Complutense University of Madrid

Programme Details

Minimum mark 60%

Level Undergraduate

Language/s B1 Spanish

Agreement Scope History department exchange

Exchange Places 1 full year place for 2026/27

Complutense University of Madrid exchange students website

Events and information sessions

Overview

About:

Founded in 1293, the Complutense University of Madrid (Universidad Complutense de Madrid - UCM) is one of the oldest universities in the world. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in Spain and has educated an impressive alumni of seven Nobel Prize and eighteen Prince of Asturias Awards recipients, alongside an extensive list of renowned philosophers, writers, scientists, foreign leaders and several Prime Ministers of Spain.

Highlights:

The cosmopolitan city of Madrid is one of the most important cities in Europe. It is the vibrant epicentre of arts and culture and hosts a wide variety of events, such as concerts, exhibitions, ballets and theatre productions. You can also enjoy a wide variety of Spanish and international cuisine or be charmed by its bars and taverns. Madrid's nightlife is another great attraction. Its pubs, bars, discos and flamenco clubs all form a part of its fantastic atmosphere. There are also multiple opportunities to get involved in cultural activities and pursue a variety of hobbies and interests on campus.

Location:

Madrid, Spain

Academic information

Courses / Modules:

UCM offers a wide range of courses and outlines specific departmental requirements which you should take into account.

Credit (Full-time Load per semester):

You must take a full credit load while on exchange. Complutense University of Madrid uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values. 30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.

Teaching Periods:

The academic year is broken down into two semesters. The first semester typically starts in early September and finishes in late January/ early February. The second semester usually begins in early February and finishes in June.

The Christmas holidays and Easter holidays are shorter than in York, they tend to be between 1 and 2 weeks.

Language:

B1 level Spanish. UCM offers a free Spanish course for levels below C1. Check with your department if you are able to take such courses for credit.

Student life

Accommodation:

There are several accommodation options for students wanting to study at UCM. Students are able to request a place in residence halls, or private accommodation services, some of which offer discounted rates for UCM students. Alternatively, students can apply for the CONVIVE Intergenerational solidarity programme, which gives students the opportunity to live in the home of an elderly person during the academic year.

Orientation / Welcome week:

UCM offers a welcome session for incoming exchange students prior to starting the course.

Support Services:

Student services at UCM offers support with careers advice, accommodation, insurance and IT. The university has its own diversity unit which supports students with varying needs in their studies and in general university life.

Visas:

You may need a visa to study in Spain. If you are a UK National you must refer to the Travel Advice page for Spain and its Living in Spain guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate. If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.

Travel insurance:

If you are approved by the University of York to participate in this program, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complementary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries. You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange.

Health insurance:

Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).

UCM also provide additional details health insurance.

Student experiences

Sophie, year abroad study placement, 2018/19

"My study abroad experience has made me an all-round better and happier person. I am more self-sufficient because I have to navigate every single everyday task in a foreign language and in a foreign culture. I am more confident in public speaking, because letting myself make mistakes. "

" A year abroad is an incredible opportunity to better yourself as a person, a student, and a citizen. I wouldn't change a thing about mine! "

Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website!

Top Tips for Studying in Spain

Please note: these tips have been provided by students who have studied abroad - Global Opportunities recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.

Money and Banking:

Monthly budget: The university estimates that a student's monthly budget is €900-1,300. But prices (especially housing) vary quite a lot depending on the place you choose (and if you choose a shared flat, a hall of residence, etc.)
Banking: Get a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees so that you can take cash out easily without opening a bank account. There are several companies that offer these cards, such as Caxton, Starling, Monzo and Moneycorp.

Staying Connected:

Phone contracts: You can buy a pay-as-you-go sim from most phone shops; the main providers are Orange, Movistar, Vodafone, and Yoigo plus there are also a number of smaller providers.
Making plans:
- Erasmus events are a great way to meet people initially. There are often Erasmus Support Network Facebook pages for your destination where you can be updated with any events happening in your local area.
- The best way to meet new people is being open and not afraid to talk with strangers. Find something in common and use it to have a conversation and hang out more.
- Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone either, you will thank yourself for it later!
Call or send a postcard to your friends and family at home: A little thing like sending a postcard to your friends or family or having a quick catch-up on the phone can make all the difference and can help you feel a bit more settled.

Food:

On-campus: The university offers very economical meals. Also, some of the university-owned accommodation offers a dining plan
Food shopping: There are several nearby supermarkets (such as Mercandona) and also hundreds of bars and restaurants in the city.

Paperwork and bureaucracy:

Be organised: There will be a lot of paperwork to do throughout the year, so be as organised as possible! Make a list of things that need to be done and by when and start working your way through it as soon as you can. The earlier you do it, the better, as sometimes it can take quite a while for documents to be signed and approved.
Remember your supervisor: They are here to help! If you are struggling with the amount of paperwork, both your supervisor in York and your host institution are there to support you if you feel stuck or overwhelmed.

What I wished I'd known...

Public holidays: there are many national holidays in Spain! So be prepared as shops and transport will likely be affected on these days.
Lifestyle: People in Spain tend to eat very late in the evenings, but it is because there is a siesta period in the afternoon so, shops close in the mid-afternoon.

Useful links

If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk

Contact Global Opportunities

Global Opportunities - Find us in Derwent College

Email global-opportunities@york.ac.uk to make an appointment with one of our advisors.

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