Autonomous University of Madrid: A World-Class Institution and Its History Programs

The Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), also known as la Autónoma, stands as a beacon of academic excellence in Spain and Europe. Founded in 1968, UAM has rapidly ascended to become one of Spain's most prestigious universities, consistently earning top rankings in national and international evaluations. This article delves into the history, programs, and opportunities offered by UAM, particularly focusing on its history programs and the experiences available to international students.

A Brief History of UAM

The establishment of the Autonomous University of Madrid was rooted in a period of significant transformation in Spain. The Stabilization Plan of 1959 and the subsequent development plans of the 1960s propelled the Spanish economy forward after years of austerity. This economic boom led to the emergence of a middle class, mirroring trends in other Western European nations.

UAM was founded in 1968 by royal decree. The decree was sponsored by the then-Minister of Science and Education, José Luis Villar Palasí, in order to restructure the Spanish university system. It was founded during the Francoist dictatorship along with the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the University of Bilbao.

Campus and Facilities

UAM's main campus, Cantoblanco, is located 15 km north of Madrid, near the cities of Alcobendas, San Sebastián de los Reyes, and Tres Cantos. The campus spans a rural tract of 650 acres (260 ha), mostly around metropolitan Madrid. UAM's Cantoblanco Campus holds most of the university's facilities and has an extension of over 2,200,000 m2 (24,000,000 sq ft). Of these, nearly 770,000 m2 (8,300,000 sq ft) are urbanised and about a third of them are garden areas.

Initially, the campus held the faculties of philosophy and liberal arts, law, economics, business management, and science, as well as the rectorate, several other service buildings and sports facilities. The university's other facilities, the faculty of medicine and the teacher training Santa Maria school are in downtown Madrid. There are two other teacher training schools in Segovia and in Cuenca.

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Other services on campus include 16 cafeterias and other eating facilities, medical services, a pharmacy with optic care, a foreign languages pavilion, and a bookstore. The campus also houses several research facilities partnered with the Spanish Scientific Research Council (CSIC). Cantoblanco Campus is accessible by train belonging to Renfe Cercanias Commuter service (station Cantoblanco-Universidad), or by the Madrid Region Commuter Bus service.

Academic Structure and Programs

The UAM is divided into eight faculties and superior schools that support and coordinate most of the university's academic and administrative activity. Each faculty is divided into departments that coordinate the teaching and research of the different subjects. Researchers can organise into research institutes in order to coordinate their activities in a specific research field. The university totals up to 59 departments and eight research institutes.

UAM offers Spanish undergraduates fully recognized degrees. There are the Diplomatura and Ingenierías Técnicas (technical engineering), which are three-year studies equivalent to an associate degree. Licenciaturas and Ingenierías Superiores are four to five years studies equivalent to a bachelor's degree. Along with that, UAM offers second level licenciaturas, which allow people who have a diplomatura to obtain a licenciatura by taking courses. In other case, they must have at least the first two or three years of a licenciatura and combined degree, which are very popular among Spanish students.

In addition to the Faculties where the degrees on the different fields of knowledge and science are studied -Faculty of Science, F. of Business and Economic Science, F. of Law, F. of Philosophy and the Arts, F. of Teacher Training and Education, F. of Psychology, F.

UAM offers 94 PhD programs across the university. It has also consistently ranked as the #1 law school in Spain for the past 100 years.

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History Programs

UAM's history programs are housed within the Faculty of Philosophy and the Arts. These programs offer a comprehensive exploration of the past, encompassing various periods, regions, and thematic areas. Students can delve into ancient history, medieval studies, modern and contemporary history, and the history of art, among other specializations.

The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, research skills, and a deep understanding of historical processes. Students have the opportunity to engage with primary sources, participate in archaeological digs, and conduct independent research projects. The faculty comprises renowned historians who are actively involved in cutting-edge research, providing students with valuable mentorship and guidance.

International Programs and Opportunities

The Autonomous University of Madrid welcomes international students from across the globe, fostering a diverse and enriching academic environment. UAM offers a range of programs and support services specifically designed for international students.

Tufts in Madrid Program

One notable program is the Tufts in Madrid program, designed to increase intercultural agency and understanding, and to achieve inclusive excellence. As a global leader in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice, the program offers courses designed to foster critical thinking, active learning, and the development of intercultural skills and knowledge. All of this is done within the framework of diversity, justice, and human rights. The program also offers a rigorous Global Internship Program with flexible credit options in the fields of community health, women’s advocacy, refugee and immigrant advocacy, international relations, human rights, journalism, diplomacy, education, environmental studies, scientific research, marketing, finance, and more. Additionally, the program offers education, mentoring and training in intercultural competency development.

Tufts in Madrid was selected by Diversity Abroad as the recipient of the 2022 Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion in International Education Award (EDIIE) for the category of Student Engagement & Support. The overall design of the program promotes academic and intellectual achievement at the highest level within the framework of diversity, justice, and human rights, and seeks to inspire in students an awareness of and a concern for the experience and well-being of human beings across the globe.

