PhD in Communication

Objectives, Competencies and Applicant Profile

Objectives

The doctoral program aims to develop the skills and competencies necessary to train high-level researchers able to carry out solid research in the field of Communication. Future doctors have to be able to identify the social needs in all areas of communication and develop research that responds to those needs. 

In general terms, the fundamental objectives are:

• To produce qualified researchers in the field of communication, as well as competitive professionals.
• To make the outcome of research available to wider society.
• To help improve the professional elements of the professional spheres of communication through innovation.
• To strengthen the links between the university and companies.

The specific training objectives are:

• To acquire greater methodological knowledge so as to be able to analyze the complex phenomena which characterize communication.
• To define the transversal and multidisciplinary conceptual framework which enables the interconnections between the various areas of communication to be thematized.
• To equip students with the ability to critically analyze, evaluate and synthesize new and complex ideas.
• To prepare professionals able to identify and study in-depth new concepts, techniques and pragmatics in the field of communication. 
• To enable students to communicate the results of research in accordance with academic requirements.

Competencies

General and basic competencies

• Systematic understanding of a field of research and mastery of the skills and research methods related to said field.
• Ability to conceive, design or create, put into practice and undertake a substantial creation or research process.
• Ability to contribute to the broadening of the frontiers of knowledge through original research.
• Ability to carry out critical analysis and evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas.
• Ability to communicate with the academic and scientific communities and with society in general about their research area in the ways and language typically used in the relevant international scientific community.  
• Ability to foster, in academic and professional contexts, scientific, technological, social, artistic or cultural advances within a knowledge-based society. 

Personal abilities and skills

• Ability to deal with contexts in which there is little specific information. 
• Ability to identify the key questions which need addressing in order to solve a complex problem. 
• Ability to design, create, develop and undertake new and innovative projects in the relevant area of expertise. 
• Be able to work both in a team and independently in an international or multidisciplinary context. 
• Be able to integrate knowledge, deal with complexity and formulate opinions with limited information 
• Criticism and intellectual defense of solutions. 

Other competencies

• Identify the constituent elements of the specific nature of the research in mass communication. 
• Develop the ability to understand the value and limits of the scientific method, have critical and self-critical reasoning, and be able to analyze and synthesize. 
• Generate new ideas with initiative and entrepreneurial spirit which enable new research subjects in the field of communication to be tackled.
• Develop the ability to work in a team in the research area, and the leadership skills necessary to develop projects, teaching and training others, and supervising their work.  
• Apply the codes of conduct and legal regulations with social responsibility and scientific integrity. 
• Apply the appropriate methodology and procedures of scientific investigation in the areas of communication.  
• Determine the objectives, design and development of research projects in areas of communication. 
• Use new knowledge, tools and technology from other research branches and areas, and integrate knowledge from other professional areas. 
• Exchange knowledge, communicate and collaborate in research projects, teams or networks, in order to broaden and deepen knowledge applicable to areas of communication. 

Information about Acces, Profile Applicant, Selection Process, How to Apply, Schedule and Contact in Admission.