Basic Competences

Graduates of the Doctoral Programme are expected to acquire the following basic competences:

a) A systematic understanding of a field of study and mastery of the research skills and methods associated with that field.

b) The ability to conceive, design, implement, and adapt a substantial process of research or creative work.

c) The ability to contribute to the advancement of knowledge through original research.

d) The ability to undertake critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of new and complex ideas.

e) The ability to communicate effectively with the academic and scientific community, as well as with society at large, about their areas of expertise using the formats and languages commonly employed within the international scientific community.

f) The ability to promote scientific, technological, social, artistic, or cultural advancement within academic and professional contexts in a knowledge-based society.

Personal Skills and Abilities

Graduates are expected to demonstrate the following personal skills and abilities:

a) The ability to work effectively in contexts where only limited specific information is available.

b) The ability to identify the key questions that must be addressed in order to solve complex problems.

c) The ability to design, develop, and lead novel and innovative projects within their field of expertise.

d) The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within international and multidisciplinary environments.

e) The ability to integrate knowledge, address complexity, and formulate well-founded judgements based on incomplete or limited information.

f) The ability to critically evaluate and defend proposed solutions through reasoned academic argumentation.

Programme-Specific Competences

No additional programme-specific competences are defined.

The requirements for access to doctoral studies are set by the RD 99/2011, of 28 January. In general, access to the programme is open to those who hold an official Spanish Bachelor's and Master's degree or equivalent, having passed a minimum of 300 ECTS credits in these two degrees.

Students with a foreign degree issued by a country included in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) may apply for admission directly (info). If the degree was issued by a non-EHEA country, the application for admission with a foreign degree that has not been recognised (info) must be submitted.

Interested parties can find more information about acceso and admission at the Doctoral School section and at the administrative office of the programme (see contact details in the general information section of the programme).

Interested students can obtain further information about

General Information

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for doctoral studies are established by Royal Decree 99/2011 of 28 January, which regulates official doctoral studies in Spain. In general, applicants must hold an official Spanish Bachelor's degree and an official Master's degree (or equivalent qualifications), having completed a minimum of 300 ECTS credits across both programmes.

Applicants holding a non-homologated foreign degree awarded by an institution within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) may apply directly for admission. Applicants holding a degree awarded outside the EHEA must first apply for access to doctoral studies with a non-homologated foreign qualification, in accordance with the procedures established by the corresponding university.

Further information on access and admission procedures is available from the Doctoral School and from the administrative office of the Doctoral Programme.

Programme-Specific Information

Number of Places

The Doctoral Programme offers the following number of places:

• University of Zaragoza: 7 places during the first year of implementation and 8 places in subsequent years.
• Public University of Navarre: 7 places during the first year and 8 places thereafter.
• University of La Rioja: 5 places during the first year and 6 places thereafter.
• University of Lleida: 4 places during the first year and 5 places thereafter.

Recommended Entry Profile

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's and/or Master's degree—preferably with a research orientation—in a discipline related to Global Health, including Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Ecology, Economics, Education, Management, or other relevant fields.

Given the multidisciplinary nature of Global Health, the Academic Committee of the Doctoral Programme will evaluate the suitability of each applicant's academic background. This assessment will be based primarily on the applicant's undergraduate and postgraduate education (particularly the Master's degree providing access to doctoral studies) and its relevance to the research line in which the doctoral research is expected to be carried out.

Applicants admitted to the programme are expected to possess:

a) Fundamental knowledge in one or more scientific fields related to Global Health, including Health Sciences, Social Sciences, or Ecology.

b) Basic technical, methodological, and analytical skills appropriate to their disciplinary background.

c) English language proficiency equivalent to at least Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Applicants whose primary language is neither Spanish nor English must demonstrate a minimum B2 level in either Spanish or English as a specific admission requirement.

Admission Procedure

The Academic Committee of the Doctoral Programme is responsible for evaluating applications and making admission decisions.

Applications must be submitted within the deadlines established annually in the academic calendar, following the procedures published on the websites of the participating universities of the Campus Iberus consortium.

Applicants must submit the following documentation:

• A completed application form.
• Official academic transcripts.
• A curriculum vitae, together with supporting documentation, including:
  • full postal address, telephone number, and email address;
  • postgraduate and Master's programmes completed;
  • previous scientific output (journal articles, conference presentations, etc.);
  • participation in research projects;
  • research scholarships or fellowships awarded; and
  • evidence of English language proficiency.

• A Statement of Research Interest, describing the proposed doctoral research. This document must be between 500 and 2,000 words and should include:

  • the research objectives and/or hypotheses;
  • the proposed methodology, including study design, variables, measurement methods, and planned procedures;
  • a clear explanation of how the proposed research addresses the Global Health perspective by considering the interactions among human, animal, and environmental health;
  • the research line within the Doctoral Programme to which the project belongs.

  The document must also include the signed endorsement of a prospective doctoral supervisor.

  The relevance of the proposed research to the Global Health framework, its alignment with one of the Programme's research lines, and the supervisor's signed endorsement are mandatory requirements for admission.

  Applicants may also include a brief personal statement (maximum 200 words) explaining their motivation for undertaking doctoral studies.

