University of Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain • World Rank #51
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded 1450 under the authority of Alfonso V and confirmed by Papal Bull and established in Cervera by Philip V.
By 1873 this institution was transferred to Barcelona and the University of Barcelona was formally re-established as a State institution under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education and Science. Reorganized 1985 as an autonomous institution under the jurisdiction of the Generalitat of Catalonia and financially supported by the State and the Generalitat.
The Statute of the University of Barcelona was updated in 2003
Location & Contact
University of Barcelona's coordinates, postal address, and the contact channels admissions teams respond on. Campus tour bookings often have their own page distinct from general contact channels.
Academic Details
The numbers behind University of Barcelona: student body, academic staff, and the recognising bodies validating its work. A baseline read for assessing institutional capacity and rigour.
Degrees
For more information, please also consult the other UB websites: https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/finearts https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/biology https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/earth-sciences https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/law https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/economics-business https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/education/home https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/farmacia-en/home https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/philology-communication https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/philosophy https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/physics https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/geography-history https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/information-audiovisual-media/home https://mat.ub.edu/en https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/medicine-health-sciences https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/psychology https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/chemistry https://www.santjoandedeu.edu.es/en/node https://www.ceibcn.com https://www.cett.es/en https://enti.cat https://escac.com/en https://www.esrp.net https://escodi.com https://inefc.gencat.cat/ca/inefc_barcelona/index.html https://ispc.gencat.cat/en/inici/index.html https://www.unibarcelona.com/es
Doctoral 42 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Analytical Chemistry
- Aquaculture
- Art Education
- Biomedicine
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Sciences
- Cultural Studies
- Earth Sciences
- Ecology
- Economic History
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Psychology
- Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Fine Arts
- Gender Studies
- Genetics
- Geography
- History
- Human Rights
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Information Sciences
- Linguistics
- Marine Biology
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Medicine
- Medieval Studies
- Nanotechnology
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Organic Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
Other 118 programs
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Administration
- Advertising and Publicity
- Anthropology
- Aquaculture
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Art Education
- Art History
- Art Management
- Artificial Intelligence
- Arts and Humanities
- Astrophysics
- Behavioural Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biomedicine
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration
- Catalan
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Classical Languages
- Cognitive Sciences
- Cooking and Catering
- Criminology
- Cultural Studies
- Dentistry
- Design
- Dietetics
- Documentation Techniques
- Ecology
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Psychology
- Electronic Engineering
- Engineering
- English
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Ethics
- Film
- Fine Arts
- Food Science
- French
- Gender Studies
- Genetics
- Geography
- Geological Engineering
- Geology
- Health Sciences
- Hebrew
- Heritage Preservation
- History
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Human Rights
- Immunology
- Information Management
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- International Business
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Jewish Studies
- Labour and Industrial Relations
- Latin American Studies
- Law
- Library Science
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Logic
- Management
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Marketing
- Mass Communication
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Medieval Studies
- Meteorology
- Museum Studies
- Nanotechnology
- Neurosciences
- Nuclear Physics
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Paleontology
- Pedagogy
- Pharmacy
- Philology
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Physiology
- Podiatry
- Political Sciences
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Relations
- Restoration of Works of Art
- Safety Engineering
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Special Education
- Sports
- Sports Management
- Taxation
- Teacher Training
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Tourism
Faculties & Divisions
Each faculty at University of Barcelona covers specific subject clusters. Cross-faculty supervision arrangements at the postgraduate level are sometimes available for students whose research spans disciplines.
International Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Relations and Diplomacy
National Institute of Physical Education and Sport of Catalonia (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physical Education
- Sports
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
New Interactive Technologies (ENTI) (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
Sant Joan de Déu Teaching Campus (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nursing
University School of Hotel Management and Tourism (CETT) (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Biology (Faculty) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Ecology
- Environmental Engineering
- Genetics
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Biologist
- Lab Technician
- Research Scientist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Chemistry (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Materials Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Chemist
- Lab Researcher
- Quality Control Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Earth Sciences (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Crystallography
- Geological Engineering
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Marine Engineering
- Mineralogy
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics and Business (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Economics
- International Business
- Management
- Sociology
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Pedagogy
- Social Work
- Teacher Training
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Fine Arts (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Design
- Fine Arts
- Painting and Drawing
- Restoration of Works of Art
- Sculpture
Common Career Paths
- Artist
- Curator
- Art Educator
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Geography and History (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art History
- Geography
- Geography (Human)
- History
- Medieval Studies
- Modern History
Information and Audiovisual Media (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Information Management
- Information Sciences
- Library Science
- Media Studies
Common Career Paths
- Media Producer
- Content Strategist
- Broadcast Journalist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Administration
- Administrative Law
- Commercial Law
- Criminal Law
- History of Law
- Labour and Industrial Relations
- Labour Law
- Law
- Political Sciences
- Public Administration
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mathematics and Computer Science (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
Common Career Paths
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine and Health Sciences (Faculty) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dentistry
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Paediatrics
- Physiology
- Podiatry
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Radiology
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Pharmacy and Food Sciences (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Food Science
- Nutrition
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Philology and Communication (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Linguistics
- Philology
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Philosophy (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aesthetics
- Logic
- Philosophy
Physics (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Air and Space Law
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Meteorology
- Physics
- Telecommunications Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Data Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Psychology (Faculty) 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.
Public Security of Catalonia (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Protective Services
Barcelona Economic Analysis Team Institute (BEAT) (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBIO) (Research Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Geomodels Research Institute (Research Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety Research (INSA) (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Food Science
Institute for Research in Education (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Institute for Research in Medieval Cultures (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medieval Studies
Institute of Biomedicine (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biomedicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS) (Research Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Institute of Cosmos Sciences (ICC) (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Institute of Legal Research (TRANSJUS) (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Institute of Mathematics (IMUB) (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics
Common Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Actuary
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB) (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nanotechnology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Institute of Neurosciences (UBNeuro) (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Neurosciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB) (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
Common Career Paths
- Chemist
- Lab Researcher
- Quality Control Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Inter-University Institute of the Ancient Near East (IPOA) (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Regional Studies
Research Institute of Applied Economics (IREA) (Research Division) 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.
Water Research Institute (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Water Science
Cinema and Visual Communication of Catalonia (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cinema and Television
- Film
- Video
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Public Relations (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Public Relations
Programs Offered
All active programmes at University of Barcelona are listed by degree level. Cross-reference against the divisions section to identify which faculty owns each programme — that determines admissions handling.
330 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Spain
Bachelor's Degree 97 programmes
Showing 10 of 97.
Master's Degree 183 programmes
Showing 10 of 183.
Doctorate 50 programmes
Showing 10 of 50.
How to apply to University of Barcelona
Step-by-step guidance for applying to University of Barcelona, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. University of Barcelona offers 330 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Each programme at University of Barcelona has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Get your documents ready
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Apply directly via University of Barcelona's online portal at www.ub.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Reach out and track your application
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Barcelona
Quick answers to the most common questions about University of Barcelona — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
What city is University of Barcelona in?
University of Barcelona operates from Barcelona, Spain.
What is University of Barcelona's control type?
University of Barcelona operates as a public institution.
How big is University of Barcelona's student body?
University of Barcelona serves approximately 51,943 students.
How is University of Barcelona ranked?
It ranks #51 globally and #1 in Spain.
What qualification levels does University of Barcelona offer?
University of Barcelona offers doctoral programmes.
Is University of Barcelona accredited?
The institution holds recognition from Ministry of Education and Vocational Training.
How do I find University of Barcelona online?
University of Barcelona's official website is www.ub.edu.
Faculties at nearby universities
Cost of living varies meaningfully across cities and towns hosting the universities below. Even within a single region, accommodation and transit costs can differ by 30–50%.
Where Else to Study Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Programme-level scholarships for Natural Sciences & Mathematics students vary substantially across Spain institutions. Often the less-marketed scholarships are the easiest to secure for qualified applicants.
Universities Compared with University of Barcelona
Cross-peer scholarship reciprocity exists in some systems where peer institutions accept each other's scholarship students. Worth checking for University of Barcelona if location flexibility matters.
Studying in Spain: guides and resources
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