What is the working language?

It is English. All academic documents are routinely issued in English and all lectures are also conducted in that same language. You will also be required to give presentations and write your MSc thesis in English so a proper command of the language is expected from all prospective students.

What is the ECTS?

ECTS stands for European Credit Transfer System and is the standard adopted by all the universities of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) to guarantee the homogeneity and the quality of the studies on offer. 1 ECTS is approximately equivalent to 25-30 hours of student work, including class time (between 6 and 9 hours per ECTS, at Master level) as well as all the academic activities carried out during the course (hours of study, completion of assignments and practical work).

What is the duration of an official master’s degree course?

The official duration of the Master in Photonics is 60 ECTS (one academic year). During one academic year of full time study (two fourth month periods between September and July), the total number of ECTS credits available for a student is 60. 

In case one student is interested in applying for more than 60 ECTS, then it is necessary to stay more than one year and to complete them before the presentation of the Master Thesis.

How much does it cost to study an official master’s degree?

The price of an official master’s degree is fixed by the Generalitat of Catalonia, within the limits established for higher education by the national government. The course fees for the 2009/2010 academic year were 30 € per credit, plus a fixed amount of near 200 €. Therefore, the total cost for the course was near 2000 €.

What are academic regulations of the official master’s degree program?

The academic regulations of the official master’s degree program of the UPC are approved by the university management before the start of each academic year.

How can I homologate my previous studies?

The department in charge of the official master’s program, via delegation of the rector will manage requests for homologation. It is necessary to complete an application form and give it to the head of department together with the following documentation: A copy or the original certificate of the qualification to homologate. This is only required if the qualification was not awarded by the UPC. The course program of the qualification to homologate.  This should include detailed information about the subjects studied and should be published by the institution where the qualification was obtained. This is only required if the qualification was not awarded by the UPC. Proof of payment of the necessary homologation fees.