Applications and enrolment

The recommended admission profile for the PhD Programme in Economic History is that of students with an interest in the issues presented by the study of economic history and long-term economic development. They should possess motivation for research activities, the ability for reflection and critical analysis, and a creative spirit that drives them to pose new questions and problems.

Students must have advanced knowledge in the field of historical and/or economic reality, as well as knowledge of research methods in social sciences, and advanced training, of a specialized or multidisciplinary nature, aimed at initiation in research tasks. This training coincides with that generally acquired in the following Masters, taught in whole or in part by the participating universities:

• Interuniversity Master in Economic History from the Universities of Barcelona, and the Autonomous University of Barcelona.
• Master’s Degree in Institutions and Political Economy from the University of Barcelona.
• Master's Degree in Development, Institutions and Economic Integration from the University of Valencia.
• Master's Degree in Economic Development and Growth (MEDEG) from the Carlos III University.
•  Master's Degree in Social Sciences from the Carlos III University.
• Other Masters with similar content in the areas of History, Economics and other Social Sciences.

The adaptation of the content of each specific master's degree different from those mentioned above to the profile required for entry to the PhD programme will be determined by the Academic Committee of the programme.

Candidates must also have a good knowledge of English, with good oral and written comprehension skills.

The Academic Committee has set the following specific admission requirements for the standard admission pathways:

1. To be admitted to the PhD programe, students from the Interuniversity Master's in Economic History from the Universities of Barcelona and Autonomous University of Barcelona, the University Master's in Institutions and Political Economy from the University of Barcelona, the University Master's in Development, Institutions, and Economic Integration from the University of Valencia, the University Master's in Development and Economic Growth (MEDEG) from Carlos III University, and the University Master's in Social Sciences from Carlos III University must have obtained, at minimum, an average grade equal to or higher than 7 in their Master's studies and a grade equal to or higher than 7 in the Final Master's Project.

The Academic Committee will be responsible for assessing the candidates' academic records and determining whether they demonstrate the required level.

2. Candidates must provide official certification of English language proficiency (at level B2 or a recognized equivalent). Candidates who cannot provide official certification may be asked to demonstrate their language skills in a personal or online interview.

3. To be admitted, candidates must be scored at 70% or higher by the Academic Committee's evaluation.

Candidate selection criteria (on the basis of the following criteria, weighted as shown):

1. Academic experience acquired by the candidate in previous studies. The Committee will focus particularly on the standing of the issuing university and on the candidate's specific previous training in economics, history and economic history and in general research methodology. Candidates must demonstrate that they have sufficient training to begin a thesis on economic history. Weighting: 45%.

2. Curriculum Vitae. Credit will be given for previous knowledge of economics, history and economic history. In addition, the Committee will consider attendance of and participation in courses and academic conferences, participation in introductory research activities (research assignments, projects, publications, etc.) and experience of international study. Finally, credit will be given for teaching experience in economics, history, economic history and other related areas. Weighting: 30%.

3. Motivation letter: The motivation letter or statement of interest must clearly indicate the candidate's reasons for applying to the doctoral programme in Economic History. Credit will be given to candidates who present research proposalsorhighlight areas of interest in which they wish to work in the future. Credit will also be given for a particular interest in the research activities carried out by staff assigned to the doctoral programme. To clarify the reasons given in the statement of interest, some candidates may also be asked to attend a personal interview. Weighting: 20%.

4. Letters of recommendation by former lecturers or people who have had a close working relationship with the applicant. Credit will be given for letters of recommendation from former lecturers that describe the candidate's performance in specific subjects and on their course of study as a whole (the lecturer is usually asked to rate the candidate against other former students). Letters of recommendation must refer to the candidate's previous training, analytical skills and general motivation for learning. Weighting: 5%.

5. The candidate must have the commitment to be guided in their doctoral thesis by one of the program's professors.

The doctoral student can choose to complete the doctorate part-time or full-time. In both cases, the acceptance of the academic committee and the director is required. The option chosen, together with the advisor's acceptance, is explicit in the commitment document.

Deadlines and obligations each year:

Full-time dedication:

1. The deadline for the defense of the thesis in a period of four years (with the possibility of requesting a one-year extension, up to a maximum of five years).
2. Presentation of a follow-up report at the end of each course, starting with the second.
3. Annual presentation of the progress made in research in the doctoral student seminars each academic year, starting from the second.
4. Attendance at seminars and training activities indicated by the doctoral programme.

Part-time dedication:

1. Defense of the thesis over a period of seven years (with the possibility of requesting a one-year extension, up to a maximum of eight years).
2. Presentation of the research plan in the first year.
3. Presentation of a progress report at the end of each course, starting from the second year.
4. Annual presentation of the progress made in research in the doctoral student seminars each academic year, starting from the third year of the doctoral programme.
5. Attendance at seminars and training activities indicated by the doctoral programme.

In both cases, attendance at the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Barcelona is required. In the case of part-time dedication, this must be at least one month a year. Periods of absence from the Faculty must be decided in agreement with the advisor/s of the doctoral thesis.

In both cases, it is mandatory to formalize enrollment each academic year. Failure to do so will result in the student's permanent withdrawal from the PhD programme.