NARIC guide on Higher Education Systems in the European Union

Glossary
Arquitecto
A degree awarded upon completion of all first and second cycle studies undertaken in the Escuelas Técnicas Superiores de
Arquitectura.
Arquitecto técnico
A degree awarded upon completion of the first cycle of university
studies in the Escuelas Universitarias de Arquitectura Técnica.
Bachillerato unificado y polivalente (BUP)
Secondary education, lasting for three years. Successful pupils are known as Bachiller.
Colegio universitario
A university unit responsible for organising the first cycle or the first three years of studies leading to the qualification of
Licenciado, organised by Facultades and Escuelas Técnicas Superiores.
Consejo de universidades
University Council consisting of the rectors of the State universities, the members of the boards of education of the
autonomous communities and 15 members appointed by parliament, the senate and the government. The Minister for
Education acts as president.
Curso de orientación universitaria (COU)
A preparatory course for university studies; it has to be successfully
completed before entry to university and higher education in general.
Departamento
A unit responsible for teaching and research in the university, within a field of knowledge. It contains all the professors of the
said field.
Diplomado
A degree awarded upon completion of the first cycle of university
studies (nearly always pursued in the Escuela Universitaria).
Directrices generales
A general framework to which university studies leading to official qualifications must conform in order to be recognised by
the University Council.
Doctor
A degree awarded upon completion of third cycle studies and successful defence of an individual academic thesis.
Escuela Técnica Superior
A university unit responsible for organising first and second cycle
studies leading principally to the title of Ingeniero or Arquitecto.
Escuela Universitaria
A university unit responsible for organising the first cycle studies leading to the qualification of Diplomado, Ingeniero
Técnico or Arquitecto Técnico.
Facultad
A type of institute of higher education where long-term courses are offered in almost all academic disciplines (except
technical courses), leading to the degree of Licenciado.