Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies

About the course

An interdisciplinary social sciences degree on global issues. UPF lists it as taught in English: years one and two are almost always in English, while later optional subjects may be in English, Spanish or Catalan depending on what is offered. It includes three compulsory language subjects and a compulsory period abroad (at least 20 ECTS).

Entry requirements for Irish students

• Ireland is an EU education system, so under Spanish rules you do not sit the Spanish entrance exam (PAU); you must meet the entry rules for university in Ireland (as a guide, UCD asks for six subjects including English and Irish, with at least H5 in two). UNEDasiss converts your Leaving Cert into a Spanish score out of 10, and EU-system applicants compete for 40 places on that score. UPF publishes nothing specific on the Leaving Cert, so confirm with admissions.
• You can raise your score towards 14 with UNED PCE subject tests in subjects UPF weights for this degree.
• You take three compulsory subjects in Chinese, Arabic, Russian or French (or Spanish, for international students), and you must certify a third language at B2 to graduate. The English entry requirement and whether Leaving Cert English is accepted were not confirmed; ask admissions.

How to apply

1. Check your Leaving Cert profileMake sure you meet Irish university matriculation rules (six subjects incl. English and Irish, with at least two H5s).
2. Apply for UNEDasiss accreditationApply between February and November 2027 (about €36), and book PCE subject tests early if you want to raise your score.
3. Pre-enrol through the Catalan systemSubmit your preinscripció universitària listing Global Studies at UPF in the early summer 2027 window; confirm exact dates when published.
4. Plan your languagesChoose your compulsory language (Chinese, Arabic, Russian, French, or Spanish for international students) and plan how you will reach B2 in a third language before graduating.

Costs

• UPF is a public university, so EU students pay the same regulated Catalan public price per credit as Spanish students. As a rough guide, a 60-credit year has recently cost about €1,100, but the 2026/27 price could not be checked on UPF’s fees page; confirm with UPF. Add about €36 for UNEDasiss accreditation.

At a glance