Information about the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM)
- Name Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM)
- Address: Pº Juan XXIII, nº11, 28040, Madrid.
- Email: acceso.universidad@upm.es
- Contact Us: + 34 910 67 00 05
- Website: www.upm.es
- Students: More than 30.000 students.
- Number of teachers: More than 2.600 teachers.
- Number of degrees and careers: More than 40 degree courses.
- Number of masters: More than 70 master's programs.
- Number of PhDs: Nearly 50 PhD programs.
- World ranking (according to QS World University Rankings:): Position 349.
History of UPM
The history of the Polytechnic University of Madrid is rich and dates back several centuries, although it was formed as a unified entity in 1971. Below, we will give you a more detailed summary of its evolution.
In 1782, the Royal Botanical Garden was founded on the Paseo del Prado in Madrid. This is one of the first antecedents of the educational institutions that would eventually merge into the UPM.
Later, in 1844, the Higher School of Architecture was founded as the Special School of Painting, Sculpture, and Engraving, and subsequently became the Higher Technical School of Architecture. Meanwhile, the School of Civil Engineering, founded in 1802, would become one of the oldest engineering schools in Spain and is currently one of the flagship schools of the UPM (Technical University of Madrid). Finally, the School of Industrial Engineering, founded in 1850, would play a crucial role in the modernization and industrialization of Spain.
In 1971, a major restructuring of higher education took place in Spain. As a result, several independent technical schools merged to form the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM). Although many of these schools already had a long tradition and established themselves, the UPM unified them under a single institutional umbrella.
The UPM has continued to evolve, adapting to the technological and social changes of the new century. It has consolidated its reputation as one of the leading technical universities in Spain and Europe. Furthermore, it has expanded its academic offerings, strengthened its research programs, and established international collaborations in multiple fields.
In summary, the history of the Polytechnic University of Madrid is the sum of the trajectories of multiple educational and research institutions that have developed over the centuries.
The UPM, as we know it today, is the result of the union of these institutions with the aim of strengthening technical education and research in Spain.
Location of the Polytechnic University of Madrid (campus)
The Polytechnic University of Madrid, as its name indicates, is located in the city of Madrid, the capital of Spain.
However, it is important to note that the UPM is not concentrated on a single campus, but rather has several spread throughout the city. These campuses house different schools and faculties, each specializing in specific areas of technical knowledge. The main ones are:
- University City Campus: It houses schools such as the Higher Technical School (ETS) of Civil Engineers, Canals and Ports and the ETS of Industrial Engineers, among others.
- Montegancedo Campus: It is located in Boadilla del Monte and houses the Faculty of Informatics and the Research Center in Software Technologies and Multimedia Systems for Sustainability, among others.
- South Campus: Located in the south of Madrid, there are schools such as the ETS of Engineering and Telecommunications Systems and the ETS of Civil and Territorial Engineering.
- Moncloa Campus: It houses the ETS of Architecture and other related centers and institutes.
- Vallecas Campus: It is where the ETS of Mining and Energy Engineers is located.
Some of these campuses are located in iconic or historically significant areas, while others are in more modern areas or on the outskirts of the city.
This distribution reflects the evolution and expansion of the university over the years and its adaptation to changing training and research needs.
You can see its location on Google Maps here.
Interesting figures about UPM
The Polytechnic University of Madrid has more than 20 schools and faculties, housing more than 30.000 students enrolled in more than 40 undergraduate degrees, 70 master's programs and almost 50 doctoral programs.
The university excels not only in education but also in research, with nearly 225 recognized research groups and active participation in national and international projects. Furthermore, it has fostered technological entrepreneurship, leading to the creation of over 140 technology-based companies.
Degrees and studies at the Polytechnic University of Madrid
The Polytechnic University of Madrid offers a wide range of academic programs in technical and scientific areas. Below is a general summary:
1. Degrees: UPM offers more than 40 undergraduate degrees in various areas of engineering, architecture and science.
2. Master's Degrees: There are more than 70 master's degree programs that delve into specializations within technical areas, allowing students to acquire advanced and specialized knowledge.
3. Doctoral Programs: UPM offers nearly 50 doctoral programs, representing the highest level of academic specialization and focused on research. These programs enable students to conduct cutting-edge research in collaboration with renowned professionals and academics in technical and scientific fields.
In summary, UPM offers a wide range of academic programs that cover various areas of engineering, architecture and science, from initial training levels to advanced doctoral research.
How much does it cost to study at UPM?
The Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) has fees established by the Community of Madrid.
At a national level, university prices in Spain, including UPM, are relatively low compared to many European countries. Within Spain, the Community of Madrid may have prices slightly above the national average.
Prices vary depending on the degree and the number of credits, but to give you an idea, the average price per credit in a degree is around 20 euros.
The UPM offers quality education at competitive prices, especially compared to many European institutions. You can see the prices for different Spanish regions in our post about Spanish university prices (updated).
It is important to highlight that UPM offers various scholarships and financial aid for students who need financial support, making it an even more attractive option for students from all economic backgrounds.
List of some of the most popular degrees and courses at the Polytechnic University of Madrid
- Industrial engineer
- Architecture
- Telecommunication engineering
- Informatics Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Civil Engineering (or Civil Engineering, Canals and Ports)
- Agronomic, Food and Biosystems Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Industrial Electronic and Automatic Engineering
- Chemical engineering
Links to UPM faculties
In the following link, you can find direct access to the different faculties of the Polytechnic University of Madrid: UPM Faculties
Admission requirements for the Polytechnic University of Madrid
If you want to see the entry requirements for this university and others in the Community of Madrid, take a look at our post: Entry Requirements for Universities in Madrid
Distinguished UPM students
The Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) has trained many professionals over the years, some of whom have excelled in their respective fields and achieved considerable recognition. Although the list of notable alumni is extensive, here are some of the most illustrious:
- Francisco González: Telecommunications engineer and former president of BBVA, one of the largest banks in Spain.
- Federico Mayor Zaragoza: Agricultural engineer and former director general of UNESCO.
- Santiago Calatrava: Architect and civil engineer known worldwide for his unique and avant-garde designs of buildings and bridges.
- Rafael del Pino y Moreno: Founder of Ferrovial, one of the world's leading infrastructure companies.
- José Monzónís: Former Secretary of State for Energy and Mineral Resources.
- Enrique Lopez Granados: Aeronautical engineer and aviation pioneer in Spain.
- Pedro Duque: Aeronautical engineer and astronaut; He was the first Spaniard to travel to space.
- José Manuel Sánchez Ron: Professor and member of the Royal Spanish Academy, he has made important contributions to the history of science.
It is important to mention that this list is representative and not exhaustive. UPM has had many outstanding students in different areas, and the influence of the university extends to many fields of knowledge and industry.
Conclusion
The Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) is one of Spain's most prestigious educational institutions in the fields of engineering, architecture, and science. With a wide range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, UPM combines tradition and innovation, adapting to the current demands of the job market and technological advancements. It has been the alma mater of many distinguished students who have made their mark in diverse fields, from architecture to aeronautics, and is undoubtedly a leading institution in technical and scientific education in Spain.
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