Postgraduate Studies in Spain

In Spain, you will find several postgraduate degrees, and universities in Spain offer prestigious academic programs. Many international students have excelled in their careers by earning higher education qualifications from Spanish universities. To study abroad in Spain means that you will carry your exceptional experiences through the rest of your life. As you enjoy the feeling of holding a postgraduate degree from a Spanish university, do not forget that there are many broad opportunities for individual advancement. In general, all the Spanish universities deliver lectures traditionally and update students with research work and seminars. 

Here’s everything you need to know about postgraduate studies in Spain: 

Postgraduate Degree Structure in Spain

Bologna Process 

The Bologna Process seeks to set common academic standards across Europe. Through the establishment of the European Higher Education Area, the mobility of students and staff has been more significant. The implementation of the Bologna Process in the educational system of Spain is ongoingly providing students with a more personalized service that includes more professors and smaller class sizes. There are different types of universities and qualifications at the postgraduate level. University schools, university colleges, faculties, and higher technical schools of engineering and architecture represent the structural organization of higher education in Spain. 

Postgraduate Degree Duration

The postgraduate degree duration depends on the master’s program. In Spain, a postgraduate degree can take anywhere from 10 to 24 months to complete, with credits ranging from 60 to 120 in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Spanish master’s degree programs include modules that can be core, compulsory, or optional. You will be expected to submit a master’s dissertation after you finish your program, with credit weights ranging from six to thirty ECTS credits.

With the academic year starting in September and ending in June, most universities divide the academic year into two main teaching semesters. Such a division is filled with examinations and holiday periods. The initial semester generally starts in the winter, between September or October to December. After the first semester comes the second semester, the spring semester, which runs from January or February to May. 

Postgraduate Degree Cost in Spain

The cost of studying in Spain differs in terms of undergraduate and graduate programs. In Spain, tuition fees or the cost of education depends on the credits of a program rather than on the semesters or academic year. The concept of charging per credit makes the variations in pricing for programs more understandable. Costs will be greater in specific science fields that need expensive facilities and equipment. 

The government regulates master’s program fees per credit hour, which generally applies to public universities. The average cost of a master’s degree in Spain is €2,550. However, this will vary depending on the school and the number of credits taken. Some Spanish master’s programs may have minimal additional expenses, such as application and administrative fees, extracurricular activities, and insurance expenditures.

How to Apply to a Postgraduate Program in Spain?

Applying for a postgraduate program requires similar steps to an undergraduate program. First, you must check your chosen university in Spain and proceed with the online application. Upon completing your application, you will have to pay the application fee. One of the key points in having your application considered is a high GPA throughout your studies and meeting language requirements. Each study program has its entry requirements and specific documentation, so you’ll have to check them carefully. 

Many universities require these three general application documents, a bachelor’s degree, a copy of your passport, and a copy of your transcript. You have to submit all the required documentation in Spanish. So, if they’re in a different language, get a competent translator right away.

Admission Requirements

If you want to pursue a master’s degree in Spain, you should pay special attention to the specific criteria of the program you are applying to. Requirements might differ significantly from one program to the next. However, some general guidelines will help you complete the admission requirements. 

Here are some of the top required documents for a postgraduate degree in Spain:

• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Reference
• Proof of Language Proficiency
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Passport Copy
• Academic Transcripts

Top Postgraduate Degrees in Spain

Master’s programs in Spain cover many diverse fields of study. While you develop competent skills in pursuing a specific program, you will additionally have many career opportunities. 

Here are some of the top postgraduate programs to study in Spain: 

Entrepreneurship 

Several prominent universities across Spain will offer a program in Entrepreneurship. Although Barcelona lets you fully embrace the entrepreneurial spirit, other cities also have many engaging entrepreneurship programs. Upon completing your master’s degree in Entrepreneurship, you can expect to run your own business. Many skills will set your future on the pedestal, some of which are managing the good implementation of innovations and turning business concepts into viable products. 

Computer Science

As the demand for IT jobs grows, the importance of the Master’s degree in Computer Science grows too. The program in Computer Science enables you to have a deeper understanding of all aspects of the computer sciences. The Master’s in Computer Science will focus on modern software and hardware development, artificial intelligence, as well as many other broad branches of computer science. As a postgraduate student, you will gain theoretical and practical experience using complex data systems.

