
When will the classes be held?
Almost all classes will be held on weekdays from 14:00 to 16:30 Barcelona time (CET or CEST depending on the month). This is to facilitate attendance across as many different time zones as possible. Exceptional circumstances might require changes but these will be communicated ahead of time. Please note that for the online masters, some classes will take place slightly earlier or later to accommodate professors in different time zones. The classes will also be recorded and made available to be viewed later. All of the classes and extra sessions are held online. The program does not require a presence on the UAB campus at any stage.
What is the expected time commitment?
The standard time commitment for each ECTS is a maximum of 25 hours. For every 2.5 hours of class, one can expect to spend up to 7.5 hours on preparatory reading and assignments/evaluations (although depending on the individual this can take more or less time). Please note this carefully! Although many students complete the full-time or part-time master’s whilst employed, we strongly encourage not doing the full-time master’s whilst having a full-time job. Even doing the masters part-time and working full-time can be challenging. This is especially true for folks with other care responsibilities at home.
Can I switch from full-time to part-time?
Unfortunately, this is out of our hands. UAB requires a medical reason in order to do this, and the final decision is up to their discretion. We also strongly discourage people switching or dropping specific modules as this can be a complicated process and depending on when it’s done could result in your having to repay for the specific module.
What is a “master proprio”?
This page offers a detailed answer.
What if I don’t have an official diploma at the time of applying but will have one by the time the course starts?
Please check this page for a detailed answer.
What does the part-time schedule look like? Is it compatible with work/family commitments?
If you decide to take the masters part-time you will take 3 6ECTS modules (18ECTS total) in the first year and two 12ECTS plus one 3ECTS modules (27 ECTS total) in the second year. Please see the question above on “expected time commitment” to make an estimation of which option is best suited to your context. Please note that once you have enrolled it is not possible to switch between the two options except during extenuating circumstances.
Can I pay in instalments?
You can pay in up to two instalments if you are taking the masters full time, all payments have to be liquidated before the start date of the master in September.
Would we have to produce a final thesis?
An academic thesis or a final master’s project is required to be submitted to get the degree. The deadline for the thesis and the date of your defence is 6 months after the end of the last taught module. Throughout the program, you will be able to attend tutoring sessions. These are aimed at facilitating the learning process and guiding you towards the final master’s thesis/project.
How will students be graded?
The type of evaluation will be decided by the module coordinator and the teachers of each module. It can range from essays, book reports, creative outputs, group presentations, etc.
Are there any scholarships available?
We offer two full scholarships and four ½ scholarships each year. Due to the high demand absolute priority for the scholarships is given to low-income candidates from the Global South. This type of master’s is known as the self-financed master’s under the Spanish university system- which means that all the administrative costs and payment of teachers, as well as the budget for the scholarships are dependent on the student enrolment fees.
Am I eligible for the master’s? (I have a PhD/bachelor’s in music, etc etc.)
The course is ideal for those who want to learn more about degrowth, either after their bachelor’s degree, after they got a master’s degree on a different topic or even if they have started a PhD, and want to give a degrowth direction to their research and work. We welcome professionals from all walks of life who want to study degrowth and learn more about it! The course is great for people who want to learn part-time or full-time about alternatives to our current ecological and economic predicaments.
What if I don´t have an official diploma at the time of applying but will have one by the time the course starts?
Please check this page for a detailed answer.