Higher education in Spain is divided into three levels. The first level is composed of a Bachelors degree that provides a scientific and conceptual framework and also the basic qualifications to fulfil a job. The next level is the Masters degree. This supplies an in-depth specialization in your chosen field and is further subdivided into two categories - professional degree or a research degree. The professional masters provide students with an advanced knowledge for developing their careers. on the other hand, a research masters is focused on offering analysis and skills for better accessibility to continue with PhD studies. Now, a Doctor of Philosophy degree, abbreviated as Ph.D., is the highest academic degree anyone can earn. Society shows respect for a person who holds this position by addressing them with the title 'Doctor' or 'Dr'. For this, you need an approved Masters Degree or a postgraduate degree equivalent. A doctorate degree takes at least two years of research and you must complete a thesis and a viva during this period. An approved thesis is published online on the Spanish database known as Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion.
Doctorate Degree In Spain
If you have made up your mind about pursuing a Ph.D. program in Spain, then read on. Information on the details of a doctorate degree in Spain is as mentioned below.
PhD Programs in Spain
- Enrolment in an official doctorate program in Spain requires you to obtain a minimum of 60 credits in the graduate program as well as an official university Masters degree. In any case, a minimum of 300 credits for undergraduate and graduate studies is necessary.
- The current doctorate (PhD.) studies in Spain consist of two basic periods of education:
- The first period is again divided into two steps. The first one includes a teaching period of 20 Spanish credits. out of this, each credit has a total of 10 lecture hours. A student can choose from a combination of lectures ranging from fundamental to methodological topics. The second one is a research period of 12 credits. During this time, the candidate develops an original research project, under the supervision of a doctor or a supervisor/guide. The duration of the first phase of PhD. is typically 2 years. Also, the research project is presented and evaluated by a tribunal to obtain the Diploma of Advanced Studies (DEA, Diploma de Estudios Avanzados).
- Since the second half of your Ph.D. is entirely dedicated to research work, it is important. You have to carry out an original research under the supervision of a guide who defines your objectives, reviews specific literature and develops or applies newer methods to your existing plans. Your superior also helps you in analysing and interpreting results and formulations of specific conclusions related that you have derived.
- The thesis is written in a particular format that is unique to a doctoral dissertation. It is defended and evaluated by a tribunal composed of 5 doctors where atleast 3 of them are affiliated to different institutions or universities. The duration of this period is variable, but an average of two years of full time dedication is considered standard.
- The criteria based on which your Ph.D. degree is awarded to you is: Ph.D. program structure (justification, originality and appropriateness), research background, mobility programs and quality assurance.
- Doctorate degrees in Spain are offered in the fields such as arts and humanities, sciences, health sciences, social sciences and law, engineering and architecture.
Thousands of students come in every year to study in Spain. If you are looking for an advanced degree to better your career, then you may want to consider your options here. Apart from the beaches, islands and historic museums, Spain has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Also, among the European countries, Spain has the fourth lowest cost of living!