Doctorate in Architecture
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Doctorate in Architecture at Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC) trains researchers and specialists to address societal challenges within architecture. Students delve into research lines such as sustainable urban living, innovative construction systems, and architectural composition. The program emphasizes ethical considerations, incorporates students into research groups, and offers career opportunities in research and specialized roles within the field.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Doctorate in Architecture at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC) aims to train researchers and specialists capable of addressing societal problems within their field, promoting the generation of innovative knowledge for the benefit of society. Students will receive training enabling them to conduct studies that delve into the understanding of all dimensions affecting architecture at various levels, as well as the different dynamics of the human and technological systems in which it is embedded. The program offers a wide range of research lines, including scales that study landscape and city planning; innovative construction systems; content that works on architectural composition, history, and heritage; and new subjects in sustainability, cooperation, citizen participation, and public health. The program also seeks to address current theoretical and methodological challenges, contributing new knowledge to improve the systems in which architecture develops from a scientific and ethical perspective. It advocates for architecture and urban planning where innovation can coexist with different cultures without exclusion, from a humanist perspective that combines science and the arts. The incorporation of doctoral students into different research groups is also an objective, to specialize and expand the specific content of each line. The existence of specific external commissions to the UIC during the thesis preparation process guarantees the quality of the research and increases the possibility of creating scientific networks around the thesis, which is very helpful for the doctoral student. Doctoral students will gain a deeper understanding of various scales and environments within architectural disciplines, such as landscape and city planning, building design, innovative construction systems, content related to composition, architectural history and heritage, and new subjects in sustainability and cooperation. Instead, it describes research areas:
- GRC Sustainable Urban Living: This sub-line focuses on sustainable recovery and displacement, community-based urbanism (including citizen use and perception of rivers, citizen-based river groups, and citizen science), and healthy aging and co-production of green environments.
- Laboratori d'Innovació Tecnològica en Edificació Industrialitzada i Sostenible (LITEIS): This sub-line investigates innovative construction systems using ceramic elements, structural mechanics of historical buildings (including sacred heritage and space conditioning), energy efficiency of buildings and the environment, structural analysis and design, and architecture and health. It involves the application of genetics to architecture from both real, natural, and biological perspectives and metaphorical, artificial, and digital viewpoints using CAD-CAM technologies and AI. The program also includes mandatory courses:
- Year 1: Seminar on ethical criteria of scientific research and other ethical issues related to research, science, technology, and professional practice.
- Year 2: Course on databases, indicators, and evaluation of scientific production; advanced course on intellectual property protection and technology transfer.
- Year 3: Research seminars. Optional courses include:
- Year 3: Workshop on writing articles for specialized and popular publications; workshop on writing a research project and applying for funding.
Assessment:
The text mentions the annual evaluation of the doctoral student's activity document (DAD) and the development of each student's research plan by the Academic Doctoral Commission (CAD). The CAD is also responsible for the final approval of the doctoral thesis before its defense. The Specific Doctoral Commission (CED) evaluates the quality and viability of the research plan, potentially rejecting it if deemed inadequate. The CED assesses aspects such as the scientific objective of the research plan, methodology, timeline, communication skills, and ability to answer critical questions.
Teaching:
The program involves the incorporation of doctoral students into different research groups. The text highlights the involvement of external experts in the CED, ensuring quality and expanding scientific networks. Teaching methods are not explicitly detailed, but the course descriptions suggest a mix of seminars, workshops, and potentially independent research under the supervision of faculty members.
Careers:
The text doesn't explicitly detail specific career paths, but implies that the program prepares graduates for research positions and specialized roles within the field of architecture, potentially leading to leadership positions in research projects. The program emphasizes a humanist perspective combining science and arts, and the importance of ethical considerations in research. The program also aims to foster collaboration and networking through the involvement of doctoral students in research groups and the external evaluation process.
- Matrícula anual al programa: 915€
- Drets del dipòsit de la tesi doctoral: 850€
- Drets de lectura i defensa de la tesi doctoral: 1.500€
- Sol·licitud del títol de Doctor: 315€
Introduction to UIC Barcelona
UIC Barcelona is a private university founded in 1997 and located in Barcelona, Spain. It is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and strong ties to the business and professional world. The university operates across two campuses: one in Barcelona and another in Sant Cugat del Vallès. UIC Barcelona is known for its Christian humanist ideology and offers pastoral care through its Chaplaincy Service, reflecting its values of ethics and social responsibility.
Academic Programs
UIC Barcelona offers a wide range of programs, including undergraduate degrees, master’s programs, PhD programs, and continuing education. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in health sciences, architecture, business administration, and law. It also provides double degrees and international programs, with over 300 exchange agreements with universities worldwide.
International Focus
With students from over 99 nationalities, UIC Barcelona fosters a multicultural and inclusive environment. The university emphasizes global perspectives through its international agreements, mobility programs, and courses taught in English, Spanish, and Catalan. This international outlook prepares students for global careers and cross-cultural collaboration.
Research and Innovation
UIC Barcelona is committed to advancing knowledge through research and innovation. Its faculty members are engaged in cutting-edge research across various fields, including health sciences, architecture, and social sciences. The university also collaborates with industry partners to ensure that its research has practical applications and societal impact.
Student Support and Campus Life
UIC Barcelona provides a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and a student-to-teacher ratio of 8.75:1. The university offers extensive support services, including career guidance, internships, and accommodation assistance. Students can also participate in cultural, sports, and social activities, enriching their university experience.
Employability and Alumni Network
The university boasts a 93.75% employability rate, thanks to its strong connections with the professional world. UIC Barcelona has over 5,197 work placement agreements with companies and a network of 20,000 alumni. These connections provide students with opportunities for internships, job placements, and networking.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
UIC Barcelona invests €5.5 million annually in scholarships to attract talented students. These scholarships support academic excellence, international mobility, and social commitment. The university also collaborates with organizations like Banco Santander to provide additional financial aid and research opportunities.
Community Engagement
UIC Barcelona is dedicated to making a positive impact on society. Through its university clinics, such as the Dental Clinic, Psychology Clinic, and Palliative Care Clinic, the university provides essential services to the community while offering students hands-on experience in their fields.
Location and Campus Facilities
Located in Barcelona, one of Europe’s most dynamic cities, UIC Barcelona offers students access to a vibrant cultural and social environment. The university’s modern facilities, including state-of-the-art labs and simulation centers, enhance the learning experience.
Vision and Mission
UIC Barcelona’s mission is to transform society through the transfer of knowledge. The university aims to educate ethical leaders and professionals who are committed to making a positive impact on the world. Its vision is rooted in academic rigor, humanism, entrepreneurship, and an international outlook.
Entry Requirements:
The recommended profile for doctoral students includes:
- A degree (Bachelor's or Master's) related to architecture at all conceptual and scalar levels.
- Prior experience in developing research work.
- A vocation for arts, techniques, sciences, or research.
- A good level of language skills.
Admission Criteria:
The Academic Committee for Doctoral Studies (CAD) will select candidates based on the following weighting:
- Academic record, curriculum, and prior research experience: 40%
- Disciplinary affinity with research lines: 10% (research plan proposal)
- Personal interview: 20% (letter of support)
- Good level of languages: 20% (minimum B1 level of English, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
- Letter of motivation for enrolling in the doctorate: 10%
Language Proficiency Requirements:
A minimum B1 level of English (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is required.