• A justified request for part-time enrolment, where applicable.
• A request for reasonable adjustments to the admission process for applicants with disabilities or specific educational needs.
• Proof of the qualification granting access to doctoral studies (only when the qualification was obtained at a university other than the one where admission is being requested).
• Applicants holding non-homologated qualifications and/or degrees awarded outside the EHEA must provide all legally required documentation necessary for evaluation by both the Academic Committee and the competent authority at the corresponding university.

Following the assessment of the application, the Academic Committee will determine whether the applicant should complete any additional training prior to admission. The Committee may admit the applicant directly, admit the applicant subject to complementary training requirements, or reject the application, providing a reasoned decision.

Admission Assessment Criteria

Selection Criteria

Where the number of eligible applications exceeds the number of places available, the Academic Committee will rank applicants according to the following criteria, with a maximum score of 100 points:

A minimum score of 60 points is required for admission.

1. Academic Record (Maximum 50 points)

The applicant's academic record will account for up to 50 points. The score may be weighted according to the relevance of the degree granting access to the programme.

The following will be considered:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent): up to 30 points.
• Master's degree: the overall Master's grade will contribute up to 20 points.

2. Statement of Research Interest (Maximum 20 points)

The Statement of Research Interest will be assessed on the basis of:

• coherence and scientific quality of the proposed research;
• the applicant's knowledge of the chosen research area, taking into account their academic background;
• the suitability of the proposal for one of the Programme's research lines.

3. Research Grants or Fellowships (Maximum 10 points)

Applicants who have previously held a competitive research initiation grant, research contract, or predoctoral fellowship awarded through a regional or national competitive call will receive up to 10 points.

4. Previous Research and Professional Experience (Maximum 15 points)

Additional research experience and/or professional experience related to the Programme will be evaluated as follows:

• Conference presentations: up to 5 points.
• Scientific publications: up to 5 points.
• Participation in research projects: up to 5 points.

Relevant professional experience will also be considered, with 3 points awarded for each year of experience, up to the maximum established for this criterion.

5. Language Proficiency (Maximum 5 points)

Accredited proficiency in languages of scientific relevance beyond the minimum admission requirements will be assessed, with a maximum score of 5 points.

Interview

Where necessary, the Academic Committee may invite applicants to an interview in order to clarify aspects of the documentation submitted or to obtain additional information relevant to the admission process.

Enrolment Procedure

Doctoral candidates, as both researchers in training and students of the participating universities, are required to renew their enrolment annually throughout the duration of their doctoral studies by paying the corresponding academic supervision fees.

The enrolment period will be established each academic year in accordance with the official academic calendar.

As a general rule, enrolment is completed online through the Virtual Student Office of the corresponding university, once applicants have obtained the required personal identification credentials. Applicants who are unable to complete the process online may enrol in person at the administrative office of the Doctoral Programme during normal office hours.

Both first-time enrolment and subsequent annual renewals require the submission of supporting documentation relating to previous academic qualifications. The documentation required depends on whether the qualifications were obtained within or outside the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

The websites of the participating Doctoral Schools provide comprehensive and regularly updated information regarding enrolment procedures, tuition and supervision fees, exemptions, insurance, document legalisation and translation requirements, and other practical aspects of doctoral registration.

Support for Students with Disabilities

The Doctoral Programme is committed to ensuring equal opportunities and full participation for students with disabilities or other specific educational needs.

The Academic Committee will assess individual requests for curricular adaptations, alternative learning pathways, or other reasonable adjustments necessary to enable successful participation in the Programme. Appropriate academic support and advisory services will be provided whenever required.

The assessment process and the implementation of any necessary adjustments will follow the procedures established by the participating universities. Where appropriate, the competent university bodies may request technical reports or seek advice from occupational health services, healthcare authorities, or other relevant public institutions.

In addition, the participating universities provide specialised disability support services dedicated to promoting accessibility, equal opportunities, and the full inclusion of students with disabilities in university life. These services also work to raise awareness and foster an inclusive academic environment throughout the university community.

Applicants requiring disability-related accommodations should indicate their needs when submitting their application for admission or contact the Programme Coordinator directly. Specific admission procedures and support measures will be implemented to ensure that applicants with disabilities have equitable access to the Doctoral Programme.

Complementary Training

Applicants whose academic background differs from the recommended entry profile described above may be required to complete bridging (complementary) training, as determined by the Academic Committee of the Doctoral Programme according to the specific knowledge and skills identified as lacking.

Bridging training may include:

• Research methodology.
• Global Health and the determinants of health.

In all other cases not explicitly covered above, the Academic Committee will evaluate the applicant's previous academic background on an individual basis and determine the complementary training requirements considered appropriate.

The Academic Committee may require applicants to complete up to 12 ECTS credits of Master's-level courses related to Global Health, the determinants of health, and research methodology in the health sciences. These courses will be selected from the Master's programmes offered by the universities of the Campus Iberus consortium.

Courses related to Global Health may be taken through the Official Master's Degree in Global Health offered by the University of Zaragoza, while research methodology courses may be selected from the official Master's programmes in the Health Sciences offered by the participating Campus Iberus universities.

