Technical sheet
- Name: Complutense University of Madrid (UCM)
- Address: Plaza de Menéndez Pelayo, 1, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Email: informacion@ucm.es
- Telephone: + 34 913 94 60 00
- Website: www.ucm.es
- Students: 70.000
- Number of teachers: 6.000
- Number of degrees and careers: 80
- Number of masters: 230
- Spain Ranking (according to Thimes Higher Education): 6
- Europe Ranking: 401 – 500
History of the Complutense University of Madrid
The origin of the UCM dates back to the year 1293, when it was founded by the archbishop of Toledo, Sancho IV of Castile, as 'Study of General de Alcalá'. Later in 1499, Cardinal Cisneros granted it the title of 'University' and since then it has continually evolved to become one of the most respected educational institutions in Europe.
With its move to Madrid in 1836, the Complutense University began a new stage in its history, strengthening its ties with the Spanish capital and establishing itself as one of its main educational pillars.
Location of the Complutense University of Madrid
The UCM is strategically located in the heart of Madrid, in the Moncloa-Aravaca district. This enclave gives it the advantage of being surrounded by numerous cultural and recreational resources, as well as excellent connectivity through public transportation.
The two main campuses, Moncloa and Somosaguas, house most of the faculties and departments. These green, well-equipped spaces offer an enriching academic atmosphere, making it easier for students to concentrate and study.
You can see its location on Google Maps here.
Interesting figures about the Complutense University of Madrid
The figures speak for themselves about the impact of the UCM on higher education. With more than 70.000 students, it is the largest university in Spain and one of the largest in Europe. In addition, the UCM has more than 6.000 teachers, ensuring personalized attention and a high level of instruction.
In addition, UCM offers an impressive number of study programs, with more than 80 degrees, 230 master's degrees and a wide range of doctoral programs. These numbers underscore UCM's commitment to higher education and its dedication to meeting the diverse needs of its students.
Degrees and Studies at the Complutense University of Madrid
The UCM's catalog of studies is wide and varied. Students can choose from degrees in areas as diverse as the sciences, humanities, social sciences, health sciences, and engineering. Some of the most popular degrees are Medicine, Law, Psychology, Economics and Political Science.
In addition, UCM offers a large number of master's and doctoral programs, as well as postgraduate studies, allowing students to delve deeper into their fields of interest and improve their professional qualifications.
Prices of Studies at the Complutense University of Madrid
The cost of studying at UCM is competitive and affordable, especially when compared to fees at universities in other European countries. Prices vary depending on the degree and the number of credits, but to give an idea, the average price per credit in a degree is around 20 euros.
You can see the prices for different Spanish regions in our post about Spanish university prices (updated).
Importantly, UCM offers various scholarships and financial aid for students who need financial support, making it an even more attractive option for students of all economic backgrounds.
List of some of the most in-demand degrees and careers
- Reproductive
- Psychology
- Law School
- Business Management
- Nursing
- Primary education
- Biology
- Farmacia
- Veterinary
- Physiotherapy
- Childhood education
- Economist
- Physics
- Social Work
- Chemicals
- Political and Administration Sciences
- Spanish philology
- History
- Maths
- Bellas Artes
Links to UCM faculties
We indicate some of the faculties' websites:
- Faculty of Physical Sciences: https://www.ucm.es/fisicas
- Faculty of Chemical Sciences: https://www.ucm.es/quimicas
- Faculty of Geological Sciences: https://www.ucm.es/geologicas
- Faculty of Mathematical Sciences: https://www.ucm.es/matematicas
- Faculty of Information Sciences: https://www.ucm.es/ccinf
- Law School: https://www.ucm.es/derecho
- Faculty of Philology: https://www.ucm.es/filologia
- Faculty of Philosophy: https://www.ucm.es/filosofia
- Faculty of Geography and History: https://geografiaehistoria.ucm.es/
- School of Medicine: https://www.ucm.es/medicina
- Faculty of Psychology: https://www.ucm.es/psicologia
- Faculty of Fine Arts: https://www.ucm.es/bellas-artes
- Veterinary Faculty: https://www.ucm.es/veterinaria
access requirements
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
Illustrious students
The Complutense University of Madrid has a long list of illustrious alumni who have left their mark in various areas. Here I mention some:
- severo ochoa: Nobel Prize winner in Physiology or Medicine in 1959, he studied at the Faculty of Medicine of the Complutense University of Madrid.
- Mario Vargas Llosa: This famous Peruvian writer, awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2010, studied a doctorate in Philosophy and Letters at the UCM.
- Federico Mayor Zaragoza: Former Director General of UNESCO, he graduated and received a doctorate in Pharmacy from the Complutense University of Madrid.
- Maria Blasco Marhuenda: Prominent scientist and Director of the National Cancer Research Center, she studied Biochemistry at the UCM.
- Pedro Duque: The first Spanish astronaut, currently Minister of Science and Innovation in Spain, graduated in Aeronautical Engineering at the UCM.
These are just a few examples of the many notable alumni who have studied at the Complutense University of Madrid. Its success is a testament to the high level of education that this institution provides to its students.
Conclusion
The Complutense University of Madrid offers a high-level education in a diverse and stimulating environment. Its rich history, privileged location, and variety of study programs make it an unbeatable option for any student looking for a place to grow academically and personally. If you are considering studying in Madrid, UCM should be on your list of options.
