FAQs (Frequently asked questions)



What language is the MBA full time taught in?

How long is the programme and what is the schedule?

How does the teaching methodology work?

How are the courses evaluated?

Can I work while I study for the MBA full time?

How many intakes are there per year? When does the MBA full time begin?

Which edition is starting in September 2008?

How many participants are there each year?

Who is the MBA full time aimed at?

When can I apply to the MBA full time? Is the admissions process different for students from overseas?

How much is the application fee?

What is the admission process?

What is commitment to availability?

What is the minimum level of English required for the MBA full time?

Who should I ask to write my references?

What does the MBA full time at IDEC-UPF cost and what is the payment schedule?

Does IDEC-UPF offer any grants or other funding arrangements and how can I apply for them?

When my application has been accepted, what steps do I have to take?

When and how do I register and enrol?

If finally I decide not to pursue the MBA full time, will the deposit be refunded?

Does the UPF have a library?

Are there computer rooms where I can work?

Is a personal laptop absolutely necessary?

Will UPF help me to find accommodation?

What about career support?

Who can I contact if I have any questions?


What language is the MBA full time taught in?

Required classes are given in English, elective classes can be chosen from those given in English or in Spanish (provided sufficient proficiency). Spanish classes will be offered to those who need them.


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How long is the programme and what is the schedule?

The programme is 15 months. Class sessions take place Mondays to Fridays from 09.00 to 14.00 and some afternoons. Other afternoons will be taken up by private study, group projects, coaching and other activities. This is a full time intensive schedule.


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How does the teaching methodology work?

Learning takes place through participation in active (hands on) and practical activities that have real life applications. Throughout the programme a critical attitude is encouraged to create an environment in which you question principles and solutions; we provide the paradigm and create a forum for discussion where you suggest the alternatives. In short, the methodology of the MBA full time affects and deepens the way you define, defend and debate your proposals. This is based on:
  • Presentation and discussion of cases and articles
  • Role plays
  • Simulations
  • Projects
  • Lectures
  • Participatory classes
  • Team work


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How are the courses evaluated?

Courses are evaluated in a variety of ways. Course grades are a combination of continual assessment, final exams, group projects and class participation. How each individual course is assessed is laid down in the course description, available to all participants.


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Can I work while I study for the MBA full time?

No, the schedule is too demanding.


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How many intakes are there per year? When does the MBA full time begin?

One. The MBA full time induction starts the first week in September.


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Which edition is starting in September 2008?

The seventh MBA edition.


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How many participants are there each year?

Because of the individual nature of the programme, we try to keep each edition to a maximum of 25 participants.


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Who is the MBA full time aimed at?

On the MBA full time, group work is essential to achieve established objectives, so it is vital that there is successful interaction between participants. For this reason, the selection process is completely qualitative and very rigorous.


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When can I apply to the MBA full time? Is the admissions process different for students from overseas?

IDEC-UPF has a rolling admissions policy and evaluates admissions throughout the year. You should submit your application form either on-line or by sending it by post. There is no difference between an application from Spain, or one from abroad.


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How much is the application fee?

0 €. IDEC-UPF does not charge an application fee.


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What is the admission process?

So that the admissions committee can evaluate properly, a programme candidate must fill out an application form giving academic and professional details, adding comments regarding motivation and aspirations for the future. The following documents must be included with the application form or sent separately:
  • Certified true copy of the degree certificate
  • Transcript
  • CV
  • Two letters of recommendation.
  • Photocopy of ID or passport.
  • Two passport photos
  • Photocopies of diplomas accrediting other courses or activities
  • GMAT admission test
  • English Language Accreditation (required for non-native speakers )

The evaluation process can be started before we receive the last two documents, but they are required before admission is granted. A subsequent interview will allow the Admissions Committee to explore your professional and personal ambitions and to evaluate whether you have the appropriate skills for entering the programme, as well as answer questions or resolve any doubts.


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What is commitment to availability?

The programme interview will take place within 15 days of IDEC-UPF receiving your application. The subsequent decision of the Admissions Committee will be communicated during the following 15 days. IDEC-UPF guarantees equal opportunity for all candidates during the selection process.


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What is the minimum level of English required for the MBA full time?

For active participation in the MBA full time, a high level of English is a must. Any of following qualifications or certifications will be accepted as proof of English language proficiency:
  • TOEFL, minimum 220 cbt and 82 ibt. This qualification is only considered valid if it was obtained less than two years before starting your masters programme. TOEIC is also accepted. ( Register for the TOEFL )
  • IELTS, with 6.5 points or over. This qualification is only considered valid if obtained less than two years before starting your masters programme.
  • CAMBRIDGE ADVANCED ENGLISH (CAE) issued by Cambridge University. This qualification is considered valid only if it was obtained less than three years before starting your masters programme.
  • The LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY EXAM "fluency" level. This exam must have been obtained less than two years before the start of your masters programme.
  • A University Degree in English
  • A pass certificate for level five English from La Escuela Oficial de Idiomas (Spain). This qualification must have been obtained less than four years before starting your masters programme.
  • Certificate and transcripts to prove that the candidate has attended a university course in an English-speaking country for a period of at least three years.


