and prevention of occupational hazards
      • Administration of justice and its tools
      • The activities of the administration of justice
      • Efficacy and efficiency of the administration of justice
      • Mediation, negotiation and resolution of conflicts 

       

      Public comparative Law

      • Public policy and governance
      • Electoral Law
      • Parliamentary Law
      • Public comparative Law
      • Human rights, law state and democracy
      • Impact of economic integration in intern and international models of protection of Human Rights
      • Constitutional Justice
      • Public Freedoms and Rights in Spanish Constitution and International Declarations

       

      Main problems of Criminal Law

      • International protection of human rights of people and disadvantaged groups
      • Main problems of Criminal Law
      • Political offense and terrorism
      • Criminal Law and new technologies
      • Legal ethics
      • Import and export of cultural goods

       

      Human rights, Law State and democracy

      • Current Changes in the international community and its legal order
      • Human rights, Law State and democracy
      • Legal ethics
      • Equality, non-discrimination and unprotected groups
      • Politic Philosophy

       

      Current problems of Tax Law

      • International Taxation
      • Taxation and energy and environmental policy
      • Current problems of Tax Law

       

      Historical foundations of European culture

      • Historical evolution of Private Law
      • Rhetoric and legal argumentation
      • Metaphorical use of legal language in literature and the common language
      • Values shared by society and Law
      • Genesis and development of legal disciplines
      • History of codification
    • Scientific results

