Universidad Católica del Norte
Antofagasta, Chile • Founded 1956 • World Rank #3062
Overview
Established in 1956, the Universidad Católica del Norte (Catholic University of the North) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Antofagasta (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants).
This institution also has a branch campus in Coquimbo. Officially recognized by the Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile (National Accreditation Commission), Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN) is a large-sized coeducational Chilean higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion.
Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 67-year-old Chilean higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
UCN also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where Universidad Católica del Norte is located and how to contact its offices. Disability and accessibility information is usually held by a separate student services office worth contacting directly.
Academic Details
Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for Universidad Católica del Norte are summarised below. These numbers help you size the institution against your shortlist and weigh academic depth alongside programme fit.
Academic Structures
The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up Universidad Católica del Norte's academic architecture are listed below. Knowing which unit hosts your subject helps locate the relevant admissions team.
Unit 7 items
- Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering
- Faculty of Economics and Management
- Faculty of Engineering and Geological Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Marine Sciences
- Faculty of Science
- School of Law
Degrees
Especialidades (Medicine)
Doctoral 8 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Anthropology
- Aquaculture
- Biology
- Ecology
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
Diploma & Certificate 2 programs
Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.
- Ethics
- Religion
Other 56 programs
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Anthropology
- Aquaculture
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Arts and Humanities
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Biomedicine
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Clinical Psychology
- Communication Arts
- Communication Studies
- Computer Education
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Distance Education
- Economics
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Geology
- Government
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Journalism
- Law
- Management
- Marine Biology
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Mass Communication
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Medicine
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Regional Studies
- Religious Studies
- Secondary Education
- Statistics
- Theology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile.
Distance Education (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Distance Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Architecture, Civil Construction and Civil Engineering (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Civil Engineer
- Construction Project Manager
- Structural Engineer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics and Administration (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Economics
- Management
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering and Geological Science (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Geology
- Industrial Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Humanities (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Journalism
- Law
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Theology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Marine Science (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aquaculture
- Marine Biology
- Marine Science and Oceanography
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biomedicine
- Medicine
- Public Health
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Chemistry
- Computer Education
- Environmental Studies
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Mathematics Education
- Natural Sciences
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Applied Economics (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Archeological Research (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
Astronomy (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
Commercial Engineering (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business and Commerce
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Journalism (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Information Sciences
- Journalism
- Mass Communication
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Editor
- News Producer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Psychology (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Clinical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Theology (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Theology
Common Career Paths
- Religious Educator
- Pastoral Counsellor
- Faith Community Leader
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Every programme Universidad Católica del Norte currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable. Status and intake details vary by programme — verify with the institution before committing to applications.
Bachelor's Degree
61 programmes
