Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena brand mark

Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena

Cartagena, Spain • Founded 1883 • World Rank #1708

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: Polytechnic University of Cartagena
Local Name: Technical University of Cartagena
Acronyms: UPCT
Founded: 1883
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #1708
Rank in Spain: #50
Motto: Enseñamos futuro
Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena brand mark

Established in 1998, the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (Technical University of Cartagena) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Cartagena (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Region of Murcia.

Officially recognized by the Ministerio de Universidades, España (Ministry of Universities of Spain), Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (UPCT) is a small-sized coeducational Spanish higher education institution. Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (UPCT) 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 25-year-old Spanish higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

UPCT 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, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Address book entry for Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena: location, phone, email, web, and social channels. The press or media office handles institutional inquiries; admissions handles student-specific queries.

Address: Plaza del Cronista Isidoro Valverde, s/n Edificio "La Milagrosa"
Postal Code: 30202
Phone: +34 968325400
Fax: +34 968325700
Social Media:

Academic Details

These figures give a quick read on Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing. Use them to ground decisions about programme fit and institutional capacity.

Academic Year: September to July
Recognition: Ministerio de Universidades, España
Accrediting Agency: Ministry of Universities. Consejo de Universidades, CRUE (Conferencia de Rectores de las Universidades Españolas)
Admission Requirements: Secondary school certificate (bachiller) and pre-university examination (selectividad). Entrance examination for students over 25, over 40 and over 45
Student Enrollment: 4
Academic Staff Range: 400-499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
European University Association (EUA) Compostela Group of Universities (CGU) Asociación Universitaria Iberoamericana de Postgrado (AUIP) Conferencia de Rectores de las Universidades Españolas (CRUE)

Academic Structures

Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena's constituent schools and faculties. Continuing education or professional development units are typically separate from full-time degree-granting units.

Unit 9 items
  • Defence University Centre
  • Faculty of Business Studies
  • Higher Technical School of Agricultural Engineering
  • Higher Technical School of Civil Engineering
  • Higher Technical School of Industrial Engineering
  • Higher Technical School of Naval and Oceanographic Engineering
  • Higher Technical School of Telecommunications Engineering
  • School of Architecture and Building Engineering
  • University School of Tourism

Degrees

The degrees on offer at Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, sorted by level. Awarding-versus-validating distinctions affect long-term recognition of the qualification beyond Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena.

Doctoral 9 programs

Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.

  • Business Administration
  • Civil Engineering
  • Economics
  • Energy Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Law
  • Mining Engineering
Other 38 programs
  • Accountancy
  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Agriculture
  • Architecture
  • Building Technologies
  • Business Administration
  • Business and Commerce
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Commercial Law
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Engineering
  • Economics
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Electronics and Automation
  • Energy Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Finance
  • Food Science
  • Horticulture
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Industrial Management
  • Information Technology
  • Management
  • Marine Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechanics
  • Mining Engineering
  • Modern Languages
  • Naval Architecture
  • Physics
  • Soil Science
  • Telecommunications Engineering
  • Thermal Engineering
  • Tourism
  • Transport Engineering

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Ministerio de Universidades, España.

Business Studies (Faculty) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business Administration
  • Business and Commerce
  • Commercial Law
  • Economics
  • Management

Common Career Paths

  • Business Analyst
  • Operations Manager
  • Strategy Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Agricultural Engineering (School) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Agriculture
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Food Science
  • Horticulture
  • Physics
  • Soil Science

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Architecture and Building Engineering (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Architecture
  • Building Technologies

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Industrial Engineering (School) 11 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Construction Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Electronics and Automation
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Industrial Management
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechanics
  • Mining Engineering
  • Thermal Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Naval and Marine Engineering (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Marine Engineering
  • Naval Architecture

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Road, Canal, Harbour and Mining Engineering (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Mining Engineering
  • Road Engineering
  • Transport Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Telecommunications Engineering (School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Science
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Telecommunications Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Tourism (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Modern Languages
  • Tourism

Common Career Paths

  • Tour Operator
  • Hospitality Manager
  • Travel Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

The programmes available at Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena are organised by level. Most institutions cluster intake decisions by faculty, so application timelines often run in waves through the year.

73 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Spain

Bachelor's Degree 22 programmes

Showing 10 of 22.

Master's Degree 40 programmes

Master's Degree in Máster Universitario en Administración y Dirección de Entidades de Economía Social
Business & Management · 60 credits

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Máster Universitario en Ciencia y Tecnología del Agua y del Terreno
Natural Sciences & Mathematics · 60 credits

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 40.

Doctorate 11 programmes

Programa de Doctorado en Administración y Dirección de Empresas
Business & Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Programa de Doctorado en Arquitectura, Edificación, Patrimonio y Ciudad
Engineering & Technology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Económicas, Empresariales y Jurídicas
Business & Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Programa de Doctorado en Economía
Social Sciences & Education

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Programa de Doctorado en Electroquímica. Ciencia y Tecnología
Engineering & Technology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Programa de Doctorado en Energías Renovables y Eficiencia Energética
Engineering & Technology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Programa de Doctorado en Técnicas Avanzadas en Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario
Agriculture & Environmental Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Programa de Doctorado en Tecnología y Modelización en Ingeniería Civil, Minera y Ambiental
Engineering & Technology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Programa de Doctorado en Tecnologías de Doble Uso y sus Sistemas de Gestión en Seguridad y Defensa
Applied Professions & Services

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Programa de Doctorado en Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones
Engineering & Technology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 11.

How to apply to Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena

A short guide to applying to Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena runs 73 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Before applying to Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Spain.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.upct.es). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +34 968325400. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena

Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, drawn directly from institutional records.

When did Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena open?

Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena traces its founding to 1883 (approximately 143 years ago).

What city is Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena in?

Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena operates from Cartagena, Spain.

What is Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena's control type?

Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena is a public institution.

How big is Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena's student body?

Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena serves approximately 4,000-4,999 students.

How is Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena ranked?

It ranks #1708 globally and #50 in Spain.

What programmes are available at Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena?

Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena offers doctoral programmes.

What is Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena's academic structure?

Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena is organised into 9 academic units across its disciplines.

Is Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena officially recognised?

Yes, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena is recognised by Ministry of Universities. Consejo de Universidades, CRUE (Conferencia de Rectores de las Universidades Españolas).

How do I find Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena online?

Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena's official website is www.upct.es.

Top-Ranked Universities in Spain

A quick benchmark: here are the top-ranked universities in Spain. Useful for understanding how Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena compares against the national reference points in higher education, and what alternatives exist if reach institutions are part of your strategy.

Members of European University Association (EUA)

Other European University Association (EUA) members offer mobility and exchange compatibility with Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena. Exchange compatibility is one of the more practical benefits of shared network membership.

Faculties at nearby universities

Regional industry partnerships shape career outcomes across the cluster near Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena. Comparable employer networks often persist whether you choose Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena or a neighbour.

Where Else to Study Engineering & Technology

Beyond Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, several other universities in Spain deliver focused Engineering & Technology programmes worth exploring before you commit to a single application. Programme depth and elective range vary significantly between institutions.

Universities Compared with Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena

Comparable peer metrics — selectivity, yield, faculty awards — give a fuller picture than headline rankings alone. The universities below cluster around Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena on most of these signals.

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