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

      • Thesis: The principle of legality in international law: a study towards the reconciliation of justice and legality
        Author: Alejandro Lerena García
        Publications: 
        1. Lerena García, Alejandro, and Gustavo De la Orden Bosch. ‘Obstáculos y Avances de La Justicia Transicional En España: Del Olvido a La Memoria Democrática’. In Las Deudas Pendientes de Iberoamérica En Materia de Memoria, Justicia y Reparación, edited by Joaquín A. Mejía Rivera, 25–60. Honduras: Editorial Guaymuras, 2022.
        2. Lerena García, Alejandro. ‘Reconciliar justicia y legalidad en contextos de justicia transicional: (Reconciling justice and legality in transitional justice contexts)’. Oñati Socio-Legal Series 12, no. 5 (2022): 1053–80.  
        3.         Lerena García, Alejandro. ‘Overview of the Argentine Lawsuit against the Crimes of the Franco Regime: Outcomes and Challenges’. Journal of Political Sciences & Public Affairs 9, no. 12 (2021): 1–12
      • Thesis: The application of the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods to sales of commodity-type goods // La aplicación de la Convención de las Naciones Unidas sobre los Contratos de Compraventa Internacional de Mercaderías a compraventas de materias primas
        Author: Carlos Eduardo Fujita
        Publications: 
        1.  The application of the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods to sales of commodity-type goods. Haia, Eleven International Publishing, 2022.
        2. CISG e commodities: a aplicação da CISG a contratos de compra e venda em mercados de alta liquidez in Schwenzer, Ingeborg; Guimarães Pereira, Cesar A.; Costa e Silva, Paula (org.). A CISG, Brasil e Portugal: Convenção das Nações Unidas para os Contratos de Compra e Venda Internacional de Mercadorias. 2. ed. São Paulo, Almedina, 2022.
      • Thesis: Estado de cultura e intervención en el mercado del arte
        Author: Carmen Camblor de Echanove
        Publication: La intervención del Estado en el mercado del arte, Tirant lo Blanch y Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Valencia, 2021. ISBN 978-84-1355-822-6.
      • Thesis: La participación de la víctima menor de edad en el sistema de justicia:  una aproximación restaurativa
        Author: Jessica Laura Jullien de Asís
        Publications:
        1. La participación de víctimas menores de edad en el proceso penal. Tirant lo Blanch, 2023. ISBN: 978-84-1147-631-7.  
        2.         Avanzando hacia una justicia integral para víctimas menores de edad, en, de Lamo, Irene (Ed.), Lo personal es jurídico. Apuntes para pensar el derecho desde la teoría feminista, Atelier, 2022, pp.81-99,  ISBN 97-88418-78075.
        3. La reparación de las víctimas en la justicia juvenil, en Pillado González, Esther (Dir.), La víctima en el proceso penal de menores. Tratamiento procesal e intervención socioeducativa, Dykinson, 2021, ISBN 978-84-1377-938-6.  
        4.Jullien de Asís, Jessica, “Ventajas y desventajas de la justicia restaurativa en la victimización infantil”, Revista UNIVERSITAS, nº39 (2022), pp. 86-118
      • Thesis: La restitución de la ganancia.  Responsabilidad civil y enriquecimiento injustificado
        Author: Lorena María Arismendy Mengual
        Publications: 
        1.         Arismendy Mengual, Lorena María: “Capítulo 6. La restitución por intromisión en derecho ajeno. Aproximación comparativa entre el Derecho colombiano y el Derecho español”, en “Santos Morón, María José, Mercader Uguina, Jesús Rafael; del Olmo García, Pedro (Dir.)., Nuevos retos del derecho de daños en Iberoamérica”, I Congreso Iberoamericano de Responsabilidad Civil, Tirant lo Blanch, 2020.  
        2.         Arismendy Mengual, Lorena María; Crespo Mora, María Carmen: “Indemnización y restitución en el artículo 140 TRLPI. Reflexiones a partir de la STS 30 septiembre 2019 (RJ 2019,3625)”, Revista de propiedad intelectual, 67, 13-48, 2021.
      • Thesis: El derecho de protección de datos personales y la industria de la salud digital
        Author: Lorena Pérez Campillo
        Publications: 
        1.        Implicaciones éticas de la aplicación de la tecnología en el sector de la salud digital. Especial mención a la protección de datos personales en big data, inteligencia artificial, IoT y blockchain, en Revista General de Derecho Administrativo, ISSN-e 1696-9650, Nº. 60, 2022
        2. Dataísmo (de la salud), tecnología y privacidad, Revista de derecho y genoma humano: genética, biotecnología y medicina avanzada, ISSN 1134-7198, Nº 57, 2022, págs. 183-216
        3. Una aproximación al big data y al blockchain sanitario y su implicación en la protección de datos personales, Revista de derecho y genoma humano: genética, biotecnología y medicina avanzada, ISSN 1134-7198, Nº Extra 1, 2019 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Uso de datos clínicos ante nuevos escenarios tecnológicos y científi cos. Oportunidades e implicaciones jurídicas), págs. 547-567
      • Thesis: Fiscalidad de la energía nuclear
        Author: María de los Ángeles Díez Moreno
        Publications:
        1.         Monografía: - Tributación de la energía nuclear del futuro. Centro de Estudios Financieros, ISBN: 978-84-454-4559-4. Madrid. 2023  
        2. Capítulo 6 Green hydrogen mitigates the EU’s energy dependence and leads to climate neutrality in 2050 en el libro Taxation and the Green Growth Challenge dirigido por COMELLI, ALBERTO.  
        3. La conformidad al Derecho de la Unión Europea del Impuesto sobre el valor de la producción de energía eléctrica a pesar de su dudosa naturaleza jurídica y su finalidad recaudatoria. Análisis de la STJUE de 3 de marzo de 2021, asunto C-220/19. Revista de Contabilidad y Tributación . N.º 459 de junio de 2021 
      • Thesis: Hacia un nuevo modelo de Derecho de Familia: Análisis de las figuras y herramientas emergentes/Towards a new model of Family Law: Analysis of the emerging figures and tools
        Author: María del Pilar Vilella Llop
        Publications:
        1.         Monografía Hacia un nuevo modelo de derecho de familia: Análisis de las figuras y herramientas emergentes, Dykinson, 2021. ISBN 978-84-1377-534-0
        2. Análisis de la Ley Orgánica de protección integral a la infancia y la adolescencia frente a la violencia en España: los derechos de los menores implicados en procedimientos judiciales en materia de familia. Revista sobre la infancia y la adolescencia, 2022, no 22, p. 84-97.
        3. La ley del divorcio, 40 años después;: otra forma de abordar el conflicto familiar. OTROSÍ.: Revista del Colegio de Abogados de Madrid, 2021, no 9, p. 40-41
      • Thesis: Derechos Fundamentales y Trabajo Autónomo
        Author: María José Landaburu Carracedo
        Publication: Monografía : Derechos fundamentales, estado social y trabajo autónomo, 2023, Editorial Bomarzo,
      • Thesis: La necesaria reforma del sistema legitimario: hacia una mayor libertad de testar
        Author: María Patricia Vives Velo de Antelo
        Publications: 
        1. Monografía:- Razones para mantener la legítima y propuesta de regulación, ed. Fundación del Notariado, en prensa.
        2. “Acerca de los derechos sucesorios del cónyuge viudo: una perspectiva comparada con el Derecho italiano”, Cuadernos de Derecho Transnacional (índice de impacto 0,55), ISSN-e 1989-4570, vol. 14, nº1, 2022, págs. 504-524.
        3. “La legítima y el deber de respeto a los padres”, Anuario Jurídico Secciones del ICAM 2021, RIBÓN SEISDEDOS, E. (coord.), ISBN 978-84-1388-083-92021, 2021, págs. 165-177.
    • Scientific publications