There are 61 programmes to choose from at Universidad Católica del Norte for undergraduates. A bachelor's degree builds the broad disciplinary foundation most employers and postgraduate courses expect.
Ingenieria en Construccion General Engineering 10 semesters
Ingenieria en Informacion y Control de Gestion General Engineering 10 semesters
Pedagogia en Ingles Education & Teaching 8 semesters
Analista Quimico Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences 6 semesters
Geologia Earth Sciences & Geology 12 semesters
Ingenieria Civil de Minas Mining & Oil Engineering 12 semesters
Pedagogia en Educacion Basica con Especializacion Education & Teaching 8 semesters
Ingenieria Civil General Engineering 12 semesters
Plan Especial de Titulacion de Ingenieria Civil General Engineering 2 semesters
Ingenieria Civil en Computacion e Informatica Computer Sciences 12 semesters
Arquitectura Architecture 12 semesters
Plan Especial de Titulacion Arquitectura Architecture 2 semesters
Pedagogia en Matematica en Educacion Media Education & Teaching 10 semesters
Ingenieria Civil Industrial General Engineering 12 semesters
Ingenieria Civil Metalurgica Materials Science 12 semesters
Ingenieria Civil Quimica General Engineering 12 semesters
Ingenieria Comercial General Engineering 10 semesters
Ingenieria de Ejecucion en Computacion e Informatica Computer Sciences 8 semesters
Ingenieria de Ejecucion en Metalurgia Mining & Oil Engineering 8 semesters
Ingenieria de Ejecucion en Procesos Quimicos Law 8 semesters
Ingenieria en Computacion e Informatica Computer Sciences 8 semesters
Ingenieria en Metalurgia Mining & Oil Engineering 8 semesters
Ingenieria en Procesos Quimicos Law 8 semesters
Licenciatura en Matematica Mathematics 8 semesters
Quimica Industrial Chemistry 10 semesters
Ingenieria Civil en Gestion de la Construccion General Engineering 10 semesters
Licenciatura en Ciencias Religiosas y Eclesiasticas Religious Studies 9 semesters
Programa de Prosecucion de Estudios de Pedagogia en Filosofia y Religion Education & Teaching 4 semesters
Pedagogia en Educacion Diferencial con Mencion en Desarrollo Emocional y Cognitivo Special Education 10 semesters
Pedagogia en Educacion Parvularia con Mencion en Desarrollo Emocional y Cognitivo Early Childhood Education 10 semesters
Periodismo Communication Studies 10 semesters
Plan Especial de Ingenieria Civil Metalurgica Materials Science 2 semesters
Programa Especial de Ingenieria Civil Metalurgica Materials Science 3 semesters
Plan Especial de Geologia Earth Sciences & Geology 2 semesters
Plan Especial de Ingenieria Civil Ambiental General Engineering 2 semesters
Plan Especial de Ingenieria Civil Quimica General Engineering 2 semesters
Plan Especial de Ingenieria en Ejecucion en Procesos Quimicos Law 2 semesters
Plan Especial de Ingenieria en Metalurgia Mining & Oil Engineering 2 semesters
Ingenieria Civil Electronica General Engineering 10 semesters
Ingenieria Civil en Energia General Engineering 10 semesters
Psicologia Psychology 10 semesters
Ingenieria Civil en Construccion General Engineering 11 semesters
Contador Auditor/contador Publico Accounting 10 semesters
Quimica y Farmacia Pharmacy 10 semesters
Programa de Pedagogia en Lengua y Cultura de los Pueblos Originarios Ancentrales para Educacion Basica Education & Teaching 4 semesters
Programa de Pedagogia en Religion para Educacion Media Education & Teaching 4 semesters
Programa Especial de Titulacion Ingenieria Comercial General Engineering 2 semesters
Licenciatura en Estudios Teologicos en Dialogo con la Cultura Islamic & Quranic Studies 8 semesters
Derecho Law 10 semesters
Ingenieria Civil Ambiental General Engineering 12 semesters
Licenciatura en Fisica Mencion Astronomia Physics & Astronomy 9 semesters
Ingenieria en Prevencion de Riesgos y Medioambiente Fire, Justice & Security 10 semesters
Medicina Medicine 14 semesters
Enfermeria Nursing 10 semesters
Kinesiologia Physiotherapy 10 semesters
Nutricion y Dietetica Nutrition & Dietetics 10 semesters
Ingenieria en Acuicultura General Engineering 10 semesters
Licenciatura en Ciencias Religiosas Religious Studies 10 semesters
Biologia Marina Biological Sciences 10 semesters
Ingenieria en Tecnologias de Informacion General Engineering 8 semesters
Pedagogia en Filosofia y Religion Education & Teaching 10 semesters
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
39 programmes
Explore 39 programmes of postgraduate study at Universidad Católica del Norte. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
Magister en Aplicaciones de Ingenieria Ambiental General Engineering 4 semesters
Magister en Ingenieria Informatica Computer Sciences 4 semesters
Magister en Economia Aplicada con Mencion en Estudios Regionales Economics 4 semesters
Magister en Gestion Integral de Proyectos (megip) Business & Management 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias con Mencion en Fisica Physics & Astronomy 4 semesters
Magister en Gestion Minera Mining & Oil Engineering 4 semesters
Magister en Geometalurgia Mining & Oil Engineering 4 semesters
Magister en Gestion de Informacion y Tecnologias Business & Management 3 semesters
Magister en Derecho Development Studies 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias de la Ingenieria con Mencion en Metalurgia Mining & Oil Engineering 4 semesters
Magister en Comunicacion Estrategica Development Studies 3 semesters
Magister en Psicologia Clinica Mencion Psicoterapia Sistemica Psychology 4 semesters
Magister en Teologia Pastoral Islamic & Quranic Studies 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias Empresariales Development Studies 4 semesters
Magister en Arquitectura Architecture 4 semesters
Magister en Ingenieria Industrial General Engineering 4 semesters
