Founded in 1272, the University of Murcia is one of the oldest universities in the world, although it has not operated continuously. The university reopened in its current form in 1915 and celebrated its centenary in 2015.
The university offers over 50 undergraduate degrees, 70 Master’s degrees and almost 30 Doctoral programmes. Its faculties cover the spectrum of subjects from sciences to arts, with specialist schools in nursing, social services and tourism.
The University of Murcia has five campuses, each with a location and facilities reflecting the courses on offer there. La Merced campus houses arts students in a historic and inspiring setting, for example.
The majority of students learn at the Espinardo campus, which houses the science labs. Medics and nurses study at the C iudad Sanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca, where the local hospital enables practical expecrience and contact with patients, while health sciences students study in the newest campus, in the town of Lorca. The Sports Sciences campus has a gymnasium, climbing wall, and swimming pool, although swimmers can also opt for a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.
Murcia lies in the south of Spain, and is a treasure trove of Castilian architecture. Market stalls fill the streets with baskets of fresh apricots, artichokes and lemons; the climate and soil make the region Spain’s top grower of fruits and vegetables.
International students interested in applying can opt to take an intensive 30 or 60-hour crash course in Spanish before leaping in to their chosen course. The university’s buddy programme connects international and Spanish students to encourage immersion and make friends.