When determining the most appropriate complementary training, the Academic Committee may also take into consideration recommendations made by both the doctoral candidate and the proposed doctoral supervisor.

Enrolment Procedure

Doctoral candidates, as researchers in training and students of the University of Zaragoza, are required to renew their enrolment annually throughout the duration of their doctoral studies by paying the corresponding academic supervision fees. The enrolment period is established each academic year in accordance with the official academic calendar.

As a general rule, enrolment is completed online through the Virtual Student Office of the University of Zaragoza, after obtaining a personal identification number (NIP) and password through the University's Identity Management Service. Applicants who are unable to complete the online procedure may enrol in person at the Doctoral School during normal office hours.

Both first-time enrolment and subsequent annual renewals require doctoral candidates to submit documentation relating to their previous academic qualifications. The documentation required depends on whether those qualifications were obtained within or outside the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

Comprehensive and up-to-date information regarding the enrolment procedure—including key dates, tuition and academic supervision fees, fee reductions, insurance, document legalisation and translation requirements, and other practical matters—is available on the website of the Doctoral School.

Doctoral students, as researchers in training and students of the University of Zaragoza, must register annually with the corresponding fees for the academic supervision of the doctoral programme while they continue their doctoral training. The enrolment period will be the one established for this purpose in the calendar of the corresponding academic year.

As a general rule, enrolment will be done online through the Virtual Secretariat of the University of Zaragoza, having previously obtained a personal identification number (PIN) and password from the identity management service of the University of Zaragoza. Those who are unable to enrol online will be allowed to do so in person by going to the Doctoral School Section during opening hours. For the first, second and subsequent enrolments, doctoral students will have to present various documents about their previous studies, depending on whether they have been studied in countries within or outside the European Education Area.

The website of the Doctoral School provides complete and updated information about the enrolment procedure including key points, prices, discounts and insurance,  legalisation and translation of documents and various practical details.

The procedures for the supervision of students on the programme are set out in article 11 of Royal Decree 99/2011 regulating doctoral studies. Thesis supervision is also covered by Title I of the Regulations on Doctoral Theses of the University of Zaragoza.

Doctoral students admitted to the programme will register annually for academic supervision at the University of Zaragoza. The academic committee of the programme will assign a thesis supervisor and a tutor, who may or may not coincide. The thesis supervisor will be responsible for the overall management of the student's research tasks, for the coherence and suitability of the training activities, for the impact and novelty of the subject matter of the doctoral thesis in his/her field, and for guiding the planning and, where appropriate, its adaptation to that of other projects and activities in which the student is enrolled. The tutor is responsible for ensuring that the training and research activity is in line with the principles of the programme and the Doctoral School and will ensure the interaction of the PhD student with the programme's Academic Committee, the body responsible for supervising the progress of the research and training and for authorising the presentation of the thesis of each PhD student on the programme.

The supervision of doctoral students will be set out in the Doctoral Charter which, once enrolment has been completed, will be signed by the doctoral student, his/her tutor and supervisor, the programme coordinator and the director of the School for Doctoral Studies. For further information on thesis supervision, please contact the programme's administrative office (see contact details in the programme's general information) or the programme coordinator.

The mechanisms for monitoring doctoral students are in accordance with the provisions of Article 11. Doctoral supervision and monitoring of RD 99/2011, of 28 January, which regulates official doctoral studies.

Before the end of the first year of enrolment, the PhD student must present a document that includes the research plan and the personal training plan. This may be improved and detailed throughout their stay on the programme and must be endorsed by the supervisor and tutor.

The research plan shall include, at least, the methodology to be used and the objectives to be achieved, as well as the means and timetable for achieving them.

The personal training plan will contain a forecast of the different training activities to be carried out during the doctoral thesis (courses, seminars, mobility actions, etc.).

The activities document is the record of all the activities - stays, courses, attendance at conferences, etc. - that the PhD student carries out from enrolment in the doctoral programme until the submission of the doctoral thesis.

These documents, as well as the director's and tutor's reports, are managed through the doctoral management application, SIGMA.

The academic committee of the programme will annually evaluate the progress of the doctoral student in terms of his/her research plan and the activities document together with the reports that the director and tutor must issue for this purpose. A positive evaluation will be a prerequisite for continuing on the programme. In the event of a negative evaluation, the PhD student must be evaluated again within a maximum period of six months. In the event that significant shortcomings continue to occur, the Academic Committee must issue a reasoned report, after hearing the interested party, and the doctoral student will be definitively withdrawn from the programme.

Once the thesis has been completed, the PhD student must proceed to its deposit and defence in accordance with the provisions set out in the thesis regulations of the University of Zaragoza and in the procedure that develops it, available on the EDUZ regulations website

Thesis Supervision

The procedures governing the supervision of doctoral candidates are established in Article 11 of Royal Decree 99/2011, which regulates official doctoral studies in Spain. Thesis supervision is also governed by Title I of the University of Zaragoza Regulations on Doctoral Theses.

Upon admission to the Doctoral Programme, candidates are required to enrol annually for academic supervision at the University of Zaragoza. The Academic Committee will appoint both a thesis supervisor and an academic tutor, who may be the same person or two different individuals.

