Doctorates

futurs-estudiants doctorates

Doctorates

The purpose of a doctoral degree is to train upper-level researchers through an in-depth examination of research methodologies, techniques and skills. The doctorate culminates with the drafting and presentation of a doctoral thesis which consists of original research supervised by a PhD who is recognised as an accredited researcher. Passing a doctoral programme will give the candidate the right to earn the PhD degree from the Universitat Ramon Llull, which is the highest level of higher education. Admission to doctoral studies requires a prior Master’s degree or 60 credits passed in official post-graduate programmes. In any event, students must have completed at least 300 credits between Bachelor’s and post-graduate studies in order to gain admission into a doctoral programme. Characteristics of the doctoral programmes within the Faculty are:

Faculty made up of researchers and instructors both from the Faculty and from other universities in Spain and by prestigious practising professionals. All instructors are notable representatives of the course’s subject of study.
Programmes with institutional and business support.
They are coordinated by prestigious researchers and professionals.
They admit a limited number of students in order to ensure the quality of instruction, participation and personalised treatment.
Master’s and doctoral students receive the URL university student card and have access to all the services of the Faculty.
The doctoral programmes have agreements and contacts with institutions and companies that guarantee professional development and research opportunities.

Here you will find all the information you need to access the doctoral studies offered by the Faculty. Click on one of the options of the menu below to see information on admission into doctoral programmes.

Calendar of application deadlines
- Results of the admission process
Admission requirements
Process of applying for admission
Enrolment
- General enrolment conditions
Contact the Students Information and Guidance Service

Calendar of applications deadline

Pre-enrolment for academic year 2022/2023

The process of applying for admission for academic year 2022/2023 begins on November the 24th 2021 and end on July the 1st of 2022, and the pre-enrolment will remain open if there are places available.

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Admission requirements

Doctoral programme in Psychology

In accordance with Royal Decree 99/2011 dated 28 January 2011 which regulates official doctoral programmes, the general rules for admission to the Doctoral programme in Psychology in the Blanquerna – URL School of Psychology, Education and Sport Sciences is the following:

To hold a university degree from a Spanish university or a university in a European Higher Education Area member state which authorises the holder to be admitted into the Master’s in accordance with the provisions of article 16 of Royal Decree 1393/2007, dated 29 October 2007, and to have passed at least 300 ECTS in all official university studies, at least 60 of which must be at the Master’s level.

To hold an official Spanish Bachelor’s degree worth at least 300 ECTS in accordance with the rules of EC law.

To hold a degree earned from a foreign educational system without the need for official approval after the university checks that this degree accredits an educational level equivalent to the official Spanish Master’s degree and that it authorises admission into doctoral studies in the country that issued it.

To hold another Spanish doctoral degree earned in accordance with previous university ordinances.

To hold a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) (Royal Decree 778/1998, dated 30 April 1998) or to have achieved Research Proficiency (Royal Decree 185/1985, dated 23
January 1985).

Specifically, based on the general admission requirements, the following are the paths of admission into the Doctoral programme in Psychology of the Universitat Ramon Llull.
1. To hold an official Spanish Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Psychology or to have passed 60 ECTS in an official Master’s programme in Psychology in Spain or another EHEA member country.
2. If the candidate has taken 18 ECTS in a research-oriented official Master’s programme or equivalent or holds the DAS or has achieved Research Proficiency, they may be directly admitted to the doctoral programme in Psychology.
3. If the candidate has taken 18 ECTS in a professional-oriented official Master’s programme or equivalent, the Academic Committee of the doctoral programme will determine what additional coursework they must take.

To hold a degree earned through a foreign educational system which fulfils section [c] of the general admission requirements, as long as the educational level is equivalent to the official Spanish Bachelor’s or Master’s in Psychology.
1. If the candidate has research training equivalent to 60 research ECTS from the Spanish university system, they may be directly admitted to the URL’s doctoral programme in Psychology.
2. If the candidate does not have research training equivalent to 60 research ECTS from the Spanish university system, the Academic Committee of the doctoral programme will determine what additional coursework they must take.

To hold a Bachelor’s in Psychology, to have passed with a positive evaluation at least two years in a specialised healthcare programme as a Psychology Intern Resident (PIT) after having secured the position via the corresponding entrance exam.
1. If the curriculum of the Bachelor’s in Psychology degree includes 18 ECTS in research training, they may be directly admitted to the Universitat Ramon Llull’s doctoral programme in Psychology.
2. If the curriculum of the Bachelor’s in Psychology degree does not include 18 ECTS in research training, the Academic Committee of the doctoral programme will determine what additional coursework they must take.

If the candidate holds another doctoral degree from Spain in line with previous university ordinances, once the candidate’s curriculum and motivations have been assessed the Academic Committee of the doctoral programme will determine whether they may directly enter the URL’s doctoral programme in Psychology.

The Academic Committee of the doctoral programme will determine the specific additional coursework needed for students who have been admitted to the programme but must take additional coursework. This coursework cannot be equivalent to more than 18 ECTS.

