What is the PCE Modality?
The Baccalaureate Modality is one of the requirements that can be requested for our access to a Spanish university. This requirement is special and is only required in specific universities, so you may not have to meet it. We are going to explain to you where to order it and how to get it.
Universities that request Baccalaureate Modality
You will have to meet this requirement if you want to study at a public university in the Community of Madrid or Castilla-León (Salamanca, León, Valladolid and Burgos).
In all of them the exams will be PCE and the maximum grade (up to 14 points) can be obtained with only 4 subjects completed. In other regions, such as Valencia or Murcia, you can also take 4 subjects in the UNEDASISS Selectivity, but they do not ask us for this requirement.
In other parts of Spain, such as Andalusia or Catalonia, we will not be asked for this criterion either. However, we will have to prepare 6 subjects to achieve the highest grade (PCE type EBAU).
You can see the choice of subjects in our post about What subjects do I have to choose?
How to get the baccalaureate modality in 2025?
Once you know that you have to comply, we will explain how to obtain it. There are two ways, but first we want you to see this image.
As you see in this image, we indicate the different itineraries that exist. There are several types.
- Sciences and Engineering Modality
- Social Sciences Modality
- Humanities Modality
- Arts Modality
If we want to access any of the universities that we have mentioned, we will have to choose a valid configuration to complete the requirement. As there are 4 subjects, it is advisable to choose one from the block of general core subjects, the modality subject that we have to take according to our choice and two specific ones, which may be the ones we like and value the most. And now the important thing. How to get the Baccalaureate Modality?
- Passing the core subject, the modality subject and at least one of the specific subjects. That is, we can not approve just one. If we suspend any of the aforementioned, WE DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENT.
- This new criterion comes into force in the PCE 2020 call and is not valid for previous years. In this case it is only necessary to have an average grade of 5 points or more among the 4 subjects of an itinerary. That is, we can pass 2 and fail 2 and achieve the criterion if we have a joint average passing grade.
Requirements of the universities of Madrid and Castilla – León
If you plan to enter a university in Madrid or Castilla León, you must read the agreement that the universities have signed. For 2025 there is nothing new. You have to take 4 subjects to achieve the highest grade and have the Modality criterion, which we are explaining to you in this post.
How do you apply for the Baccalaureate Modality?
This criterion is requested when we do registration for PCE UNED exams, and usually costs around 50 euros in the final fee.
Unlike the university admission grade, whose grade is established from year to year (that is, you cannot mix subjects from one year or another in the general phase to generate that final access grade), The Baccalaureate Modality can be obtained from year to year. For example, if we have an acceptable final grade but we have failed Mathematics II the previous year, you can take only that subject to fulfill the requirement the following year. Of course, compliance with the Modality in several years is only allowed in the criteria of approved subjects, not in the average of the 4 subjects.
Conclusion
You may have questions about this requirement. You must know that its fulfillment is a true (or has been) nightmare. Having to pass Mathematics or a core such as Language has been a real problem for many students who saw their dream of studying at one of the universities in Madrid or Castilla y León cut short.
The solution until 2020 was to go to another region, such as Valencia, and begin university studies there, given that in those universities the requirements are more lax. Starting in 2020, fortunately, there is another way to accomplish it, and we hope it is not that big problem that has been scaring many applicants.
FAQs
What is the PCE High School Modality?
The Baccalaureate Modality is one of the requirements that can be requested for our access to a Spanish university.
What subjects do I have to take to achieve the Modality requirement?
- A general topic, such as Language, English or History of Spain.
- A modality core, such as CCSS Mathematics, Mathematics II, Latin, a language, or Art Foundations.
- Two specific ones, which depend on the branch of study to be prepared.
What universities request it?
The universities of Madrid and Castilla León.
160 comments on “The High School Modality”
Hello, I took the PCE exam in September 2024 and received the following:
Language 5.3
Mathematics 6.3
CCSS Mathematics 8.0
Physics 2.45
I want to apply for a Psychology (Science) program at the University of Buenos Aires (UBU), where the weightings in 2024 were Mathematics (0.2), Mathematics for Secondary Education (0.2), and Physics (0.2). My question is, which two grades will be weighted and added to my admission grade? Thank you very much!
Hi Monica. In your case, you'll only be eligible for Math II and Math Secondary School, since Physics is failing.
Thank you! Yes, I understand that Physics isn't taken into account when calculating my admission grade, since I failed it. They already told me my admission grade is 7.772. What I wanted to know was which two courses the UBU will weight when calculating my admission grade to that university, in other words, what score will be added to that 2. Thank you!
Hello, I am a high school student in Mexico and I would like to start university in Valencia. What is the first thing I should do?
The first thing is to know what degree you want to access and to homologate your studies. Then, study for the university entrance exam, which you can do with us 🙂
If you want to know more, let us know.
A greeting.
Hi !
I am Peruvian and I would like to apply to universities in Madrid and Catalonia, through the EBAU modality of the pce, would there be any problem when pre-registering for the universities of Madrid?
Hello Carmen. If you have not registered and contracted UNEDasiss services, you may not be able to access Madrid. You must choose the High School Modality as a requirement. If you want we can explain more by writing to us at info@escuelapce.com
Hello, if I fail a subject in the high school modality (mathematics II with less than 5), can I redo only that subject in the extraordinary modality or do I have to redo all the subjects?
You can do only that subject if you appear in September. If you present next year you will have to do all of them.
Hello, if I want to study audiovisual communications and I apply for these pce and took the exams; philosophy, geography, English and art history. Can I enter a university in Valencia or Murcia?
Maybe so, but we'd have to see what grades you got.
Hello! I want to study Interior Design in Valencia. I chose three general subjects, in addition to Art History, Business and CCSS Mathematics. Are these the correct subjects? since I did not find information on whether it is Art or Engineering (science)
Hello Karina. We would have to see the university itinerary, subjects and so on. We cannot respond to you by this means without prior analysis. If you wish, hire a consultancy and we will answer any questions you may have. All the best.
Is it possible to study in Valencia with the baccalaureate modality?
It is not a requirement in the Valencian Community.
Hello,
When I asked the university in Madrid about the modality and what subjects I have to take, they told me that the baccalaureate modality has not yet been established as it will be for the 2024/2025 academic year. Do you have more information about it? Will it be different this year?
Thank you.
All the best
Hello Anna. The baccalaureate Modality is already confirmed by UNEDasiss, which is the one who modulates the requirements. In principle, there are no changes that could be required by the universities of Madrid.
Hello, if I want to study electrical or energy engineering in Madrid, what subjects should I take in the entrance exam?
Hello Jenny. For Madrid, 4 subjects are necessary. Some could be Physics or Mathematics II, but we would have to look closely at your case, since they are not fixed and you must choose them based on your level and your best performance. If you want, contact us at info@escuelapce.com and we tell you how we can help you. All the best
Hi !
I have a grade of less than 5 in mathematics and drawing but greater than 5 in English and physics and in total the average of four grades is more than 5.
In this case can I enter computer engineering in Madrid?
Thank you very much in advance.
A greeting.
Hello, good afternoon. Personalized advice is reserved for students enrolled in the academy or those who contract the service for €29.
All the best