The thesis supervisor is ultimately responsible for overseeing all aspects of the doctoral candidate's research. This includes ensuring the scientific quality, coherence, originality, and relevance of the doctoral project, supervising the candidate's research activities and training, and providing guidance on the planning and execution of the research, including its coordination with other research projects or academic activities in which the candidate may participate.

The academic tutor is responsible for ensuring that the doctoral candidate's training and research activities are aligned with the principles and objectives of both the Doctoral Programme and the Doctoral School. The tutor also facilitates communication between the doctoral candidate and the Academic Committee, which is responsible for monitoring the candidate's academic and research progress and for authorising the submission of the doctoral thesis.

The rights and responsibilities of the doctoral candidate, the thesis supervisor, the academic tutor, the Programme Coordinator, and the Director of the Doctoral School are formally established in the Doctoral Charter, which is signed by all parties following the candidate's enrolment.

Further information regarding thesis supervision may be obtained from the administrative office of the Doctoral Programme or from the Programme Coordinator.

Monitoring of Doctoral Candidates

The monitoring procedures for doctoral candidates comply with the provisions of Article 11 (Supervision and Monitoring) of Royal Decree 99/2011 of 28 January, regulating official doctoral studies.

Before the end of the first year of enrolment, each doctoral candidate must submit a Research Plan together with a Personal Training Plan. These documents may be updated and further developed throughout the doctoral studies and must be approved by both the thesis supervisor and the academic tutor.

The Research Plan shall include, at a minimum:

• the research objectives;
• the proposed methodology;
• the resources required; and
• a timetable for the completion of the research.

The Personal Training Plan shall outline the training activities to be undertaken during the doctoral programme, such as specialised courses, seminars, teaching activities, research stays, mobility activities, conference participation, and other relevant academic development opportunities.

Each doctoral candidate is also required to maintain a Record of Activities, documenting all academic and research-related activities undertaken throughout the doctoral programme, including research stays, training courses, conferences, workshops, seminars, and other relevant activities from initial enrolment until submission of the doctoral thesis.

The Research Plan, the Personal Training Plan, the Record of Activities, and the annual reports prepared by the thesis supervisor and academic tutor are managed electronically through the University's doctoral management information system (SIGMA).

The Academic Committee conducts an annual assessment of each doctoral candidate's progress based on:

• the Research Plan;
• the Record of Activities; and
• the evaluation reports submitted by the thesis supervisor and the academic tutor.

A positive annual evaluation is a mandatory requirement for continuation in the Doctoral Programme.

Candidates receiving a negative evaluation will be given the opportunity to undergo a second assessment within a maximum period of six months. If significant deficiencies remain following this second evaluation, the Academic Committee, after giving the candidate the opportunity to be heard, shall issue a reasoned decision leading to the candidate's permanent withdrawal from the Doctoral Programme.

Upon completion of the doctoral research, candidates must submit and defend their doctoral thesis in accordance with the University of Zaragoza Regulations on Doctoral Theses and the corresponding implementation procedures published by the Doctoral School (EDUZ).

The Doctoral School of the University of Zaragoza offers its doctoral students various transversal training activities focused on facilitating the acquisition of the necessary skills to actively participate in the knowledge society and to successfully manage in a complex and changing labour market. The activities in module 1, Communication skills, help PhD students to effectively disseminate research and its results and to share knowledge in an attractive way, both in writing and orally. Module 2, Scientific Information Management, provides training in searching, processing and managing bibliographic information. Module 3 includes activities that improve the doctoral student's readiness to manage in a professional environment. The activities in module 4, Research and Society, provide doctoral students with a space for reflection on issues of interest to participate fully and responsibly in today's diverse, digital and global society. Module 5 contains activities on instrumental or technical aspects necessary to apply cutting-edge research methodologies.

The training offer is completed with online activities for all G9 doctoral students, teaching and research training activities organised by the Institute of Education Sciences of the University of Zaragoza and with those carried out within the framework of inter-university and international Doctoral Conferences.

The complete offer for each academic year is published here.

Transversal Training

The Doctoral School of the University of Zaragoza offers a comprehensive programme of transversal training activities designed to enable doctoral candidates to acquire the transferable skills and competencies required to participate actively in the knowledge society and to succeed in an increasingly complex and evolving professional environment.

The transversal training programme is organised into five thematic modules:

• Module 1. Communication Skills provides doctoral candidates with the knowledge and practical skills required to communicate research findings effectively and to disseminate scientific knowledge through both written and oral communication.
• Module 2. Scientific Information Management develops competencies in searching, evaluating, managing, and using scientific and bibliographic information efficiently.
• Module 3. Professional Development includes activities aimed at strengthening the skills needed to thrive in diverse professional and research environments.
• Module 4. Research and Society encourages reflection on ethical, social, and cultural issues associated with research, enabling doctoral candidates to engage responsibly in today's diverse, digital, and global society.
• Module 5. Research Methods and Technical Skills offers training in advanced research methodologies and technical tools required for the application of state-of-the-art research methods across different disciplines.

