📖 Programme of study
Doctoral education in Spain is regulated by Real Decreto 99/2011 of 28 January, which sets out the admission requirements, the duration of the studies, and the quality standards for official doctoral programmes.
📅 PhD Timeline
From admission to thesis defence.
In the case of the Doctoral Programme in Theoretical Physics (PDFT), doctoral training is not limited to the development of the thesis; it is structured around a series of key milestones that mark academic and research progress. These milestones include participation in training courses and activities, the preparation of the Personal Research and Training Plan (PIFP), the annual evaluation by the Academic Committee, and, finally, the defence of the doctoral thesis. Each stage is a fundamental pillar to ensure quality, oversight and excellence throughout our doctoral students’ journey.
Training Pathway
Training courses and activities
Participation in specialised courses, seminars and research schools. Seminars, workshops, summer schools and, where applicable, training complements assigned by the Academic Committee.
Personal Research and Training Plan (PIFP)
Mandatory submission within the first 6 months from enrolment. It includes:
- Research plan → methodology, objectives, resources and timeline.
- Training plan → courses, seminars, mobility, etc.
- Recording and updates in SIGMA (the “Research Plan” tab).
- Review by tutor/supervisor and approval by the Academic Committee.
- It may be updated and improved throughout the doctoral journey.
Annual evaluation
Every doctoral student must undergo an annual evaluation, based on research progress and participation in the programme’s training activities. Passing this evaluation is essential to remain on the programme.
The evaluation is carried out by the thesis supervisors and by the Academic Committee.
Thesis defence
Authorisation to defend the thesis depends on meeting the quality criteria set by the programme and UAM regulations. If the work does not meet the requirements within the legal time limits, the project will be discontinued.
⚖️Regulations for Doctoral Studies
The PDFT is governed by:
- The programme’s specific regulations, approved by its Academic Committee, which set out additional procedures and requirements.
Renovación de la acreditación del programa 2015-2020: Informe final