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Understanding Graduation Requirements at Universitat de Barcelona
If you are nearing the end of your studies at the Universitat de Barcelona (UB), you likely want to know exactly what is needed to graduate. The requirements vary by degree level and program, but there are common elements every student must fulfill. This guide covers everything from credit completion to the final degree project and administrative steps.
General Graduation Requirements for All Students
Regardless of your specific program, all UB students must meet these baseline conditions to be eligible for graduation:
- Complete the required number of ECTS credits specified in your study plan. For bachelor’s degrees, this is typically 240 ECTS (4 years) or 360 ECTS (6 years for medicine, etc.). Master’s degrees require 60–120 ECTS.
- Pass all compulsory and elective courses with a minimum passing grade (usually 5 out of 10).
- Submit and defend a Final Degree Project (TFG/TFM) if required by your program.
- Accredit a B2 level of a third language (for bachelor’s degrees) unless exempted.
- Clear all administrative and financial obligations with the university.
Credit Requirements by Degree Type
| Degree Level | Total ECTS | Final Project |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s (Grau) | 240 (most programs) | TFG (6–12 ECTS) |
| Master’s (Màster) | 60–120 | TFM (6–30 ECTS) |
| Doctorate (Doctorat) | Research period + thesis | Doctoral thesis |
Specific Requirements for Bachelor’s Degree (Grau)
Bachelor’s programs at UB follow the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) framework. Here are the key components:
Final Degree Project (TFG)
The Treball de Fi de Grau (TFG) is a compulsory individual project worth between 6 and 12 ECTS. You must enroll in the TFG course, complete original work under a supervisor, and defend it before a committee. The topic can be theoretical, practical, or experimental, depending on your field.
Language Requirement: Third Language Accreditation
All UB bachelor’s graduates must prove a B2 level in a language other than Catalan, Spanish, and their first foreign language (usually English). Accepted certifications include:
- Cambridge English: First (FCE) or higher
- IELTS 5.5–6.5
- TOEFL iBT 72–94
- Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD) B2 for German
- DELF B2 for French
- Other recognized certificates
Some programs may exempt you if you have studied in that language or passed specific courses. Check with your faculty.
Optional: Internship Credits
Many bachelor’s programs include external internships (pràctiques externes) as elective credits. While not always mandatory, completing them can fulfill part of your credit requirements and provide valuable experience.
Specific Requirements for Master’s Degree (Màster)
Master’s programs at UB are more specialized. Graduation requirements include:
- Complete all coursework per the study plan (usually 60 ECTS for one-year programs).
- Master’s Final Project (TFM): A research or professional project worth typically 6–30 ECTS. It must be defended publicly.
- Language proficiency: Some master’s programs require a C1 level in English or another language. Check your specific program.
Doctoral Degree (Doctorat) Requirements
Doctoral students must:
- Complete a research period (minimum 3 years full-time).
- Pass the doctoral training activities (e.g., seminars, conferences).
- Write and defend a doctoral thesis that makes an original contribution.
- Fulfill any language requirements set by the doctoral program.
How to Apply for Graduation at UB
Once you meet all requirements, you must formally apply for graduation. The process is managed through the e-Secretaria online portal. Follow these steps:
- Check your academic record in the portal to ensure all courses are passed and credits completed.
- Upload language certification if not already on file.
- Enroll in the TFG/TFM if you haven’t already (usually in your final semester).
- Submit the final project and pass the defense.
- Pay the graduation fee (taxa d’expedició del títol). The amount varies by degree level and academic year; typically €150–€250 for bachelor’s, €200–€300 for master’s.
- Request the issuance of your degree via e-Secretaria. You can choose a digital or physical copy.
Important Deadlines
UB has two main graduation periods per academic year: one in July (after the June exams) and one in February (after the January exams). Deadlines for submitting TFG/TFM and applying for graduation are strict. Check your faculty’s academic calendar.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Students often overlook these details:
- Not verifying language accreditation early – Some students realize too late they need a B2 certificate. Start the process in your third year.
- Ignoring the TFG enrollment deadline – You must enroll in the TFG course in the semester you plan to defend it.
- Forgetting to clear library fines or unpaid fees – The university will not issue your degree until all debts are settled.
- Assuming automatic graduation – You must actively apply; the university does not automatically graduate you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I graduate without a B2 language certificate?
No, for bachelor’s degrees it is mandatory unless you are exempt (e.g., native speaker of the third language or have studied in that language). Some master’s programs may have different rules.
2. What happens if I fail my TFG/TFM defense?
You can retake it once in the next examination period. You must re-enroll and pay the corresponding fee.
3. How long does it take to receive my degree after applying?
Once you apply and all requirements are verified, the degree is usually issued within 3–6 months. A provisional certificate (certificat supletori) is available sooner if needed.
4. Can I graduate if I have pending credits?
No. You must have passed all required credits. However, if you are only missing the TFG/TFM, you can graduate after its defense.
5. Is there a minimum GPA to graduate?
No minimum GPA is required for graduation, but honors (Matrícula d’Honor) are awarded for exceptional performance.
6. Do I need to know Catalan to graduate?
While Catalan is the main language of instruction, there is no specific language test for graduation. However, you must be able to follow classes and write assignments in Catalan or Spanish, depending on the course.
Final Checklist for a Smooth Graduation Process
Use this checklist to ensure you haven’t missed anything:
- ☐ Completed all required ECTS credits
- ☐ Passed all courses and internships
- ☐ Submitted and defended TFG/TFM
- ☐ Uploaded B2 language certificate (bachelor’s only)
- ☐ No outstanding debts or library fines
- ☐ Applied for graduation via e-Secretaria
- ☐ Paid the degree issuance fee
- ☐ Requested provisional certificate if needed
If you follow these steps, you’ll be ready to celebrate your achievement. For the most up-to-date information, always consult your faculty’s academic office or the UB website.
I’m doing a bachelor’s in medicine. Is it really 360 ECTS?
Yes, the bachelor’s degree in Medicine at UB requires 360 ECTS (6 years) as it’s a regulated profession. The final degree project is also included. Check your specific study plan for details.
What happens if I don’t complete all the credits by the end of my program?
You can extend your enrollment for up to two additional years (or more in special cases) to finish pending courses or the final project. Talk to your academic advisor about a personalized plan.
Thanks for the clear breakdown! One thing I’m unsure about: what’s the minimum grade to pass a course?
The minimum passing grade at UB is 5 out of 10 for most courses. However, some programs may have higher requirements for specific subjects, so always check your course syllabus.
I’m a master’s student at UB. Do I need to do a final project too?
Yes, most master’s programs at UB require a Treball de Fi de Màster (TFM) worth between 6 and 30 ECTS. Check your specific study plan to confirm the exact credits and format.
Does the language requirement apply to students who already speak three languages natively?
If you already have a B2 certificate in a third language (other than Catalan, Spanish, and your first foreign language), you can submit it to your faculty for exemption. Some programs also accept having completed secondary education in that language.
Can I use a TOEFL score for the language requirement?
Yes, TOEFL iBT scores between 72 and 94 are accepted as proof of B2 English. Make sure your certificate is still valid (usually within two years) and submit it to your faculty.