Admission requirements
To join the Doctoral Programme in Theoretical Physics (PDFT), applicants must:
- Hold an official Master’s degree or equivalent in Physics or a related field.
- Have completed 300 ECTS across official university studies (at least 60 at Master’s level).
- Demonstrate solid training in Theoretical Physics (quantum mechanics, relativity, quantum field theory, etc.).
Other admission routes
- Official Spanish degrees (or equivalents) totalling at least 300 ECTS and MECES Level 3.
- EHEA degrees (no homologation required) with EQF Level 7 that grant access to doctoral studies in the issuing country. This does not imply homologation or recognition beyond access.
- Non-EHEA degrees (no homologation required) after the university verifies equivalence to a Spanish official Master’s and eligibility for doctoral studies in the issuing country. This does not imply homologation or further recognition.
- Holding another doctoral degree.
⏳ Application windows
Academic year 2025/2026
Selected candidates will be contacted to confirm acceptance and enrolment.
👩‍🎓 Selection criteria
The Academic Committee evaluates each application according to the official weightings.
- Meeting the general access requirements (mandatory).
- Academic record (60%): grades achieved in Bachelor’s/Licentiate and Master’s.
- Curriculum Vitae (10%): publications, book chapters, talks and conference presentations.
- Reference reports (10%): assessments of research potential.
- Interview (20%): knowledge of the fundamentals of Theoretical Physics.
Additional training (bridging courses)
Applicants lacking sufficient background in core areas of Theoretical Physics may be assigned up to 12 ECTS from the Master’s in Theoretical Physics, selected from:
- Quantum Field Theory
- Gravitation
- Cosmology
- Standard Model of Elementary Particles
đź“ť Programme commitment
Experience in the PDFT shows that success in a highly competitive programme requires full-time dedication. Part-time study may be considered, with a maximum of three students per academic year.
đź“‹ Admission procedure
Visit the Doctoral School website for the most up-to-date information and documentation.
đź—Ł FAQs for international applicants
- Do I need to homologate my degree? → Not always; official recognition by UAM is required.
- Programme language? → Mainly English; Spanish is also used in academic life. Proficiency in scientific English is important.
- How do I obtain a visa? → The official admission letter issued by UAM is required for a student visa.
- Support with housing and paperwork? → Yes. See the International Welcome Office (IWO).
♿ Support and inclusion (students with disabilities)
Applicants with special educational needs arising from a disability should first contact the programme coordination, which will refer the request to UAM’s Solidarity & Cooperation Office. This office includes a Disability Support Area to ensure equal opportunities and full integration into university life, offering information, advice and personalised guidance.