The transversal training programme is complemented by:

• online training activities available to doctoral candidates from the universities belonging to the G9 University Group;
• teaching and research training activities organised by the Institute of Education Sciences (ICE) of the University of Zaragoza; and
• activities delivered within the framework of national and international inter-university doctoral conferences and doctoral schools.

The complete catalogue of training activities is published annually for each academic year.

Programme-Specific Training

Doctoral candidates enrolled in the Programme will undertake their doctoral research within one of the Programme's established research lines.

In addition, they are required to complete a structured programme of training activities aimed at developing both discipline-specific and transferable competences. These activities complement the research undertaken during the doctoral programme and are organised according to the following general Training Plan.

General Training Plan

Training Activities

Training Activity 1. Attendance at Cross-Disciplinary and Multidisciplinary Research Courses, Seminars and Workshops

Workload: 45 hours

Type: Compulsory

Description

Doctoral candidates are required to participate in a range of transversal and multidisciplinary training activities throughout their doctoral studies.

The programme of courses, seminars, workshops and other training activities available to doctoral candidates at the four participating universities is updated annually and jointly organised by the respective Doctoral Schools and the Doctoral Office of Campus Iberus.

Although the annual offer varies, the training programme is designed to provide comprehensive development in key transferable skills, including:

• Scientific communication (written and oral);
• Information retrieval and research data management;
• Professional and career development;
• Research and society;
• Advanced research methods and technical skills.

Detailed information on the activities offered each academic year—including schedules, workload, delivery format, admission procedures and enrolment—is published on the websites of the participating Doctoral Schools and Campus Iberus.

Campus Iberus also organises an annual Interuniversity Doctoral Conference, lasting several days, aimed at promoting the dissemination of doctoral research within a multidisciplinary environment and strengthening collaboration among doctoral candidates from the four universities.

Languages: Spanish and English

Timing

Throughout the doctoral programme, with particular emphasis on the first and second years.

Assessment and Monitoring

The Doctoral Schools certify successful completion of each activity. Campus Iberus records attendance and participation and issues the corresponding certificates according to the requirements established for each activity.

Doctoral candidates must record these activities and upload the corresponding supporting documentation to their Doctoral Candidate Activity Record (DAD).

Training Activity 2. Programme-Specific Courses, Seminars and Research Workshops

Workload: 10 hours

Type: Compulsory

Description

Each academic year, the Doctoral Programme in Global Health organises specialised courses and seminars (approximately five hours each) related to its research lines, together with transversal seminars of interest to all doctoral candidates regardless of their research field.

These activities are delivered across the four campuses of Campus Iberus. Equivalent activities undertaken at other universities may also be recognised by the Academic Committee, provided that documentary evidence is submitted.

Examples of topics include:

• Specialised scientific databases;
• Innovation and knowledge transfer in Global Health research;
• Critical appraisal in Health Sciences.

The Programme also organises an Annual Doctoral Research Meeting, during which doctoral candidates present the progress of their research alongside keynote lectures delivered by invited experts.

Languages: Spanish and English

Timing

Throughout the doctoral programme, with particular emphasis during the first and second years.

Assessment and Monitoring

Attendance is compulsory and recorded. Participation is registered in the Doctoral Candidate Activity Record (DAD).

Assessment is based on:

• attendance; and
• submission of a written report reflecting on the seminar content, which is evaluated by members of the Programme's academic staff.

Training Activity 3. Dissemination of Research Results through Conferences and Scientific Workshops

Workload: 32 hours

Type: Compulsory

Description

The Programme strongly encourages doctoral candidates to participate in national and international conferences and scientific workshops related to their research field, thereby facilitating interaction with researchers working in Global Health and related disciplines.

Doctoral candidates are required to present the results of their research at scientific meetings in the form of either oral or poster presentations.

Conference participation is planned jointly with the thesis supervisor and academic tutor, who will advise candidates on the most appropriate national or international conferences for their research.

As a compulsory requirement, each doctoral candidate must present research results at two scientific conferences (national and/or international). A workload of 16 hours per conference is allocated to this activity.

Languages: Spanish and English

Timing

Primarily during the second and subsequent years of the doctoral programme.

Assessment and Monitoring

Conference participation is evaluated annually.

Doctoral candidates must provide documentary evidence of:

• acceptance of the oral or poster presentation; and
• attendance at the conference.

Training Activity 4. Research Mobility

Workload: 40 hours

Type: Optional

Description

Long-term research stays at other research institutions are considered an important component of doctoral training and are therefore strongly encouraged.

Research stays may be undertaken at prestigious national or international institutions and may involve research directly related to the doctoral thesis or other activities that contribute to the candidate's academic development.

The Programme actively promotes international mobility, particularly research stays that enable candidates to qualify for the International Doctoral Mention, making use of the extensive international collaborations maintained by the Programme's academic staff.

The estimated workload of 40 hours corresponds approximately to a one-week research stay and includes activities such as:

• learning new research techniques;
• laboratory or field training;
• participation in specialised courses and seminars; and
• other academic activities.

Although particularly recommended for full-time doctoral candidates, this activity is not compulsory.

Given the financial resources required, doctoral candidates are encouraged to apply for mobility funding through Campus Iberus mobility grants, regional government funding schemes, university mobility programmes, and national funding opportunities, including those associated with FPI and FPU predoctoral contracts.

