Program Overview
The Doctoral Programme in Design and Communication is a PhD program jointly offered by BAU College of Arts and Design and UVic-UCC Faculty of Business and Communication. It aims to train researchers in original research projects in theoretical or applied design and communication, leading to a PhD. The program is taught by experienced professors and researchers in Catalan, Spanish, and English and offers specialized facilities and strong international contacts for applied research. The program publishes two online indexed journals and has affiliations with five recognized research groups.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Doctoral Programme in Design and Communication is a PhD program jointly offered by BAU College of Arts and Design of Barcelona (Doctoral Unit) and the UVic-UCC - Faculty of Business and Communication (Department of Communication). The program's main objective is to train researchers to develop an original research project (doctoral thesis) in theoretical and/or applied design and communication, leading to a PhD. Key features include: being the first PhD in Design and Communication in the Spanish university system; pioneering 3rd cycle studies in a new research area; developing theses from applied research projects using reflection, contemporary thought, and critical practice; conducting theoretical and applied research to impact the future workforce; instruction by professors with accredited sexennial service and experience in communication and design; affiliation with five research groups recognized by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Audiovisual Translation, Communication and Territory (TRACTE), Learning Media and Social Interactions (LMI), Education (GREUV), Political Science Institute (IMP), and Design and Social Transformation (GREDITS)); a strong international network; publication of online indexed journals (Obra digital and Inmaterial); and access to specialized facilities at both BAU and UVic for applied research projects. The program is coordinated by Dr. Jordi de San Eugenio (with Dr. Jaron Rowan as deputy coordinator), and its academic committee includes Dr. Jordi de San Eugenio (President), Dr. Joan Frigola Reig, and Dr. Alejandra López Gabrielidis. The program is taught in Catalan, Spanish, and English, with 10 places available.
Teaching:
The program is taught by professors with accredited sexennial service and experience in various fields of communication and design. The program leverages the resources and expertise of five research groups recognized by the Generalitat de Catalunya. The languages of instruction are Catalan, Spanish, and English.
Other:
The program boasts a strong network of international contacts in communication and design at leading universities in Europe and beyond. Both BAU and UVic offer specialized facilities and spaces for conducting applied research projects. The program publishes two online indexed journals: Obra digital and Inmaterial.
The University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC) was established to continue the rich university tradition of Vic, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a public university under private management, serving the region through teaching, research, and knowledge transfer. UVic-UCC focuses on providing comprehensive student education and emphasizes creativity, professionalism, and social responsibility. It also has a strong international orientation and is deeply connected to the cultural, social, and economic progress of Catalonia.
University Organization: The university's academic and research activities are organized through faculties and various centers:
- Faculties: Business and Communication Studies, Education, Translation, Sport and Psychology, Health Sciences and Welfare, Science, Technology, and Engineering, and Medicine (federated).
- Centers: Teknós, Doctoral School, Educational Innovation and Training Centre (CIFE), Language School, and Postgraduate School.
Key Milestones:
- 1997: UVic is officially recognized by the Catalan Parliament after 280 years. This marks the restoration of the University of Vic, which had been suppressed in 1717.
- 2002: The University Clinic of Manresa is founded.
- 2011: Merging of the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Humanities, Translation, and Documentation to form a new Faculty of Education, Translation, and Humanities.
- 2013: Federation with Bages University Foundation, which leads to the creation of UVic-UCC.
- 2014: UVic-UCC partners with the Vic Hospital Consortium to create the University Hospital of Vic.
- 2017: Approval of the Faculty of Medicine with campuses in Vic and Manresa.
- 2020: Federation agreement with the Elisava University School Private Foundation.
Historical Background:
- 1599: The Literary University of Vic is founded under the privilege of granting degrees in Arts and Philosophy by King Philip III.
- 1717: The university is suppressed by King Philip V as part of the repercussions of the War of Spanish Succession.
- 19th Century: Vic becomes a significant cultural center during the Renaixença, a Catalan cultural revival, and the city’s Seminary educates over a thousand students.
The university’s history reflects its enduring role in higher education, with ongoing efforts to foster innovation and contribute to both local and international knowledge. UVic-UCC continues to play an important role in advancing the educational and research landscape in Catalonia.
