Spanish universities award both official degrees and specific university degrees. This organisation of degrees is currently undergoing revision due to the Bologna process and the setting-up of the European Higher Education Area.

Official qualifications, which are recognised throughout Spain, can be divided into the following: 

Diplomado, Ingeniero técnico or Arquitecto Técnico: these are first cycle studies, which usually last three years.

Licenciado, Ingeniero or Arquitecto Superior: these are second cycle studies (after successful completion of the first cycle) and usually last four or five years.

Doctorado (Doctorate): this is the highest degree officially recognised in the Spanish university system, and constitutes the third cycle, as opposed to the first and second cycles (corresponding to Licenciado, Ingeniero or Arquitecto Superior). To gain access to doctoral studies the student must hold the qualification of Licenciado, Arquitecto or Ingeniero Superior. Doctorate students must complete a number of courses for two academic years, worth at least 32 credits (320 hours), and present and gain approval of a doctoral thesis, which consists of an original piece of research on a subject related to the scientific, technical or arts field pertinent to the doctoral programme the student is following. 

As far as the specific university degrees are concerned, universities are able, by law, to offer programmes leading to the obtaining of postgraduate studies and professional specialisation. These diplomas and qualifications do not have the value that is legally attached to official ones; however, they are of great importance with a view to completing one’s academic curriculum and acquiring or completing a particular professional specialisation.

Teaching Methods effectively applied vary in accordance with the nature of the subject and the lecturer’s preferences. Lectures accompanied by practical classes or, where appropriate, work in laboratories and workshops, is the most usual procedure. Participation in seminars, the production of written work or team project work may also be required. Lecturers have to set aside six hours’ tutorial time a week from their usual class timetable in order to advise students and supervise their academic performance.