PhD in Economics - Barcelona

The UB School of Economics offers the opportunity to undertake research in a wide range of fields of economics, taking part in an international PhD programme at the University of Barcelona. Moreover, the PhD in Economics is one of only a handful of programmes in Spain to have received the Ministry of Education’s quality award for research excellence.

The PhD in Economics at the University of Barcelona is addressed to students interested in pursuing advanced study and conducting original research in economics, offering research training and close supervision by faculty members prominent in their fields.

We provide a dynamic and stimulating environment offering weekly research seminars, PhD seminars, workshops, conferences, courses and research activities in which students are invited to participate.

Overview of the course

Students enrolled in the programme will be assigned one or two supervisors specialised in their chosen research field. Throughout the programme, students are required to participate in a number of complementary activities. These include research seminars, workshops, courses and conferences. PhD candidates are also encouraged to publish their research and to seek temporary research placements at other universities or research institutions.

The programme prepares PhD students for the academic job market. Former PhD students have been placed in academic research institutions in the US and Europe (PUC-Rio, LSE, Universidad Carlos III, Institue of Economics – Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Yale University, University of Sussex…) as well as international organizations and governmental institutions.

Student profile

Education background

38% Master at the University of Barcelona
37% Master at an European university
20% Master at a Spanish university (excluding UB)
5% Master at an American university

Geographic distribution

33% Europe (excluding Spain)
35% America
25% Spain
7% Asia-Africa-Oceania

Financial support

Students offered a place on the programme can be considered for a grant. During the application process we will help you to find funding opportunities offered by public institutions or research groups in the Faculty. Also UB School of Economics publishes on April/May a call for two Teaching Assistantships for the Master/MSc in Economics.   All of them awarded competitively, on the basis of academic merit. However, you are encouraged to apply for external support for which you are eligible.

Study Options: Full-Time (3 years) / Part-Time (5 years)

Application requirements

• Master degree in Economics with a good scholastic average (GPA)
• Two letters of reference
• Motivation letter

To enter a doctoral programme at the University of Barcelona, it is necessary to have completed 300 ECTS credits, and 60 of those have to correspond to an official graduate, research oriented master’s programme.