International, flexible and global doctorates
Taking an online doctorate at UTAMED is a high-level academic experience, focused on interdisciplinary research and with an international scope. Our programme DOCTORATE IN PANEUROPEAN STUDIES, coordinated by a consortium of European universities, provides access to rigorous research training, with joint supervision and a collaborative environment. It is a distance doctorate programme that encourages professional development without sacrificing flexibility. The lines of research range from international economic relations to the sciences of education and communication. With an international scope, this online doctorate in Spain is ideal for those looking to advance their academic or professional career from anywhere in the world, with the support of a network of prestigious institutions.
The doctorate at a glance
- Language: English
- Format: online
- Duration: 3 to 6 years
- Qualification: official
- Programme: Joint International Doctorate
30 September 2025
8 - 10 October 2025
21 November 2025 (EDU) / 28 November 2025 (ECO)
Who is the distance doctorate aimed at?
These programmes are designed for qualified professionals looking to advance their career through a doctorate in Spain with an international perspective. They are particularly aimed at people with training in education, communication, economics or business management, who wish to carry out applied research and deepen their knowledge.
Discover UTAMED's online doctoral programmes
International Doctorate in Education and Communication Sciences
- Online
- Nov 2025
Find out now!
International Doctorate in International Economic Relations and Management
- Online
- Nov 2025
Find out now!
Requirements for online doctoral programmes in Spain
Accessing our online doctorates involves passing a rigorous admission process that ensures academic excellence and the candidate's commitment to research. Being a distance international doctorate, the requirements are aimed at ensuring that applicants have the training, language level and adequate preparation to successfully face this academic challenge. Below, we detail the criteria necessary to apply:
It is essential to have a degree issued by an officially accredited university or higher education institution. This must be legalised and, if necessary, translated into English or German by a certified translator.
You should include a motivation letter where you express your interests and objectives, as well as an initial description of the focus of your research project. This information will allow you to evaluate the relevance and maturity of your doctoral proposal.
Since the programme is taught entirely in English, it is mandatory to prove a language competence equivalent to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
This includes a personal interview during which you will present your preliminary research proposal. This stage is essential for assessing your preparation, motivation and adaptation to the international academic environment of the programme.
Discover the benefits of completing an online doctorate
Completing a distance doctorate with UTAMED and the international consortium of universities offers a series of exclusive advantages for your academic and professional development. First of all, the flexibility of its 100% online format allows you to combine research with your professional and personal life, regardless of your geographical location.
You will have joint international supervision, which means that experts from various universities will support you throughout the entire process, giving you a broad and enriching perspective. In addition, this program promotes interdisciplinary research, allowing you to approach your project from multiple aspects and innovative methodologies.
At the end of the programme, you will obtain a joint doctorate, recognised as a foreign degree in Austria and valid for official use in other countries. This recognition improves your global professional profile and opens doors to new opportunities. The program is officially accredited by AQ Austria, which guarantees its academic excellence according to the highest European standards.
You will also have access to international research networks, congresses, seminars and workshops, where you can connect with other researchers and expand your field of action in the academic and scientific field.
What career opportunities does a distance doctorate offer?
Graduates of our official online doctorates in Spain have a solid preparation to assume leadership roles and high specialisation in different contexts. The most common career opportunities include positions such as:
- University professor or academic researcher in national and international centres.
- Consultant specialised in international relations, education or communication, according to the programme studied.
- Director of training programmes or educational institutions.
- Responsible for innovation projects in companies or public administrations.
- Researcher in study centres, think tanks or NGOs dedicated to applied research.
- Public policy manager in international organisations.
Doctoral programmes accredited by AQ Austria
The online doctoral programmes offered through UTAMED are officially accredited by AQ Austria, the Austrian Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation. This independent entity is recognised for its rigorous evaluation process and its commitment to European quality standards in higher education.
Both programmes have been registered in accordance with article 27 of the Austrian Higher Education Quality Assurance Act (HS-QSG), which guarantees that the doctorate meets the highest criteria in institutional, paedagogical and scientific terms. This accreditation not only validates the academic quality of the programme, but also ensures its international recognition and its official use in academic and professional documents.
Thanks to this guarantee, the degrees issued have full institutional support and are highly valued both in Spain and in other countries.
Explore the partner universities of the Joint Doctoral Programme
The online distance doctorate is developed in collaboration with an international consortium of renowned universities. These institutions actively participate in the training, supervision and evaluation of doctoral students, offering a diverse and enriching educational experience.
University of Economics, Faculty of International Relations, Bratislava, Slovakia
Czech University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Management, Prague, Czech Republic
Sopron University, Alexandre Lamfalussy Faculty of Economics, Sopron, Hungary
University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Faculty of Economics and Tourism "Dr. Mijo Mirković", Pula, Croatia
Northern University, Varaždin, Croatia
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Education, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Burch International University, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
What documentation should I submit to apply for the doctorate?
The application for official online doctorates requires the delivery of a complete file, which includes personal, academic and research-related documents. These are the main ones:
- Copy of passport (PDF) Passport
- photograph (JPG)
- Birth certificate (PDF)
- Austrian Social Security e-card (if applicable)
- Registration of residence in Austria – Meldezettel (if applicable)
- Copy of previous university degrees (bachelor's, master's)
- Legalised academic certificates Official
- Translations into English or German if the original language is different
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
- Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages)
- Research proposal 4 pages + bibliography
Once the documentation has been received, candidates will be invited to a personal interview in October, where they must present and argue their preliminary thesis idea.
Online Doctorate FAQs
Is this online doctorate in Spain an official recognised degree?
Yes. It is an official online doctorate in Spain, accredited by AQ Austria, the Austrian Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation. This recognition guarantees that the degree has international validity and meets the highest European standards of academic quality. As it is a distance doctorate with an international scope, the degree can be used in official documents and is recognised as a foreign degree in Austria in accordance with current legislation.
Can I qualify for public scholarships if I do this doctorate in distance format?
No. Currently, this online doctorate does not include the granting of state public scholarships or financial aid from government entities. However, as it is a flexible programme that is compatible with professional activity, many students take it while continuing to work or accessing private financing.
What is a joint online doctorate and how does it work?
A joint doctorate programme is an international training programme developed by a consortium of universities from different countries. These institutions collaborate to offer an enriched academic experience, sharing teaching, thesis supervision and the evaluation of the doctoral student. This model allows for interdisciplinary research, provides different perspectives and offers an ideal international academic network for those who wish to carry out an online doctorate in Spain with a global scope.
How do I choose the most suitable online doctorate for my goals?
Choosing the right programme is a key decision. Before starting an online distance doctorate, reflect on your professional goals, your passion for research and the time you can spend studying. Analyse the lines of research, consult the faculty profile, and make sure the academic environment aligns with your interests. It is also advisable to compare different online doctorates in Spain and seek guidance from experts in the area you want to research.
Why should I do an online doctorate?
An online doctorate allows you to achieve the highest level of academic training without sacrificing flexibility. It makes you an expert in your field, opens doors to a research or teaching career, improves your professional positioning and allows you to generate knowledge with real impact. In addition, if you choose a distance doctorate in Spain with international accreditation, like this one, you will be able to study from anywhere with a highly recognised qualification.
What career opportunities does an online doctorate offer in Spain?
Completing an online distance doctorate helps you access multiple career opportunities. You can work as a university professor, researcher, specialist consultant, international project manager, or assume positions of academic or institutional leadership. It is also an excellent basis for participating in international scientific networks or influencing public policies within your field of study.