Education in Spain
Dec 6th, 2007 by admin
After the reform of 1990, when secondary education became compulsory, the term of studying became 4 years. Then children get primary education (it last 6 years), and the graduado en educacion secundaria. It will take 2 more years to get the titulo de bachillerato. Examinations are obligatory as well the pupils’ academic achievements in all the subjects. In order to enter any university Spanish pupils are taking an exam – selectividad.
The Spanish university system has been developing since the Middle Ages. Salamanca is the oldest Spanish University. The year of foundation is 1218. The nowadays system was inspired by the French model. But it faces many changes now. If before it was rather centralized, now it orients more on self-governing and decentralization. There are private as well as public higher institutions in Spain. The division of Spanish universities is the following: facultades universitarias, departamentos, escuelas tecnicas superiores, institutos, colegios, escuelas universitarias and others.
The Universities’departments of higher education and the Ministry of Education of Spain deal with the educational policy. The Consejo de Universidades is responsible for universities’, institutes’ and centers’ creation. It defines the qualifications. Some universities get financial, administrative and academic autonomy.
Many education plans were renewed after the reform. Now to get an intermediate degree one should study for three years, a superior degree – for five years (six years for medicine). The doctorate would take 2 years together with a final thesis. Also there are various masters degrees for economics and law graduates. There are mainstream and elective courses. The University Councils make the first type obligatory. The second type is chosen by the students freely.