If you're considering a career in advanced research, a PhD in Economic and Social Research is an excellent option for those who aren't satisfied with the basics and want to delve deeper into the intricacies of economics and business management. It's not just about getting another degree, but about immersing yourself in generating new knowledge that helps solve the economic and social challenges we face. If you still have doubts, you can read about what a PhD is and what it's for before making your decision.
These programs are designed to train scientists with a robust theoretical and methodological foundation , emphasizing interdisciplinary training. The goal is for students to move beyond isolated fields and integrate concepts of sustainability, ethics, and gender equality so that their research has a real and positive impact on contemporary society.
Who can access these studies?
To be successful in this field, a strong academic background is ideal. Ideally, you should have completed a Bachelor's degree , complemented by a Master's degree in economics or business. This ensures that the candidate has mastered MECES Level 3 or EQF Level 7. For example, those with an MBA or specialized Master's degrees in economic research or corporate social responsibility are a perfect fit.
But be aware, it's not all about pure economics. Opportunities are also open to other profiles . If you come from fields like sociology, history, political science, or even industrial engineering, and have a clear affinity for economics , you can give it a try. This includes those who are proficient in modern methodologies such as machine learning, big data, or network analysis , which are invaluable tools these days.
However, if you enter through the additional profiles route and do not have at least 10 ECTS credits in economics and business subjects, the Academic Commission will assign you some supplementary training (up to 12 ECTS) so that you do not start with gaps in the basic concepts.
Legal and administrative requirements
In general, applicants must comply with Royal Decree 99/2011 on doctoral studies. In practical terms, this means holding a Master's degree or, in some cases, having completed a total of 300 ECTS credits , of which at least 60 must be postgraduate level.
There are other ways, such as having a foreign degree that is equivalent to the Spanish Master's (although this does not validate the degree for other purposes) or having completed two years of training in Health Sciences specialties after winning a place in specialized health training.
The admissions process: the key steps
Having the degree isn't enough; you need to demonstrate that you have a plan. The most critical requirement is obtaining a letter of commitment from a supervisor . This means you must contact a professor in the program who is willing to guide your doctoral thesis . It's essential to review the faculty's research interests before submitting your application to ensure a good intellectual connection.
In addition, you will need to submit a detailed Curriculum Vitae . If you don't fit the recommended profile, it's essential that you specify any credits you've earned in economics. Your CV should include a summary of your career path and highlight the merits that make you stand out from other applicants.
How is it decided who gets in? (Selection criteria)
When there are more applicants than available positions (usually around fifteen per year), a points system from 0 to 100 is used to establish order. The points are distributed as follows:
- Average grade for the degree: up to 40 points.
- Average grade for postgraduate studies: up to 25 points.
- Predoctoral contracts: if you have one awarded at the UNED for 4 years, you add 10 points.
- Mastery of English: 10 points (a B2 level is recommended, accredited by official certificates or stay abroad).
- Research career: 10 points, valuing especially publications indexed in JCR, SJR or SPI and presentations at conferences.
- Experience Profesional: 5 points, counting 0,5 points for each year in management, teaching or research.
To avoid any issues, candidates must complete a specific Excel file , convert it to PDF, and attach it to their pre-registration. A minimum score of 35 points is required to have any chance of being accepted.
Areas of specialization and academic life
Once enrolled, the PhD becomes a journey of exploration. Research can be conducted in fields as diverse as accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, or game theory. The goal is for the student not only to write a thesis but also to become a versatile professional.
The training is not limited to reading books alone. The program includes research seminars , practical workshops, and strongly encourages temporary stays at international research centers to broaden academic horizons and publish in specialized journals.
This educational path combines academic rigor with the flexibility to investigate cutting-edge topics, requiring rigorous prior preparation and a firm commitment to thesis direction to achieve success in obtaining a doctoral degree.
