Call for Applications to the Doctoral Programme // JANUARY 2026

Advanced Architectural Design PhD Programme

The Advanced Architectural Design PhD Programme is aimed at architects with previous research experience who have completed a research-based Master’s degree and have a research proposal that demonstrates clear links with the Department of Architectural Design.

ADMISSIONS 2025/2026

Please note that admissions are offered ON A FULL-TIME BASIS ONLY, not on a part-time basis.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST COMPLETE THEIR PRE-REGISTRATION THROUGH HELIOS FOR THE CORRECT ACADEMIC YEAR AND PROGRAMME, namely the 2025–2026 academic year and the Advanced Architectural Design PhD Programme (RD 99/2011). Application deadlines and procedures can be consulted on the UPM website. Any issues related to pre-registration must be resolved directly with the platform.

In addition, applicants must submit the following documents by Friday, 30 January 2026 (inclusive):

1. Application Form

2. CV + Portfolio + Motivation Letter

The motivation letter must address the following points:

– The relationship between the proposed thesis and the challenges and objectives included in national and European research plans, as well as the existing research lines within the PhD Programme.

– Expected sources of funding.

– The relationship between the proposed research topic and the research groups associated with the programme.

3. Thesis Proposal Dossier + Activity Schedule (maximum 10 pages)

The above documentation must be sent to doctorado.proyectos.arquitectura@upm.es via wetransfer.com no later than 30 January 2026. All documents must be submitted as a single compressed file named according to the following format:

SURNAME1_SURNAME2_FirstName

FURTHER INFORMATION

All information provided must be supported by the required official documentation. Any information not accompanied by the corresponding official certification cannot be evaluated.

International applicants whose native language is not Spanish must demonstrate a B2 level of Spanish proficiency and provide a DELE certificate or an equivalent qualification at B2 level or higher.

ENROLMENT AFTER ADMISSION

The reference tuition fee is approximately €400 per year for full-time enrolment. These public fees are subject to the official tuition regulations established annually by the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and the Regional Government of Madrid and may therefore vary.

The payment form must be requested from the ETSAM Secretariat and submitted together with the admission letter to the Programme.

For any enquiries regarding enrolment, please contact: secretaria.doctorado.arquitectura@upm.es or call +34 910 674 776.