Doctoral Program in Education and Sport Sciences

In Accordance with Royal Decree 99/2011 dated the 28^th of January 2011 which regulates official doctoral programmes, the general rules for admission into the Doctoral programme in Psychology in the Blanquerna – URL School of Psychology, Education and Sport Sciences is the following:

To hold a university degree from a Spanish university or a university in a European Higher Education Area member state which authorises the holder to be admitted into the Master’s in accordance with the provisions of article 16 of Royal Decree 1393/2007, dated 29 October 2007, and to have passed at least 300 ECTS in all official university studies, at least 60 of which must be at the Master’s level.

To hold an official Spanish Bachelor’s degree worth at least 300 ECTS in accordance with the rules of EC law.

To hold a degree earned from a foreign educational system without the need for official approval after the university checks that this degree accredits an educational level equivalent to the official Spanish Master’s degree and that it authorises admission into doctoral studies in the country that issued it.

To hold another Spanish doctoral degree earned in accordance with previous university ordinances.

To hold a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) (Royal Decree 778/1998, dated 30 April 1998) of to have achieved Research Proficiency (Royal Decree 185/1985, dated 23
January 1985).
To hold a degree earned through a foreign educational system which fulfils section [c] of the general admission requirements, as long as the educational level is equivalent to the official Spanish Bachelor’s or Master’s in Psychology.
1. If the candidate has research training equivalent to 60 research ECTS from the Spanish university system, they may be directly admitted to the URL’s doctoral programme in Psychology.
2. If the candidate does not have research training equivalent to 60 research ECTS from the Spanish university system, the Academic Committee of the doctoral programme will determine what additional coursework they must take.
If the candidate holds another doctoral degree from Spain in line with previous university ordinances, once the candidate’s curriculum and motivations have been assessed the Academic Committee of the doctoral programme will determine whether they may directly enter the URL’s doctoral programme in Education and Sport Sciences.

Interinstitutional Doctorate of Educational Psychology

In accordance with Royal Decree 99/2011 dated 28 January 2011 which regulates official doctoral programmes, the general rules for admission to the Interinstitutional Doctorate of Educational Psychology in the Blanquerna – URL School of Psychology, Education and Sport Sciences is the following:

To hold a university degree from a Spanish university or a university in a European Higher Education Area member state which authorises the holder to be admitted into the Master’s in accordance with the provisions of article 16 of Royal Decree 1393/2007, dated 29 October 2007, and to have passed at least 300 ECTS in all official university studies, at least 60 of which must be at the Master’s level.

To hold an official Spanish Bachelor’s degree worth at least 300 ECTS in accordance with the rules of EC law.

To hold a degree earned from a foreign educational system without the need for official approval after the university checks that this degree accredits an educational level equivalent to the official Spanish Master’s degree and that it authorises admission into doctoral studies in the country that issued it.

To hold another Spanish doctoral degree earned in accordance with previous university ordinances.

To hold a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) (Royal Decree 778/1998, dated 30 April 1998) or to have achieved Research Proficiency (Royal Decree 185/1985, dated 23
January 1985).

Specifically, based on the general admission requirements, the following are the paths of admission into the Doctoral programme in Psychology of the Universitat Ramon Llull.
1. To hold an official Spanish Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Psychology or to have passed 60 ECTS in an official Master’s programme in Psychology in Spain or another EHEA member country.
2. If the candidate has taken 18 ECTS in a research-oriented official Master’s programme or equivalent or holds the DAS or has achieved Research Proficiency, they may be directly admitted to the doctoral programme in Psychology.
3. If the candidate has taken 18 ECTS in a professional-oriented official Master’s programme or equivalent, the Academic Committee of the doctoral programme will determine what additional coursework they must take.

To hold a degree earned through a foreign educational system which fulfils section [c] of the general admission requirements, as long as the educational level is equivalent to the official Spanish Bachelor’s or Master’s in Psychology.
1. If the candidate has research training equivalent to 60 research ECTS from the Spanish university system, they may be directly admitted to the URL’s doctoral programme in Psychology.
2. If the candidate does not have research training equivalent to 60 research ECTS from the Spanish university system, the Academic Committee of the doctoral programme will determine what additional coursework they must take.

To hold a Bachelor’s in Psychology, to have passed with a positive evaluation at least two years in a specialised healthcare programme as a Psychology Intern Resident (PIT) after having secured the position via the corresponding entrance exam.
1. If the curriculum of the Bachelor’s in Psychology degree includes 18 ECTS in research training, they may be directly admitted to the Universitat Ramon Llull’s doctoral programme in Psychology.
2. If the curriculum of the Bachelor’s in Psychology degree does not include 18 ECTS in research training, the Academic Committee of the doctoral programme will determine what additional coursework they must take.

If the candidate holds another doctoral degree from Spain in line with previous university ordinances, once the candidate’s curriculum and motivations have been assessed the Academic Committee of the doctoral programme will determine whether they may directly enter the URL’s doctoral programme in Psychology.