Languages: Spanish and English

Timing

Preferably:

• second or third year for full-time candidates;
• third or fourth year for part-time candidates.

Assessment and Monitoring

Following the research stay, doctoral candidates must submit a report describing the activities undertaken.

The Academic Committee evaluates both the report and the duration of the stay as part of the candidate's annual progress review. 

Training Activity 5. Scientific Writing and Publication

Workload: 100 hours

Type: Compulsory

Description

Doctoral candidates are required to prepare scientific manuscripts reporting the results of their research for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

This activity constitutes a core component of doctoral research training and is carried out under the direct supervision of the thesis supervisor.

As a compulsory requirement for submission of the doctoral thesis, candidates must have at least one article accepted for publication in an internationally recognised peer-reviewed journal indexed in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR).

Languages: Spanish and English

Timing

Full-time doctoral candidates are expected to begin preparing scientific manuscripts from the second year onwards and to submit their work to journals indexed in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR).

Part-time candidates are expected to begin submitting manuscripts and publishing research results from the third year onwards.

Assessment and Monitoring

Scientific publications are evaluated annually during the doctoral candidate's progress review.

The evaluation takes into account:

• the scientific impact of the journal;
• the journal quartile ranking;
• the candidate's contribution and authorship position in the publication.

Mobility

Doctoral candidates enrolled in the Programme benefit from a wide range of national and international mobility opportunities funded through competitive schemes. Among these, the Erasmus+ Programme constitutes one of the principal mechanisms supporting international mobility.

Under the Erasmus+ Study scheme, doctoral candidates may choose from a broad range of host institutions, as most of the interinstitutional agreements signed by the University of Zaragoza with partner universities include mobility places for doctoral students across all academic disciplines.

International mobility is managed in accordance with the Q-312_1 Procedure for the Management of International Mobility of Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral Students.

In addition, doctoral candidates may participate in the Erasmus+ Traineeship scheme through two complementary calls for applications: one organised directly by the University of Zaragoza and another coordinated by the Campus Iberus International Campus of Excellence for doctoral candidates enrolled at its member universities.

Other mobility opportunities available to doctoral candidates include:

• Erasmus+ Short-Term Mobility;
• UNITA Alliance mobility programmes;
• international internships and work placements;
• mobility programmes specifically designed for students from Ibero-American countries; and
• funding schemes supporting international research stays for doctoral candidates holding predoctoral research contracts.

International mobility is also promoted through joint doctoral supervision (cotutelle) agreements established between the University of Zaragoza and a number of prestigious universities worldwide, enabling doctoral candidates to undertake jointly supervised research and, where applicable, obtain a doctoral degree recognised by both institutions.

Doctoral students enrolled on doctoral programmes benefit from the mobility grants established in various national and international calls for applications. The calls of the Erasmus+ programme stand out. In the Modality Erasmus+ Studies, doctoral students can choose from a wide range of destinations as most of the agreements signed by the University of Zaragoza with other universities include places for doctoral students from all branches.

This mobility is carried out in accordance with the procedure Q-312_1. Procedure for the Management of the International Mobility of Undergraduate, Master and PhD Students.

With regard to the Erasmus+ Internships mode, doctoral students have access to two calls: the University of Zaragoza's own call and the one carried out by the Campus Iberus of International Excellence for the universities that are part of it, including Zaragoza.

Other interesting mobility calls are the Erasmus+ Short Mobility, the UNITA mobility, the external internships, those specifically aimed at Ibero-American students and those that finance international stays for pre-doctoral students, among others.

The mobility of doctoral students at the University of Zaragoza is also encouraged through the signing of co-supervision agreements with several foreign universities.

The Doctoral School of the University of Zaragoza has rules, regulations and procedures to facilitate the achievement of its various objectives. It is worth highlighting the Internal Regulations of the Doctoral School, the Instruction of the Doctoral School: Requirements for access, admission, dedication and permanence in the doctoral studies of the University of Zaragoza adapted to R.D. 99/2011. 99/2011; the Procedure for the elaboration of the Report on the Quality of Doctoral Studies and its different Programmes (ICED); the Code of Good Practices for the School and the doctoral programmes; the Doctoral Charter; the Procedure and model agreement to request the mention of doctorate industrial in the thesis or the Regulation of extraordinary doctoral awards. The aforementioned documents, drawn up with the participation and consensus of the various bodies of the Doctoral School, are published on its website.

The regulations section of the Doctoral School's website contains other important regulatory references for doctoral studies such as RD 99/2011 regulating official doctoral studies, the Regulations for Doctoral Studies (2012) and the Regulations on doctoral theses (2014), both from the University of Zaragoza.

Doctoral activity in an academic year is governed by the deadlines established in the specific doctoral academic calendar. This calendar, which is approved well in advance, sets the periods for application for access, admission to programmes, registration at the University of Zaragoza, presentation by doctoral students of the research plan and the activities document, as well as the deadlines for the defence of doctoral theses.

The website of the Doctoral School publishes the calendar for the current academic year, as well as for the two previous years.

