PhD in Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation

The program aims at providing students with advanced knowledge and skills in these areas in order to do research, development and innovative work oriented towards the Ph.D. thesis.

General objectives:

• Initiation in research within the lines established by the participating departments
• The promotion of research within the areas of the program
• The promotion and development of research in the participating departments

Student profile

The Ph.D. program is intended for students with a background in engineering and science, with an interest in research and development of knowledge, with critical thinking and communication abilities and an interest in the promotion of scientific and technological advancement. It requires intellectual curiosity to address with creativity and imagination issues that have not yet been resolved or about which little is known.

The program is conducted in Spanish, but knowledge of English at a minimum level of B1 (CEFR: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is convenient for international activities included in the program and will be essential for many activities such as management of scientific documentation and literature, writing papers, attending conferences, lectures and seminars, visits to foreign universities and eventually writing and defense of the Ph.D. thesis. Knowledge of Spanish at B1 level is also recommended.

Admission requirements

This program is aimed at students with a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering or Engineering Technology in Systems and Automation, an undergraduate degree preferably in the same area, or an equivalent background. Students with undergraduate degrees in telecommunications engineering and physics are considered if they have Master studies within the scope of the program. Applicants with different backgrounds may be admitted conditional on going through additional training.
To enter the Ph.D. program applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent and a Spanish Master's degree, or higher education European degree.

Students with an official undergraduate degree or equivalent and a Spanish Master's degree in the fields of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Systems Engineering and Automation may enter the Ph.D. program without additional training.

Students with different backgrounds may also be admitted, provided they meet the requirements of the current legislation to access Ph.D. programs and their previous training is deemed sufficient by the Academic Committee, possibly together with additional training to supplement areas of knowledge related to the program.

Admission criteria

Admission decisions are made following specific criteria set by the Academic Committee within the general framework that is detailed in the following. The Coordinator of the Academic Committee will implement the criteria and will periodically report to the Academic Committee.

Selection will be based on the merit and ability of the candidates, for which the following criteria will be considered:

• Education: the relevance of their research to the program, prestige of the institution from which they have graduated and academic record. Maximum Value: 50 points
• Research career. Maximum Value 25 points.
• Letter of recommendation from a faculty member with a commitment to thesis supervision and approval from a department. Maximum Value: 25 points

The criteria and procedures for admission for part-time students are the same as those for full-time students.