Ever since it opened its doors as an independent institution in 1993, the Universidad de Jaén (UJA) has succeeded in meeting the demands both of the academic community and of society in general, thanks to its ongoing commitment to high standards in its teaching, the quality of its facilities, and its research activity and scientific production. Innovation and excellence are the cornerstones of all the UJAs activity, within the framework of its ambitious Strategic Plan.
The origins of the University date back to the early modern age with the foundation of the University of Baeza, and to the Estudio General de Santa Catalina, which became a pontifical university in the eighteenth century. The university schools also have nearly two hundred years of history. The present institution is the successor to the University College Santo Reino, which taught undergraduate courses before becoming part of the University of Granada in the 1980s. In 1989 this university college was divided into faculties which became part of the Jaén University Campus. The creation of the University was approved by the Andalusian parliament on 1 July 1993, and the University became fully integrated in the Spanish university system when its statutes were approved.
The degrees offered by the University of Jaén are designed to respond to the needs of todays labour market. Forty undergraduate courses are taught on its two campuses, situated in Jaén itself and in the nearby town of Linares both ideal settings for study, dialogue, and community living. Six masters degrees are also on offer in the academic year 2009/2010. Complying with the guidelines of the new European Higher Education Area (EHEA) classes are given in small groups and have a highly practical focus. In the Universitys research laboratories, students are able to carry out their practicals with the most advanced technology.
Ever since its foundation, the Universidad de Jaén has been committed to the development of research. Currently the University has over a hundred research groups supported by technical services equipped with the latest technology. In addition, the UJAs Research, Technological Development and Innovation Support Plan provides funds for research through promotion programs in cooperation with other scientific policy bodies. The University has a research unit of its own, the Andalusian Archaeology Centre. UJA members take an active part in the innovation and technology centres in the province of Jaén Citoliva, Andaltec, Innovarcilla and Cetemet, and Geolit reflecting the institutions support for the socio-economic development of its environment. The University also attends education and trade fairs and other events that promote knowledge transfer to the industrial sector.
The Universidad de Jaén is a key player in the spread of culture in its own community and in society in general. The UJA promotes cultural activity, welcoming all forms of artistic and cultural expression and the creation and presentation of ideas, and supporting the activities promoted by other social and institutional agents. Workshops, cinema, lecture seasons, exhibitions, concerts, competitions and drama are some of the varied cultural events on offer. The University is also an important patron of the arts: the UJA Cesáreo Rodríguez-Aguilera Foundation houses a valuable artistic and literary collection of works from the twentieth century, with pieces by Picasso, Miró and Tàpies. There are also modern facilities for a variety of sports activities.