Program Tracks:

Arts & Sciences in Spanish: Students should expect all coursework to be taught in Spanish. Students have the flexibility to choose from a variety of courses offered through the program, taught at our Madrid program center, as well as courses available at our partner institution, the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Most students enroll in at least one course at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. A typical academic schedule includes one or two university courses and two to three program courses per semester. All program courses are conducted in Spanish, whereas some university courses may be taught in English.
STEM/Engineering in English: Students will take their courses, typically taught in English, through Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M); students must take a minimum of 18 ECTS/12 Tufts credits at UC3M but may opt to take a course at the Madrid program center (depending on their language level).

Additionally, students have the option to take courses at private academies, with or without credit, in areas such as studio art, dance, music, or martial arts. Students can also choose to participate in the Global Internship Program, with options for full credit, half credit, or no credit (may not be available for students in the STEM/Engineering track).

Prerequisites:

Successful completion or testing out of Spanish 4 or the equivalent of four semesters of college-level Spanish is required for the 'Arts & Sciences in Spanish' track.
Students on the 'STEM/Engineering in English' track have no language prerequisite.

Program Courses:

Courses at the Madrid program center focus on critical studies, examining the intersectionality of underrepresented identities (gender, race, sexual orientation, migratory status, socioeconomic status), and their expression in art, literature, architecture, politics, and social institutions. Program courses and faculty provide critical peninsular and transatlantic studies that allow students to situate and understand Spain as a complex, dynamic, heterogeneous society and culture in constant transition.

Direct Enrollment at Partner Universities

Students may also directly enroll in courses at Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) or Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), depending on their program track.

Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM): UCM, a top-ranked public university founded in 1822, is one of the largest and most prestigious institutions of higher education in Spain and the Spanish speaking world. Students may take classes from the UCM general curriculum in various departments, including Art History, Fine Arts, Languages and Literatures, History, Geography, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Medicine, Mathematics, Law, Electrical Engineering, Music, Media Studies, Business, Education, Information Technology, Psychology, Social Work, and more. Students may also choose courses offered through the Reunidas Program, designed for international students, and supported by the Consortium of North American University Programs. Reunidas operates within three Humanities schools at UCM: Philosophy, Language and Literature, Geography and History, and offers classes in various disciplines such as Spanish Language and Literature, Geography, History, Art History, Philosophy, Sociology, International Relations, and Economics. All courses are taught in Spanish.
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M): UC3M is a relatively small and innovative public university with a distinctly international profile. Established in 1989, UC3M offers a broad range of degree programs in the STEM fields, including a highly accredited Engineering program, many courses of which are taught in English. Engineering courses at UC3M are offered at the Leganés campus.

Global Internship Program

The Global Internship Program provides a unique opportunity that complements the curriculum, enhances your resume, and enriches your personal experience in Spain. Previous internship placements have included roles in Diplomacy, International Relations, Human Rights, Education, Sports, Art, Public Health, Environmental Studies, Sociology and Finance. Internships may be taken for full, half, or no credit.

Application Process for International Students

Recognition of Foreign Qualifications: A student must have recognition of foreign qualifications in Spain.
Language Proficiency: Depending on the program, you must have proof of Spanish (or English) language skills.
Entrance Exams/Interviews: Entrance exams, interviews, or prerequisites may apply.
Academic Records: The university seeks students who have excelled in their previous studies.
Visa Requirements: Once accepted, students must secure a student visa.
Required Documents: Application form for subjects, Photocopy of passport, Official academic certificate from the student's home university specifying the subjects taken and the grades obtained. Official document signed and stamped by the issuing institution is required, Certificate from your home university stating that you are studying a Bachelors or Masters degree at that university, Official Certificate of language level, depending on the language of studies: B1 for Spanish, and B2 if you are taking a course in English, Curriculum Vitae is mandatory, English Language requirement: TOEFL: TOEFL ITP score of 550 or TOEFL IBT score of 80, IELTS minimum score of 6.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

The Autonomous University of Madrid is committed to supporting talented students worldwide. They offer several university-sponsored scholarships that can significantly reduce your tuition fees or even cover them entirely. Spain's government also offers scholarships to international students. The Ministry of Education provides these scholarships to non-EU students studying in Spain.

If you're coming from another European country, you're in luck! The Autonomous University of Madrid participates in the Erasmus+ program, which offers mobility grants for EU students. This means you could receive financial support to study at UAM for a semester or even a full academic year. UAM offers specialised scholarships for those pursuing advanced degrees or engaging in groundbreaking research.

Tuition and Living Costs

The Autonomous University of Madrid offers the best education at surprisingly affordable rates. Tuition fees at UAM are competitively priced, especially compared to other top European universities. For most undergraduate programmes, you can expect to pay between €1,500 and €3,500 per academic year. Graduate programmes may range from €2,500 to €5,000 annually, depending on the field of study. With wise budgeting, you can comfortably live in Madrid on €700-€1,200 monthly.

Student Life and Activities

At UAM, you can access a dizzying array of student clubs and organisations. UAM is also a festive campus, holding several festivals during spring.

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