The Universidad de Murcia (UM) is one of the oldest universities in Spain and is currently approaching its 100th anniversary. The University is renowned for its progressive and dynamic approach to higher education, which can be seen in the large number of agreements and partnerships with other institutions and the business sector. Students and graduates are offered the chance to complete placements in a wide range of national and international companies, and most students secure employment within five months of completing their studies.
The history of the Universidad de Murcia dates back to the eighteenth century, when Alfonso X of Castile introduced higher education to the Kingdom of Murcia. This event is commemorated in the University´s coat of arms, which displays 1272 as the year of its foundation. However, the initiative was short-lived, as were successive attempts to reintroduce higher education to the region in the 19th Century the Universidad Literaria de Murcia (1840-41) and the Universidad Libre de Murcia (1869-1874). The Universidad de Murcia, as it survives today, was eventually founded in 1915. In 1935, after a series of temporary sites proved inadequate, the University moved to the building that continues to be its most historic and emblematic location, the Convent of la Merced, which now houses the Faculty of Law. As the number of degrees and qualifications offered has increased over the years, the demands of a growing student population have made it necessary to open new buildings and centres on other sites. The largest campus is located in the district of Espinardo, close to the city centre, which contains most of the University´s academic buildings and a substantial proportion of its services and other facilities. Since the Universidad de Murcia was founded, it has provided tuition to over 200,000 highly qualified professionals, who have contributed to the unique relationship between the University and local society.
Academic and scientific excellence are the strategic priorities of the Universidad de Murcia, and stem from a vocational concern for quality tuition, modern methods, and academic and critical rigour. The University draws on the efforts of its staff and students to satisfy the entire university community, and its academic programs are designed to meet the changing needs of contemporary society and to ensure the employability of its graduates. During the previous academic year, comprehensive careers advice was given to 8,000 students, and 5,759 were accepted on company placement programs. The Universidad de Murcia is currently involved in the process of convergence towards the requirements of the European Higher Education Area, and is adapting its official EHEA degree programs to meet the new guidelines.
The Universidad de Murcia has a range of specialist research groups involved in over 400 contracted research projects, and is a signatory to 33 research agreements with companies and other educational institutions, 21 of which were negotiated during the previous academic year. Its extensive work in this area has made the Universidad de Murcia an internationally recognized centre for scientific research. The Research Results Transfer Office promotes cooperation between university research groups and the business sector and identifies specific research areas with potential applications in society. One of the most important recent developments is the creation of the Aula de Investigación research centre, which offers training to university researchers and organizes events through which they can share information on important aspects of their work.
The Universidad de Murcia is at the centre of cultural production and diffusion in the region, thanks largely to the diverse interests of the 30,000 members of the university community. Every year, the University offers a wide range of activities including film screenings, theatre performances, concerts, exhibitions, many types of artistic events, and meetings and conferences in a variety of fields. More information can be found at http://www.um.es/scultura/. The Aula Senior adult education centre organizes higher education programs for those aged over 50 who did not have the chance to acquire a university education. The Universidad Internacional del Mar is a centre for lifelong learning that offers a range of courses outside the academic calendar. It currently operates 16 centres in different towns throughout the region. During the 2006-07 academic year, 59 courses were offered to a total of 2,271 students. Sport is also a fundamental part of university life and plays an important role in the personal development of students and staff, who will find facilities to meet their every need. Those looking for more structured activities can also join one of the many sports clubs run within the University.
The Universidad de Murcia places great importance on the international relevance of its academic programs. To ensure that its students obtain the global education required in today´s world, the UM is involved in numerous cooperation and exchange agreements with higher education institutions around the world and welcomes a large number of foreign students under different international programs and agreements (SOCRATES/ERASMUS, ISEP, inter-university cooperation programs with Latin-American institutions, etc). Equally, UM students are offered the chance to study abroad as part of various International Mobility Programs with higher education institutions in Europe, the United States, Latin America and Asia. International Relations Office: http://www.um.es/internacionales/
Employment Orientation and Information Service: Provides students and graduates with information and guidance on employment opportunities and integration into the job market - http://www.um.es/coie Sports Medicine Centre: Offers check-ups focused on sports-related injuries and conditions to those involved in sport at the University - http://www.um.es/deportes/medic-dep.php/ Personal Counselling and Guidance Service: Provides psychological support and guidance on personal issues and academic performance - http://www.um.es/saop/ University Information Service: Responsible for managing and distributing general academic and administrative information for UM students - http://www.um.es/siu/ Education Promotion Service: Provides and encourages academic and extracurricular academic specialization and training through the organization of courses, conferences, one day workshops and seminars - http://www.um.es/promoedu/index.php University Volunteer Service: Promotes solidarity among the members of the university community - http://www.um.es/psuv/
The Universidad de Murcia is committed to ensuring the academic and scientific excellence of its graduates. The teaching staff provide comprehensive tuition using the latest teaching educational methods and technologies and combining theoretical learning and practical work. Research and innovation are also prioritized at the UM, and advanced methods are applied to information management and knowledge transfer across all areas of University activity. The Universidad de Murcia maintains a strong regional identity while working continually to consolidate its international reputation as a centre for excellence. Links with local institutions and companies through various types of agreements and alliances integrate the University into the life of the region, and its extensive network of mobility and research programs with universities around the world are a testament to its international outlook.