- What Can I Study?
- » Glossary of Important Terms
This page provides you with a short glossary of terms you need to know in order to evaluate the programs offered at the UN, and to navigate the admissions and registration process correctly.
| Term | Meaning |
| Bachillerato | This is the degree received for pre-University secondary school studies in Spain. It is approximately equivalent to a U.S. High School degree. It is not the same as a "Bachelor's" degree. |
| Curso | Frequently used to indicate a full academic year of programmed studies (i.e. Primer Curso corresponds to the curriculum for first-year studies in your degree program) |
| Derechos (de inscripción, de secretaría, etc) | Fees, such as registration or application fees. |
| First Cycle (Primer Ciclo) | The first three years of Licentiate study, roughly corresponding to what is understood as "lower division studies" in U.S. universities. In Spain, First-Cycle studies correspond to the requirements for obtaining a Diplomatura degree, although completion of First-Cycle studies does not automatically result in obtaining this degree. |
| Matrícula | Registration for your courses for a particular year |
| Plan de Estudios | The "curriculum" or course itinerary for a particular degree program |
| Selectividad | The Spanish university entrance exam, required of all students wishing to study for an official Licentiate or Diplomature degree, although not for University-accredited degrees such as the Master's degree. |
| Second Cycle (Segundo Ciclo) | The last two to three years of Licentiate study, roughly corresponding to what is understood as "upper division studies" in U.S. universities. In some cases, students who have completed First-Cycle studies or Diplomature studies in another school or university may transfer to Second-Cycle studies, either by passing an entrance examination or taking certain supplementary courses. |
| Third Cycle (Tercer Ciclo) | The "Third Cycle" is what corresponds to Doctoral studies in Spain. Master's degrees are not considered "Third Cycle" studies, as they do not lead to obtaining an official Spanish degree. |
