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What is the difference between master's degrees and doctoral programmes?

Master's degrees are becoming the normal route for admission to doctoral programmes. For admission to a doctoral programme, you will need to hold a master's degree or have passed 60 credits in official postgraduate programmes. You must have completed a minimum of 300 credits, whether in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, to take a doctoral programme.

Those who complete an official master's degree - normally with a research specialisation - can take a doctorate, which includes writing and presenting a doctoral thesis as an original research project. It is advisable in any case to check whether the doctoral programme you are interested in can be accessed via an official master´s degree.

While the new, official master's degrees have not been fully implemented, universities will continue offering the current doctoral studies, for which the conditions remain the same as before.

If I am currently taking a doctoral programme, can I change to the new official master's degree?
Yes, a procedure for adapting to the master's degree has been put in place. Anyone who has partially completed a doctoral programme can enrol in a master's degree. The master's degree coordinator will decide on the validation of the credits corresponding to the courses and work done in the doctoral programme.

What if I'm taking my doctoral studies at another university? Can I still change to the new official master's degree?
Yes, a validations system has also been set up so you can do this. You can find out more information from the Graduate School (preinscripcio.postgrau@uab.cat).
 

 

 

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