Magister en Gerencia Publica y Desarrollo Regional Social Sciences & Education 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias Mencion Matematicas Mathematics 4 semesters
Magister en Politicas Publicas y Gobernanza Territorial Development Studies 4 semesters
Magister en Direccion de Empresas - Mba Business & Management 4 semesters
Magister en Direccion de Empresas-mba Business & Management 4 semesters
Magister en Geologia Economica Earth Sciences & Geology 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias Empresariales Mencion Emprendimiento Development Studies 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias de la Ingenieria Industrial General Engineering 3 semesters
Magister en Ciencias Mencion Geologia Earth Sciences & Geology 4 semesters
Magister en Arquitectura en Zonas Aridas Architecture 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias con Mencion en Quimica Chemistry 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias de la Ingenieria Minera General Engineering 4 semesters
Magister en Educacion Mencion Liderazgo e Inclusion para la Transformacion Educativa Development Studies 4 semesters
Magister en la Enseñanza del Ingles Como Lengua Extranjera Desde el Enfoque Intercultural Politics & International Relations 4 semesters
Magister en Psicologia: Gestion del Cambio y de las Personas en las Organizaciones Psychology 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias de la Ingenieria y Construccion General Engineering 4 semesters
Magister en Antropologia Social & Cultural Studies 4 semesters
Magister en Acuicultura Development Studies 4 semesters
Magister en Administracion Religious Studies 4 semesters
Magister en Gestion Ambiental Business & Management 4 semesters
Magister en Salud Publica Development Studies 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias del Mar Mencion Recursos Costeros Development Studies 4 semesters
Magister en Administracion de Negocios Religious Studies 4 semesters
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
14 programmes
Universidad Católica del Norte offers 14 programmes at doctoral level — the highest academic tier, centred on original research that contributes new knowledge to a field.
Doctorado en Ciencias Mencion Matematica Mathematics 8 semesters
Doctorado en Antropologia Social & Cultural Studies 8 semesters
Doctorado en Economia Aplicada con Mencion en Estudios Regionales Economics 8 semesters
Doctorado en Psicologia Psychology 8 semesters
Doctorado en Ciencias con Mencion en Fisica Physics & Astronomy 8 semesters
Doctorado en Ingenieria Sustentable General Engineering 8 semesters
Doctorado en Ingenieria Industrial General Engineering 8 semesters
Doctorado en Mineria Mining & Oil Engineering 8 semesters
Doctorado en Inteligencia Artificial Development Studies 8 semesters
Doctorado en Ciencias Mencion Geologia Earth Sciences & Geology 8 semesters
Doctorado en Acuicultura Development Studies 8 semesters
Doctorado en Biologia y Ecologia Aplicada Biological Sciences 8 semesters
Doctorado en Ciencias Biomedicas Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences 8 semesters
Doctorado en Sistemas de Ingenieria General Engineering 8 semesters
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Universidad Católica del Norte
Practical steps to apply to Universidad Católica del Norte, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
- 1 Identify the right programme
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Universidad Católica del Norte runs 114 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
- 2 Check entry requirements
Before applying to Universidad Católica del Norte, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Chile.
- 3 Prepare your application documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Universidad Católica del Norte's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
- 4 Submit via the institution
Lodge your application through the official website (www.ucn.cl). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
- 5 Get in touch with admissions
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +56 (55) 355 002. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universidad Católica del Norte
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Universidad Católica del Norte, drawn directly from institutional records.
When did Universidad Católica del Norte open?
Universidad Católica del Norte traces its founding to 1956 (approximately 70 years ago).
Where is Universidad Católica del Norte located?
Universidad Católica del Norte is located in Antofagasta, Chile.
Is Universidad Católica del Norte a public or private institution?
It is a private higher-education institution.
What is the student enrolment at Universidad Católica del Norte?
Student enrolment at Universidad Católica del Norte is around 10,000-14,999.
What is Universidad Católica del Norte's ranking?
It ranks #3062 globally and #21 in Chile.
What degrees does Universidad Católica del Norte offer?
Programmes at Universidad Católica del Norte cover doctoral programmes.
Is Universidad Católica del Norte affiliated with a religion?
Universidad Católica del Norte operates within the Christian-Catholic tradition.
What is Universidad Católica del Norte's academic structure?
Universidad Católica del Norte has 7 academic units.
Is Universidad Católica del Norte officially recognised?
Yes, Universidad Católica del Norte is recognised by National Accreditation Commission (CNA).
Where can I learn more about Universidad Católica del Norte?
You can find Universidad Católica del Norte online at www.ucn.cl.
Top-Ranked Universities in Chile
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