Academic Regulations

The Doctoral School of the University of Zaragoza has established a comprehensive set of regulations, procedures, and guidelines to support the effective organisation and quality assurance of its doctoral programmes.

The principal regulatory documents include:

• the Internal Regulations of the Doctoral School;
• the Doctoral School Instruction on Access, Admission, Enrolment Status and Progression in Doctoral Studies, implementing the provisions of Royal Decree 99/2011;
• the Procedure for the Preparation of the Doctoral Quality Report and Programme Quality Reports (ICED);
• the Code of Good Practice for the Doctoral School and its Doctoral Programmes;
• the Doctoral Charter;
• the Procedure and Model Agreement for the Industrial Doctorate Mention; and
• the Regulations Governing Extraordinary Doctoral Awards.

These documents have been developed with the participation and consensus of the various governing bodies and stakeholders of the Doctoral School and are publicly available on its website.

The Regulations section of the Doctoral School website also provides access to the principal legal framework governing doctoral education, including:

• Royal Decree 99/2011, regulating official doctoral studies in Spain;
• the University of Zaragoza Regulations on Doctoral Studies (2012); and
• the University of Zaragoza Regulations on Doctoral Theses (2014).

Note: Following the publication of Royal Decree 576/2023 of 4 July, which amended Royal Decree 99/2011, the University of Zaragoza is currently updating its institutional doctoral regulations to ensure full compliance with the revised national legislation.

Duration of Studies and Progression Requirements

The duration and progression requirements of the Doctoral Programme comply with Article 3 of Royal Decree 99/2011, which regulates the structure of official doctoral studies in Spain.

Doctoral candidates enrolled on a full-time basis are normally expected to submit their doctoral thesis within four years of their initial enrolment in the Programme. Under the conditions established by the applicable regulations, this period may be extended in duly justified circumstances.

Candidates enrolled on a part-time basis have a maximum period of seven years from admission to the Programme to submit their doctoral thesis, with the possibility of authorised extensions where appropriate.

In exceptional circumstances, an additional one-year extension may be granted.

Doctoral candidates may apply to the Academic Committee to:

• change their enrolment status between full-time and part-time;
• request a temporary interruption (leave of absence) for duly justified reasons.

Candidates may be permanently withdrawn from the Programme if they:

• fail to renew their annual enrolment for academic supervision;
• exceed the maximum period permitted for completion of the doctoral thesis; or
• receive two consecutive negative evaluations of their Research Plan.

The Doctoral School website provides detailed guidance regarding extensions, temporary interruptions, changes of enrolment status, and withdrawal procedures.

Academic Calendar

Doctoral activities are organised according to the Academic Calendar for Doctoral Studies, which is approved annually in advance of each academic year.

The calendar establishes the deadlines for:

• applications for admission;
• admission decisions;
• enrolment at the University of Zaragoza;
• submission of the Research Plan and Doctoral Candidate Activity Record;
• annual progress evaluations; and
• submission and public defence of doctoral theses.

The current academic calendar, together with those of the two previous academic years, is available on the website of the Doctoral School.

Learning Resources

Academic Regulations

The Doctoral School of the University of Zaragoza has established a comprehensive framework of regulations, procedures, and guidelines to support the effective organisation and quality assurance of its doctoral programmes.

The principal regulatory documents include:

• the Internal Regulations of the Doctoral School;
• the Doctoral School Instruction on Access, Admission, Enrolment Status and Progression in Doctoral Studies, implementing Royal Decree 99/2011;
• the Procedure for the Preparation of the Doctoral Quality Report and Programme Quality Reports (ICED);
• the Code of Good Practice for the Doctoral School and its Doctoral Programmes;
• the Doctoral Charter;
• the Procedure and Model Agreement for the Industrial Doctorate Mention; and
• the Regulations Governing Extraordinary Doctoral Awards.

These documents, developed through consultation with the different governing bodies and stakeholders of the Doctoral School, are publicly available on its website.

The Regulations section of the Doctoral School website also provides access to the main legal framework governing doctoral education, including Royal Decree 99/2011, the University of Zaragoza Regulations on Doctoral Studies (2012), and the University of Zaragoza Regulations on Doctoral Theses (2014).

Duration of Studies and Progression

The regulations governing the duration and progression of doctoral studies are established in the Doctoral School Instruction of 23 May 2018 on Access, Admission, Enrolment Status and Progression in Doctoral Studies at the University of Zaragoza, implementing Royal Decree 99/2011.

Full-time doctoral candidates normally have three years from the date of admission to submit their doctoral thesis. The Academic Committee may authorise a one-year extension where justified.

Part-time doctoral candidates have five years from admission to submit their doctoral thesis, with the possibility of an extension of up to two additional years. In exceptional circumstances, a further one-year extension may also be granted.

Doctoral candidates may request:

• a change between full-time and part-time enrolment;
• a temporary interruption of studies for duly justified reasons.

Candidates may be permanently withdrawn from the Programme if they:

• fail to renew their annual enrolment for academic supervision;
• exceed the maximum completion period; or
• receive two consecutive negative evaluations of their Research Plan.

Detailed guidance on these procedures is available on the Doctoral School website.