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Process of applying for admission

The process of applying for admission has two stages:

1. Pre-enrolment: Students may pre-enrol either in person in the faculty or online. When they enrol, the applicant will receive the corresponding receipt indicating the pre-enrolment code and information.

All applicants must attend an interview with the programme coordinator. The Academic Committee of the doctoral programmes will evaluate the information and choose the candidates bearing the following criteria in mind:

Assessment of the interview and documentation submitted (worth 50%)
Assessment of the curriculum vitae (worth 40%)
Assessment of the letter explaining motivations (worth 10%)

2. Enrolment: This implies acceptance of the place after being assigned it.

Online application

The form found at http://preinscripcio.blanquerna.url.edu must be filled out, following the procedure indicated. When pre-enrolling online, the pre-enrolment fee (100€) must be paid by credit or debit card using a secure, confidential process via Catalunya Caixa.

Before the deadline of the pre-enrolment process has elapsed, the following documentation must be submitted:

Photocopy of Spanish national ID (DNI), passport or Spanish foreign ID (NIE)
Academic record (original or certified copy) with the marks on the courses taken and the grade point average from the degree, if available when applying for the programme
- Applicants with degrees earned outside Spain: certified issued by the authorised body (university, embassy, consulate) accrediting that the previous degrees authorise the applicant to engage in Master’s or post-graduate studies in the country issuing the degree.
Curriculum vitae of the applicant
Letter explaining motivations
Research experience in the field (if applicable)
English level B2.1 or above (if applicable)
Letters of recommendation from researchers in a research group at the Universitat Ramon Llull (if applicable)

In-person application

Please provide the Student Information and Guidance Service with the following documentation:

Photocopy of Spanish national ID (DNI)
Academic record (original or certified copy) with the marks on the courses taken and the grade point average from the degree, if available when applying for the programme
- Applicants with degrees earned outside Spain: certified issued by the authorised body (university, embassy, consulate) accrediting that the previous degrees authorise the applicant to engage in Master’s or post-graduate studies in the country issuing the degree.
Curriculum vitae of the applicant
Letter explaining motivations
Research experience in the field (if applicable)
English level B2.1 or above (if applicable)
Letters of recommendation from researchers in a research group at the Universitat Ramon Llull (if applicable)
100 € for the pre-enrolment fee. This fee may be paid by credit or debit card.

International students

It is the student’s responsibility to have all the official documentation needed to live in Spain while they study at the university.

Applicants may request pre-admission documents along with their pre-enrolment receipt in order to begin the paperwork needed to secure visas, scholarships or any other procedure. This document in no way guarantees the student’s place in the programme if all the other entrance and admission requirements are not met.

Once the applicant has been admitted and has officially enrolled, if desired they may request an admission letter from the Academic Secretary's Office after paying the corresponding fee.

Please, feel free to contact the Students Information and Guidance Service for further information.

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Enrolment

Each applicant will be informed of their enrolment day and time along with the result of their admission. At the time of enrolment, they must bring the following documentation:

Certified copy of the degree that authorises them to pursue the doctorate or receipt of request for this degree.
1 passport-sized photo.

The Faculty does not guarantee that classes will be held if the minimum enrolment number is not met.

Enrolment is the final procedure to gain access to the doctorate course. Every candidate shall be individually informed of their enrolment date. Enrolment formalisation, including the payment of corresponding fees, represents that the applicant has finally been awarded the place. After enrolling, applicants shall have a period of the two following working days to pay for the total cost of enrolment via bank payment (either transfer or barcode). Once enrolment is formalised, fees paid cannot be refunded for any reason.

General enrolment conditions

With enrolment, a teaching services contract between the student and Fundació Blanquerna is entered into with all legal effects once payment is carried out. This payment is to be made within the following two working days after the enrolment date via the aforementioned payment methods.
Payment includes the corresponding insurance and for applicants under twenty-eight the compulsory school insurance.
Should applicants renounce to their place, they shall fully lose any quantity already paid.
Applicants accept IT services’ rules of use as established by Fundació Blanquerna.
The applicants’ personal data shall be included in an automated data file under the responsibility of Fundació Blanquerna to maintain and abide by this contract. Applicants are also informed that another use is to notify them about future activities of the Fundació, as well as to provide them with publications of this institution. In accordance with what Organic Law 15/1999, on the protection of personal data, establishes, students have the right to have access to them to update, rectify, cancel them or show their opposition to their processing, by sending a text where they shall specify what right they want to exert to the following address: Secretaria de la Fundació Blanquerna / Passeig de Sant Gervasi, 47 / 08022 Barcelona.

Note: This section is merely a summary of the general enrolment conditions and thus has no contractual value. In case of any discrepancy, please resort to the General Enrolment Conditions stipulated in the receipt generated when enrolling; this receipt formalises the contract between the applicant and Fundació Blanquerna; students can consult it at any time on their intranet.