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Who should I ask to write my references?

The people who write your letters of reference are in fact recommending your acceptance to IDEC-UPF on the grounds of your personal and professional qualities. You should ask an instructor, mentor, or professional who is well aware of your background. References must be written on letter-head paper from the company or institution, and arrive in a sealed envelope.


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What does the MBA full time at IDEC-UPF cost and what is the payment schedule?

The MBA programme fee is 25.000€. 10% of the total must be paid to secure your admission place, and a further 10,000€ must be paid before you can register to start taking courses.


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Does IDEC-UPF offer any grants or other funding arrangements and how can I apply for them?

Yes! IDEC-UPF has a range of grants and scholarships. Information about funding and scholarships can be found here .


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When my application has been accepted, what steps do I have to take?

Being admitted does not necessarily mean that a place will be reserved for you. To ensure that you can enrol for the September start date, you must deposit 10% of the total tuition fees as follows:
  • Checks made out to the IDEC-UPF.
  • Deposit in cash at our Admissions Department.
  • Bank transfer, specifying the name of the candidate, the programme and the academic year.

If you opt for a bank transfer, it is important to fax the voucher to us at the following fax number: +34 93 542 185. No reservations will be made until receipt is received by the MBA Admissions Department. The transfer must be made in euros to one of the following accounts:
  • BBVA
    - Address: Plaça de Catalunya 5, 08002 Barcelona
    - Account number: 0182.5734.33.0010003294
    - IBAN: ES69 0182 5734 3300 1000 3294
    - SWIFT: BBVAESMM
  • BANC SABADELL ATLÁNTICO
    - Address: Avinguda Diagonal 407 bis, 2n pis, Barcelona
    - Account number: 0081.5172.84.0001041014
    - IBAN: ES05 0081-5172-84-0001041014
    - SWIFT: BSABESBB
  • CAIXA DE CATALUNYA
    - Address: Marc Aureli 42-44, 08006 Barcelona
    - Account number: 2013.0229.47.0200252562
    - IBAN: ES02 2013 0229 4702 0025 2562
    - SWIFT: CESCESBBXXX
  • CAIXA DE PENSIONS
    - Address: c/Rosselló, 214, 08008 Barcelona
    - Account number: 2100.2837.26.0210054995
    - IBAN: ES8121002837260210054995
    - SWIFT: CAIXESBB


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When and how do I register and enrol?

Upon being informed of the acceptance of your application, and making your reservation with the 10% deposit, you must inform us of the method of payment for the remaining 90%. The enrolment agreement must then be signed without delay.


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If finally I decide not to pursue the MBA full time, will the deposit be refunded?

No. That amount, to reserve a place in the programme, is non-refundable. However, if you have paid the deposit, you may defer your enrolment for a maximum of one calendar year. A deferred entrance must be reconfirmed and you must send an updated CV to reserve your place in the next promotion.


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Does the UPF have a library?

The UPF library has won international awards and is one of the most modern and complete research libraries in Europe. There are several sites at the UPF Campus but the legal, business and management sections are housed at the central site at Ciutadella.
The virtual library provides access to databases and links to websites of interest. IDEC has a Documentation Centre where textbooks are kept and from where you can order any document from the library.
The UPF library is open 360 days a year from Monday to Friday, from 8.00h to 01.30 and at weekends and bank holidays from 10.00 to 21.00


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Are there computer rooms where I can work?

The IDEC site has computer rooms equipped with modern PCs, and the UPF library also has large computer rooms.


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Is a personal laptop absolutely necessary?

A computer is an essential tool for the MBA full time. All students must have a laptop or a PC at home, with up-to-date versions of software that are compatible with the systems used at UPF.
We strongly recommend the use of a laptop, which can be used to access the wireless network at all university sites. Although UPF has fully equipped computer rooms, at peak times they can be crowded. We will provide facilities, but cannot guarantee they will cover all computing needs.


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Will UPF help me to find accommodation?

We can provide information on where to look for accommodations. Lists of flat-shares and flats-to-rent are available.


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What about career support?

The Career Department offers a range of tools to assist you in the planning of your professional life. This includes business communication courses, coaching and professional assessment, and career management with a professional consultant. You will also have access to a MBA job listing board.


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Who can I contact if I have any questions?

The Department of Information and Academic Admissions:
Telephone: +34 93 542 2639, e-mail: imba@idec.upf.edu


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