      This is a sample of relevant scientific publications by the faculty:

      Urban activity and territorial cohesion: environment, Public Health and risk management​​

      Group of International Private Law (ACCURSIO)

      Globalization, integration process and international cooperation​

      Impact of new technologies on corporations

      • Marta García Mandaloniz; Fernando Javier Ravelo Guillén "Empresas de tecnología e innovación en el sector asegurador : en transformación y en tránsito con las empresas insurtech"; Revista Española de Seguros n. 191 (2022) 

      General interest services, economic activity and public intervention

       Labour Law, econonomic changes and new society

      • Daniel Pérez del Prado "El debate europeo sobre el trabajo en plataformas"; Trabajo y Derecho n. 77 (2021) SCOPUS Impact: 0,185
      • Jesús Rafael Mercader Uguina "La información algorítmica en el ámbito laboral: consideraciones sobre la guía práctica sobre la obligación empresarial de información sobre el uso de algoritmos en el ámbito laboral"; ACTUM social n. 182 (2022)

      Challenges of civil law in XXI century

      Administration of justice and its tools​​

      • Raquel López Jiménez "Algunas cuestiones relativas a la protección de las personas físicas en el tratamiento de datos personales en materia penal. La transposición de la Directiva 2016/680 por la Ley 7/2021, de 26 de mayo"; Revista de derecho y proceso penal n. 63 (2021)

      Public Comparative Law

      Main problems of Criminal Law​

      • Jacobo Dopico Gómez-Aller "Interrogantes sobre la libertad de expresión a la altura de 2022"; Teoría y Derecho n. 32 (2022)

      Human rights, Law State and Democracy​

      Current problems of Tax Law

      Historical Foundations of European culture

      This is a sample of relevant chapter and book publications by the faculty:

      • Book: Comentario al nuevo Reglamento (UE) Bruselas II Ter, relativo a la competencia, reconocimiento, y ejecución de resoluciones en materia matrimonial y de responsabilidad parental, y sobre la sustracción internacional de menores; Ed. Tirant Lo Blanch S.L. (2023)
        Author: Esperanza Castellanos Ruiz (Director) 
        Line of research: International Private Law
      • Chapter: Consumidor y nuevas tecnologías : privacidad y protección de datos
        Book: Derecho de consumo; visión normativa y jurisprudencial actual; Ed. Tecnos (2022)
        Author: María José Santos Morón
        Line of research: Challenges of civil law in XXI century
      • Chapter: Criminal law and the risks posed by Internet. An examination of Spanish Criminal law  
        Book: Security and defence: ethical and legal challenges in the face of current conflicts (2022)
        Author: María Pilar Otero González
        Line of research: Main problems of Criminal Law​
      • Chapter: El derecho internacional, el derecho humanitario y la guerra
        Book: ¿Hacia un nuevo orden mundial?: La guerra de Ucrania y sus consecuencias (2022)
        Author: Félix Vacas Hernández
        Line of research: Globalization, integration process and international cooperation​
      • Book: Futuro y retos jurídicos de la Unión Económica y monetaria europea Ed. Tirant Lo Blanch S.L. (2022)
        Author: Francisco Javier Donaire Villa (Director) 
        Line of research: Comparative public law
      • Chapter: Hacia la consecución de un sistema equilibrado de justicia: la potenciación de los métodos adecuados de resolución de conflictos en el proyecto de ley de eficiencia procesal.
        Book: Justicia restaurativa y medios adecuados de solución de conflictos; Ed. Dykinson S.L.  (2022)
        Author: Helena Soleto Muñoz
        Line of research: Administration of justice and its tools​​
      • Chapter: Los futuros posibles del arbitraje tributario internacional
        Book: Cuestiones actuales y conflictivas de la fiscalidad internacional; Ed. Wolters Kluwer España S.A. (2022)
        Author: David Ramos Muñoz
        Line of research: Impact of new technologies on corporations
      • Chapter: El canon hidroeléctrico
        Book: Estudios sobre la Ley de residuos y suelos contaminados para una economía circular; Editorial Aranzadi S.A. (2022)
        Author: Enrique Ortiz Calle
        Line of research: Current problems of Tax Law
  • 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:


     

  • USEFUL INFORMATION
    • 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. 

       

      Information of interest:

      Cuatrecasas Program in Doctorate and Legal Practice

      Doctoral Training Scholarships

       

      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 25/26 academic year
      Admission application deadline: February 1st through August 31st 2025 (23:59 h., CET) 
      PhD start date: November 15th 2025
      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.

      You may find all the information regarding the Thesis defense process in the following website.

      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.

      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.

      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. 

      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.

      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.

      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: 2012-2013

      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