Psychology 

The Master’s degree in Psychology will teach you about every aspect of the human mind and how it influences a person’s reality. When you pursue master’s studies in psychology, many diverse modules will combine theoretical classes with practical work experience. You will acquire all the skills in treating cases of trauma, mental disorder, and addiction, among others. Such a degree will have you choose from various career options, including a psychotherapist, occupational psychologist, and school counselor, to mention a few. 

Culinary Arts and Kitchen Management

Culinary Arts and Kitchen Management programs will introduce you to different culinary techniques, along with kitchen management styles and the latest gastronomic innovations. Overall, the Master’s degree in Culinary Arts and Kitchen Management begins with the conceptual basis of professional kitchen management. To complete a master’s degree in this program, you will have to go through five modules, the master’s final project, and professional practices. The opportunity to undertake practices in prestigious restaurants will have an incredible impact on your future career. 

Universities and Colleges for Postgraduate Degrees in Spain

With its long tradition of excellence in education, Spain offers many remarkable universities for postgraduate degrees. Besides, Spain is one of the most popular destinations for international students since it is rich in history and culture. 

Here are the top universities for postgraduate degrees in Spain:

Pompeu Fabra University 

Pompeu Fabra University is a public university located in Barcelona. This university is highly regarded in research and education. Its main aim through the study degrees is to help students find solutions to the challenges that impact the lives of people. UPF continues to be the chosen university for various knowledge areas, such as biology, communication, and social sciences, among others. This university boasts several master’s and other postgraduate courses. Health and life sciences, humanities and history, and political and social sciences are just some of the master’s programs at this university. 

Autonomous University of Barcelona

Every year, the Autonomous University of Barcelona receives recognition for its effort in promoting quality in teaching, attracting students worldwide, and obtaining a growing impact in research. Among Spanish universities, this higher education institution occupies a unique position. To choose UAB means that you will have a successful future career. By offering more than 400 master’s degrees and graduate diplomas, the Autonomous University of Barcelona will take you one step closer to your professional career. Besides the official master’s degrees, UAB offers specific master’s degrees and graduate diplomas. 

University of Navarra

With four campuses, this university has an irreplaceable contribution to the higher education system of Spain. The University of Navarra is a Christian-inspired institution that carries out its activities as a non-profit organization. This university has a solid mission to seek the truth wherever it is and wherever it comes from and transmit it in a way that contributes to the academic, cultural, and personal formation of its students. The University of Navarra enables students to choose numerous master’s program degrees by offering different schools and study centers. 

Autonomous University of Madrid

The Autonomous University of Madrid is known as the place where knowledge arises, and career opportunities thrive. This higher education institution addresses the challenges of today’s society with dynamic teaching that allows its students to adapt to any circumstance. The Autonomous University of Madrid has its own postgraduate studies center from which you can choose several official master’s degrees. Among more than 80 master’s programs at this university, you will likely be able to find one that meets your needs.

Ramon Llull University 

Ramon Llull University comprises 9 prestigious higher education institutions and one affiliated center. As a private foundation, it has a federal structure governed by its Rules for Organization and Operation. Ramon Llull’s mission is to provide quality, personalized education to assure that society’s needs are met. At this higher education institution, you will find master’s degrees in several fields, such as engineering and architecture, sciences, social and legal sciences, among others. By completing your master’s degree in URL, you will utilize new technologies that give you an exceptional study experience. 

University of Valencia

The University of Valencia is all about training brilliant minds to become European Professional Standard professionals and encouraging acclaimed research in its academic environments. This university is one of the oldest universities in the Valencian Community as well as the most regarded in Spain. When choosing the University of Valencia, you will find many postgraduate courses. Besides the Official Master’s Degrees, you also can pursue doctoral studies. Furthermore, the University of Valencia is part of the Valencian Public University System which combines history and modernity and offers a wide range of training opportunities.

Why Study a Postgraduate Degree in Spain?

A master’s degree in Spain can provide a fantastic chance to study in a prominent higher education institution while also improving your Spanish language skills, as one of the world’s most widely spoken languages.

Here are some of the top reasons why you should study for a postgraduate degree in Spain:

• Excellent study programs.
• Remarkable universities.
• Affordable tuition fees.
• Many student cities.
• Official and nonofficial degrees.
• Financial aids and scholarships.
• Student job opportunities.