Higher Education in Spain
Spain uses the European Higher Education Space (EHES) and divides academic degrees into three categories:
- Grade degrees – Undergraduate Studies
- University Master degrees – graduate studies
- Doctorate degrees – Postgraduate Studies
International students who want to study in Spain must pass the Spanish University’s Selectividad (entrance exam)
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Benefits of studying in Spain
Higher education institutions in Spain have been growing rapidly over the past two decades. Many universities in the country have very advanced and modern facilities that incorporate advanced technologies into the learning environment. At the master’s level, MBA degrees and other management and business-related degrees are especially popular and are recognized world-wide for their high quality. International students in Spain are multicultural, which 31% of them are from Latin America and another 5% are from North America. The language of study is mostly Spanish. Students who are not familiar with the official language of Spain (Spanish), can participate in language introduction courses in Spain before the beginning of their bachelor’s and master’s degree courses at the university. Spanish institutions offer a wide variety of courses for learning Spanish, ranging from one – month long immersion courses to full-time academic courses.
Spanish universities
Spain has 81 universities, which about 50 of them are public and the rest are private. Universities are located all over the country and all international students will be accepted for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate studies (PhD and master’s and bachelor’s degrees.) Students can get a master’s degree from all disciplines, including the humanities and arts, health sciences, basic sciences, social sciences law, engineering, and architecture. As mentioned, Spanish universities have a high level of quality, and the top five and most prestigious universities in this country are the University of Valencia, the University of Barcelona, the Polytechnic University of Valencia, and the University of Vigo.
Postgraduate studies in Spain
Due to the current economic situation in Spain, post-graduate employment within Spain is less likely than before. Graduates of master’s programs may also want to consider follow-on work in a doctoral program or applying for research positions at officially recognized research centers. The quality of education is very high in Spain. Spain not only offers higher education to students but is also a good choice for international students for academic achievement, it is a good destination for a modern and healthy lifestyle, it has a very pleasant climate, a diverse culture and modern cities. To study for a PhD in Spain, one must have a master’s degree relevant to his/her bachelor’s degree. PhD degrees in Spain include programs and courses like seminars and researches, which are under the supervision of the faculty. Once students complete their business degree program, they are able to take a course in business administration. These programs are based on research with various topics such as research design, theory of practice and…. Doctoral or postdoctoral courses are courses that are offered to students after completing their dissertations and research courses. Entering these courses usually requires a master’s degree, and students will graduate after defending their thesis/dissertation.
PhD structure in Spain
The structure, content and duration of PhD programs in Spain have relatively strict rules according to the course and supervision. The following section contains detailed information about the PhD structure in Spain, supervision of PhDs in Spanish universities, the assessment and grading of PhDs in Spain and the language requirements for PhD students in Spain. The doctoral program in most Spanish colleges consists of two stages (ciclos). Usually in the first year, which includes a formal course includes 60 ECTS credits. This type of program is designed to provide advanced research training to ensure that you have the required knowledge to complete your PhD. During this time, you will also start your research project. For the rest of the program, you will focus on writing your thesis and dissertation under the supervision of some experts who have been appointed to supervise you in your field. Full-time PhD studies last for a maximum of three years in Spain, and Part-time PhD programs last for five years. You should be aware that these courses are set quite precisely, an extension may be granted upon application.
Supervision for PhD students in Spain
Supervision for the doctoral program in Spain follows a similar approach to other countries. One or more faculty members are designated by the Commission, one as your professor or supervisor and the other as your thesis director. The supervisor is in charge of the university and the thesis director has a formal interaction with the academic commission during your program. The thesis director is responsible for the quality and success of your training activities. This includes identifying and meeting your training needs and supervising the progress and quality of your research. Your mentor/supervisor and thesis director may be two different people or one faculty member. Your supervisor will also be responsible for various formalities related to your education and PhD in Spain. After getting admission into the doctoral program you will sign a written agreement with the university, your supervisor and master. Your responsibilities as a participant in the doctoral program and your rights, are written in this agreement. You will also retain your personal portfolios during your studies. This will record your research and training activities and will be monitored and evaluated by your monitoring team.
Assessment of PhD students in Spain
The scientific commission and your thesis director will assess your progress through your personal activity portfolio. This will usually include a formal assessment outside of what you have completed at the beginning of the program (60 ECTS). However, you need to meet the requirements of your academic committee on a regular basis so that you can continue teaching your dissertation. If your personal activity portfolio receives a negative evaluation, you will usually reapply for a second evaluation in a specified time. If the academic committee does not accept it, you may have to leave the program. After completing your thesis, you need send it to the person in charge of your dissertation (thesis director) and a date will be specified for your defense. During this period, your dissertation will be in general condition. This allows other scientists in your field to review their work with yours and send you their feedbacks before your defense. This may seem a bit strange, but it shows the quality of higher education and the commitment of the academic community in Spain. Also any advice you receive will be helpful in preparing you for your defense. After the thesis is completed, it is given public status to allow fellow researchers to review your work. The public defense session takes place in front of a board of expert examiners, most of which will be external to your university.
Language requirements for PhD programs in Spain
These courses are currently taught in English, but students who are studying for a PhD in Spanish universities will certainly benefit from the ability to speak Spanish. This will allow you to communicate with your co-workers more effectively and makes everyday life in Spain easier (and much more enjoyable). The language requirements depend on your field of study and university. PhD students in Spanish universities are required to take first- and second-level courses. This may include submitting a formal research proposal or personal project to provide experience and explain the individual’s level of profession in the program. In some cases, the student may also be interviewed. And the universities must publish detailed information about their admission and application processes on their websites.
The required documents to study for a PhD in Spain
Spain follows precise instructions regarding the required documents. Documents that are issued abroad usually need to be translated into Spanish. This can be done by some diplomatic representatives of the country and consulates (in the embassies of Spain abroad or embassies of other countries in Spain). Official freelance translators also offer these services in Spain.
Application process
The academic courses in Spain often start from September to May, but some universities may start enrollment in late October. Although the start of doctoral applications varies but most institutions, suggest that applicants tend to apply for admission and registration between January and May. The actual starting point of the PhD course and its applications is according to the timetable and educational components and dependents on it. Universities share their information on their websites.
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