Doctoral programmes

A group of university students sitting around a table talking

The University of Granada is firmly committed to excellence across all of its doctoral programmes – excellence delivered by expert teaching staff with a solid scientific and technical track record who participate in major research projects at national and international level. We have long-standing experience in educating doctors and supporting candidates in producing high-quality theses with an international impact.

1. A high-ranking university

National and international rankings reflect the UGR’s outstanding position among the top universities in Spain and the best in the world. The 2019 Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)—the most influential system of its kind on the globe—places the UGR as the fourth-highest ranked university in Spain and among the top 300 institutions in the world.

In total, 35 subjects taught at the University feature in the 2019 ARWU. Three of these UGR subjects feature among the world top 50.

2. World-class research

The UGR is internationally renowned for its excellence in diverse research fields, such as ICT (world top 50), health sciences, mathematics, cultural heritage, psychology, and linguistics, among others. Its 500+ research groups work in all areas of scientific knowledge, collaborating closely with other national and international leaders, as well as key industries.

In 2019, the UGR set a new record, with 35 academic subjects taught at our institution featuring in the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities. Particularly noteworthy are the University’s achievements in the subjects of Library & Information Sciences (36th worldwide); Food Science & Technology (37th worldwide); Mining and Mineral Engineering (47th worldwide), Computer Science & Engineering (global top 76-100); and Mathematics (global top 76-100).

We find a similar trend reflected in another leading ranking system — the 2019 CWTS Leiden Ranking — in which the UGR is currently ranked 5th in Spain.

3. A truly international experience

The UGR is the most popular global destination among European exchange students (Erasmus+) and the European leader in figures of both incoming and outgoing Erasmus students. It is a welcoming cosmopolitan university; about 30% of those enrolled on our doctoral programmes are international students.

Moreover, as a doctoral candidate at the UGR you will have the opportunity to participate in an extensive range of mobility programmes, thanks to the exchange agreements we maintain with higher education institutions in over 100 countries.

By completing a research period abroad, you can also obtain an “International Doctorate” Mention, greatly enhancing the value of your qualification.

4. A wide range of programmes and degrees

The UGR offers an extensive selection of high-quality academic programmes with a clear international vocation. In the academic year 2019-2020 the UGR will offer over 100 master’s degrees; 18 of which in international partnerships, as well as 28 doctoral programmes in three interdisciplinary schools.

5. Outstanding services and facilities

The UGR offers top-quality services for its students and staff, covering all aspects of university life (world-class research facilities, accommodation options, well-stocked libraries, high-speed Wi-Fi, canteens, disability services, sports facilities and many more). Our International Welcome Centre (IWC) caters directly to the needs of international doctoral candidates, researchers, postdocs and visiting staff — before, during and after their mobility period at the UGR.

6. Language learning opportunities

Students can learn Spanish and other languages alongside the 8,000 local and international students who enrol each year on courses offered by the UGR’s Modern Languages Centre, Confucius Institute (Chinese) and “Russkiy Mir” Russian Centre.

7. An ideal university city

Granada, a safe modern city, also has an outstanding geographical location just 40 minutes from the Mediterranean Coast with its tropical climate, and 30 minutes from the Sierra Nevada ski resort. The University merges with the city, its schools and campuses distributed throughout Granada, giving the city a lively student atmosphere (56,000 students in a city of 240,000 inhabitants). The UGR is also an intercontinental university, since it has campuses in both Granada and North Africa (Ceuta and Melilla).

8. A culturally and historically rich city

Granada is an enchanting city, full of monuments, history and, of course, the University. Along with its charm, its many cultural and recreational activities make it a great city to explore and a magnificent destination for students from around the world. Granada offers a wide range of cultural activities including festivals of flamenco, jazz, tango, theatre, poetry, magic, music, and dance.

The world-renowned Alhambra and Generalife palaces, which form the backdrop of Granada’s cityscape, are widely regarded as being among the most outstanding examples of Islamic architecture in the world. In 1984 these palaces, along with the labyrinth-like historical quarter known as the Albaicín, became UNESCO world heritage sites, further adding to Granada’s reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Doctoral School in Health Sciences (EDCS)

Doctoral School in Humanities, Social Sciences and Law (EDHCSJ)

Doctoral School in Science, Technology and Engineering (EDCTI)

Generally speaking, in order to apply to a doctoral programme at the University of Granada you must hold a bachelor’s degree issued in Spain or an equivalent qualification issued abroad, as well as a master’s degree.

Foreign applicants must hold a degree issued in accordance with their national education system, but do not require official recognition of their qualifications (in Spanish: homologación de títulos extranjeros) by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, provided the degree proves a level of training which is equivalent to that of an official master’s degree (postgraduate level) in Spain and entitles you to enrol on a doctoral programme in the country in which it was issued.

Please note that before applying online you must first consult the specific entry requirements on the webpage of the doctoral programme in which you are interested..

For comprehensive information on entry requirements for doctoral programmes at the UGR please visit:

International School for Postgraduate Studies: Entry requirements

For information on how to complete the online self-registration process please download this PDF:

Online registration in doctoral programmes 2020-2021

The application period for UGR doctoral programmes typically runs between July and October every year, while an extraordinary application period (for vacant places on programmes) normally runs from January to February every year. Please note that the 2020-2021 academic calendar still has to be ratified by the Governing Council and, accordingly, the following dates may be subject to modification.

Regular application period 2020-2021

Application period	2 Jul 2020 – 8 Oct 2020*
Publication of provisional list of successful and unsuccessful applicants	3 Nov 2020
Review and appeal period	Until 11 Nov 2020*
Publication of definitive list of successful applicants	25 Nov 2020
Registration period	25 Nov 2020 - 10 Dec 2020*

* The deadline is 24:00 (midnight) Spanish time (GMT+2)

Extraordinary application period 2020-2021

Please note that applications submitted during the extraordinary application period will only be accepted if there are vacant places remaining on the doctoral programme in question.

Application period	08 Jan 2021 – 28 Jan 2021*
Publication of provisional list of successful and unsuccessful applicants	11 Feb 2021
Review and appeal period	Until 19 Feb 2021*
Publication of definitive list of successful applicants	26 Feb 2021
Registration period	26 Feb 2021 – 11 Mar 2021*

* The deadline is 24:00 (midnight) Spanish time (GMT+2)

Please visit the website of the International School for Postgraduate Studies for further information on the UGR’s doctoral programmes: International School for Postgraduate Studies

Important notice regarding our Covid-19 protocols:

For information related to Covid-19 protocols at the UGR, including communiqués, advice and practical information, please visit: Covid-19 Action Plan at the UGR

You can find extensive information on a wide range of topics related to studying and living in Granada in the following guides:

Guide for International Researchers (available in English and Spanish)

Information for our partner universities

Entity	International School for Postgraduate Studies
Website	http://escuelaposgrado.ugr.es/doctorado/index
Email	General information about programmes: @email Entry requirements and admissions: @email
Phone	+34 958 241000 / +34 958 248043 / +34 958 220548
Address	Avenida de Madrid, 13, 18012 Granada
Opening hours	09:00 – 14:00 from Monday to Friday

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