Academics

Fields of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences, Engineering

Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) is a young and dynamic institution recognized for its emphasis on internationalization. You can choose from courses taught in English and Spanish, many of which focus on topics through the lens of the Catalan or Spanish experience, such as history, politics, cinema, business, and economics.

Unique Study Opportunities

  • Interact with students visiting from all over the world in classes and cultural activities.
  • Many courses incorporate field trips so you can experience the course topics first-hand.

Language

Language of Instruction: English, Spanish

Language Study: Optional

The UPF Idiomes office offers Spanish language courses from beginner to advanced levels.

Even if you plan to only take courses in English, you'll find Spanish language study to be helpful as you navigate living in a Spanish-speaking country. Barcelona is an international city and many people speak some English, but being able to communicate even with a little Spanish is useful and could open up more opportunities for getting to know locals.

If you intend to take a Spanish language course, you'll complete an online placement exam prior to the start of the program to determine your language level.

Any non-language courses taught in Spanish require a B2 (upper intermediate) level of Spanish proficiency in order to keep up with and understand class work and discussions.

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take a full-time course of study: 14.5 quarter/9.6 semester UC units (approximately 18 ECTS credits at UPF).
  • You may select up to 5 quarter/3.3 semester UC units (6 ECTS at UPF) for pass/no pass credit.
  • Class attendance is considered mandatory. Professors will monitor this during every class meeting.

Current Program Courses

There are three types of courses available on this program: 

  • Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) courses
  • International Business School (ESCI) courses
  • Spanish language courses

The combination of courses you choose is up to you as long as you meet the minimum unit requirements.

As a general rule, course offerings for the next academic year aren't typically available on the UPF website until June. However, course offerings remain relatively consistent year-to-year so you can use the current course lists to get an idea of courses available for the term you're planning to go abroad.

BaPIS Courses

Typically 5 quarter/3.3 semester UC units (6 ECTS at UPF)

Designed specifically for international students, these courses are drawn from UPF’s schools and degrees and offer innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to various topics. Popular subjects include political science, engineering, communication, film, business, and economics.

ESCI Courses

Typically 3 quarter/2 semester UC units (4 ECTS at UPF)

Also designed for international students, these courses focus on diverse topics under the umbrella of business and economics.

Spanish Language Courses

Offered at two unit values: 5 quarter/3.3 semester UC units (6 ECTS at UPF) or 9.5 quarter/6.3 semester UC units (12 ECTS at UPF)

The UPF Idiomes office offers courses for international students to build their Spanish language skills.

Course Restrictions

UPF regular degree course offerings aren't open to UCEAP students.

Experiential Learning

Research, internships, and independent study aren't available on this program.

Course Registration and Selection

In April, UCEAP will email you to complete a course selection form in which you'll indicate the courses you wish to take. UCEAP will share this information with UPF so they can plan their course sections and space in class based on student interest. In July, you'll complete official course enrollment through the UPF online portal. There may be a small window for add/drop during July, but once classes begin in September, there is no further add/drop option. It's important that you review course offerings on the UPF website and communicate with your UC college or major academic advisor to determine how UPF courses can fulfill your UC degree requirements well before completing the online course enrollment. Don't wait until you are in Barcelona to do this!

Similar to your UC campus, you aren't guaranteed enrollment in UPF courses. You'll need to be flexible and have a back-up course plan if your top course choices are full.

Catalogs and resources

  • Trying to decide what Spain program is right for you? Look at the Spain Comparison Chart and Spain Programs by Degree for additional guidance.
  • Access course information and syllabi on the UPF website.
  • UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses students have taken on this program. This is not a current representation of course offerings on this program. Reference the above links to review recent course offerings.
  • Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location. There are currently no listings for this program in the database.

Academic Culture

Campuses

Courses on this program meet at one of three UPF campuses: Ciutadella (UPF’s main campus), Born, and Poblenou. Ciutadella and Born both border Ciutadella Park near the old city and the beach in downtown Barcelona. It’s a 15-minute walk between the two campuses. Poblenou campus is located to the northeast and is about a 30-minute walk from either Ciutadella or Born campuses. Pay attention to where campus courses are located since you will need to factor travel time between campuses into your course schedule.

Class Format and Expectations

All coursework on this program is designed for international students and so other UC and international students will be your classmates. Local students don't enroll in these courses.

Courses are taught Monday through Thursday.

Attendance

You're required to attend class and participate actively in your courses. Attendance is taken at every course meeting. If you miss a certain number of classes, it will impact your final grade.

Assessment and Exams

In Spain, GPA isn't as important as it is in the US and the Spanish grading system differs greatly from the American grading system. Grades in Spain are rarely curved and they are assigned according to how much of the course material you have mastered.

Exams are usually essays that may include subjects that were minimally covered in lectures. This is where independent research is critical. Exams may be open notebook or open book, in which case you’ll be expected to read several books and quote from them.

During the term, there may be little or no assessments like homework, quizzes, or papers. Often, final exams constitute most or all of your final grade. Do not wait until the end of the term to study for final exams.

You may not request earlier exam dates. Although the Spanish system often allows for multiple final exam sittings, you must take your final exam during the first exam period. UC policies allow student to re-take final exams.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. While UPF has a suggested grade conversion scale, UCEAP uses its own conversion scales approved by UC faculty.

Fall quarter grades are typically available in February.

If you are planning to graduate the same term you are abroad, grades may not arrive in time for fall degree verification deadlines. Please talk with your major academic advisor about your graduation plans.