Academic Calendar

Doctoral activities follow the deadlines established in the annual Academic Calendar for Doctoral Studies, which is approved in advance by the Governing Council of the University of Zaragoza.

The calendar specifies the periods for:

• applications for admission;
• admission decisions;
• enrolment;
• submission of the Research Plan and Doctoral Candidate Activity Record;
• annual evaluations; and
• submission and public defence of doctoral theses.

The current academic calendar and those of the two previous academic years are published on the Doctoral School website.

Educational Resources

The four participating universities and collaborating institutions provide the infrastructure and resources necessary to support high-quality doctoral training.

These resources include:

• teaching and research laboratories;
• computer facilities;
• high-speed internet and Wi-Fi access;
• university libraries;
• seminar rooms;
• lecture theatres; and
• videoconferencing facilities for hybrid and online academic activities.

University libraries also offer specialised training courses on literature searching, scientific databases, and information management.

All research groups participating in the Programme have access to laboratories and research facilities specifically adapted to their respective areas of expertise, ensuring that doctoral candidates have access to the resources required for their research projects.

Faculties and Teaching Facilities

The faculties participating in the Programme provide:

• lecture rooms and seminar spaces of different capacities;
• auditoriums;
• teaching and research laboratories;
• libraries and journal collections;
• computer laboratories;
• IT support services; and
• printing and reprographic services.

These facilities are equipped with modern teaching technologies, including computers, multimedia projectors, audio-visual systems and videoconferencing equipment.

Library and Documentation Services

The university libraries provide extensive opening hours and offer a wide range of services in addition to traditional book lending.

These include:

• access to extensive printed and electronic collections;
• individual study spaces;
• collaborative learning areas;
• computer workstations; and
• specialised support in scientific information management.

Administrative Services of the Doctoral Schools

The administrative offices of the Doctoral Schools at the Campus Iberus universities provide support in:

• information and guidance for doctoral candidates;
• administrative management of doctoral programmes;
• support to the governing bodies of the Doctoral Schools and Academic Committees;
• enrolment and student records management; and
• quality assurance and programme verification processes.

Student Support

The Academic Committee organises induction and orientation activities for newly admitted doctoral candidates within the framework of the participating Doctoral Schools.

These sessions introduce students to:

• the structure and organisation of doctoral studies;
• programme regulations;
• expected competencies and learning outcomes;
• training activities;
• research groups and research lines;
• career opportunities; and
• practical aspects of doctoral study.

International Mobility

The Programme actively supports international mobility through the International Relations Offices of each participating university and through a wide range of mobility funding opportunities.

One of the most recent initiatives is Iberus Connect, a programme specifically designed to support international doctoral candidates enrolled at the universities of Campus Iberus.

1. International Relations Offices

Each of the four universities has dedicated International Relations Services providing advice and assistance on matters including:

• visa applications;
• residence permits and renewals;
• recognition of foreign qualifications;
• employment opportunities;
• social security and healthcare;
• schooling for accompanying family members; and
• practical information to facilitate relocation and integration.

International Student Offices also assist incoming doctoral candidates by providing information on:

• accommodation;
• Spanish and other language courses;
• healthcare services;
• scholarships and funding opportunities; and
• everyday life in the host city.

Through its Vice-Rectorate for Research Policy, the University of Zaragoza is a member of the EURAXESS Aragón Network, offering personalised support both to international researchers relocating to Aragón and to researchers from Aragón undertaking research stays abroad.

2. Mobility Funding

In addition to national mobility schemes (such as those linked to FPI and FPU predoctoral contracts), doctoral candidates may benefit from several additional funding opportunities.

2.1 Campus Iberus Mobility Grants

Campus Iberus offers annual mobility grants specifically designed for doctoral candidates. Preference is given to candidates enrolled in joint doctoral programmes within Campus Iberus.

2.2 University Research Mobility Grants

Each participating university also offers competitive mobility grants for researchers, which are open to eligible doctoral candidates.

2.3 Research Group Funding

Research groups may additionally support mobility through funding obtained from regional research programmes, competitive research projects, contracts and other externally funded initiatives.

3. Iberus Connect Programme

Iberus Connect aims to build an active international doctoral community across the four universities of Campus Iberus.

Its main initiatives include:

Mentoring Programme

International doctoral candidates, particularly those in their first year, are paired with more experienced doctoral students who act as local mentors.

Mentors provide guidance on:

• administrative procedures;
• academic requirements;
• university services; and
• practical aspects of adapting to doctoral life and to the local city.

Mentors receive specific training organised jointly by Campus Iberus and their respective universities.

Doctoral Ambassadors

Doctoral Ambassadors support both mentors and mentees, facilitate communication between Campus Iberus, the Doctoral Schools and participating doctoral candidates, and organise cultural, academic and social activities throughout the academic year.

Online Community

Campus Iberus also manages online communities through social media platforms, including Facebook and Telegram groups, to encourage networking and interaction among doctoral candidates from all four universities.

Employability

All four participating universities provide specialised career guidance and employability services aimed at supporting doctoral graduates in their transition to academic, research, public-sector and private-sector careers.

These services offer career advice, professional development activities, job placement support, and information on employment opportunities in both national and international settings.