Education in Spain:
The currently system of education in Spain is known as LOE after the Ley Organic de Education, or Fundamentally Law of Education. Education in Spain is compulsory, and free from 6 to 16 years of age, supported by the Government on each Region.
Higher education:
There are 73 universities in Spain, most of which are supported by state funding . 23 Spanish universities are private, of which 7 are affiliated with the Catholic Church.
Former degrees were:
Higher education:
There are 73 universities in Spain, most of which are supported by state funding . 23 Spanish universities are private, of which 7 are affiliated with the Catholic Church.
Former degrees were:
- Licenciatura or ingenieria, can last four or five years.
- Diplomatura or ingenieria tecnica, degree courses of shorter duration, 3 years.
Under the new European Higher Education Area, these former undergraduate degrees are being replaced by the titulo de grado (Bachelor's degree).
The origins of higher education in Spain date back to Al-Andalus, the period of Islamic rule. Madrasahs, which were higher education institutions considered the predecessors of the university, were established in the Andalusian cities of Cordoba, Seville, Toledo, Granada, Murcia, Almeria, Valencia and Cadiz during the Caliphate of Cordoba.
Problems of definition make it difficult to date the origins of universities. The first medieval European universities were simply groups of scholars, the world "University" being derived from the Latin universities, meaning corporation. Nonetheless, the University of Palencia appears to have been the oldest university in Spain, while the University of Salamanca is the oldest existing Spanish university.
Founded in 1218, during a period of expansion that had begun in the 11th century, this University is considered to be one of the oldest in Western Europe. The university was founded as a "General School of the kingdom" by King Alfonso IX of Leon in 1218 so that the Leonese people could study at home without having to leave for Castile.
Founded in 1218, during a period of expansion that had begun in the 11th century, this University is considered to be one of the oldest in Western Europe. The university was founded as a "General School of the kingdom" by King Alfonso IX of Leon in 1218 so that the Leonese people could study at home without having to leave for Castile.
University:
The normal duration for University courses is 4 years, expect Medicine and some more, which are 6. University studies have "ECTS credits" as a measure for the lessons, and normally, 60 ECTS are taken each year, so, each course comprises 240 ECTS credits. Passing every subject and getting the 240 ECTS credits, gives the right to obtaining an academic degree (Grado), architecture or engineering qualification.
Postgraduate courses are Mater's degree (Master), and Doctoral degrees (Doctorado). The access is regulated by the university itself, through the Doctorate Commission. It is necessary to have the degree course, architecture or engineering.
Own degrees are non regulated studies leading to an unofficial degree, recognized only by the granting university. These courses have the same structure as the regulated studies.
The universities regulate access to their own degrees and they fix the academic fees. They can also offer unofficial postgraduates degrees. Spain has internationally recognized universities, the most notable being
- Comillas Pontifical University
- University of Alfonso X EI Sabio
- Complutense University of Madrid
- University of Barcelona
- University of Seville
- Autonomous University of Barcelona
- University of the Basque Country
- University of Deusto
- University of Valencia
- Polytechnic University of Catalonia
- Technical University of Madrid
- Autonomous University of Madrid
- Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona
- Carlos III University of Madrid
- University of Granada