The Spanish educational system is organized in different stages or levels. There are eight levels but it is not necessary to complete them all:

1) Early Childhood Education.

2) Primary education.

3) ESO.

4) High school.

5) Vocational training.

6) University careers.

7) Masters and postgraduate degrees.

8) Doctorate.

Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education is the educational stage that serves children from birth to 6 years. During this period CHILDREN are encouraged to develop their social, communicative, physical and intellectual skills. Early Childhood Education is structured in two parts:

• 0 to 3 years old.

• 3 to 6 years old.

Although the second cycle is not compulsory, the vast majority of children attend kindergarten at this age. Early schooling is seen as having many advantages for the future of young children. Stimulation usually improves school performance in higher grades and develops students' affective skills.

In the two cycles of Early Childhood education, affective development, body control, communication and social relationships are progressively developed.

Primary Education in Spain

Primary Education begins at 6 years old. This educational period is compulsory, free and is organized into 6 courses, so it lasts up to 12 years. Briefly, the aims of Primary are the following:

• Improve expression and oral comprehension.

• Promote reading, writing and calculation.

• Seek that students acquire notions of culture and coexistence.

• Cultivate study and work habits.

• Awaken artistic sense and creativity.

• Work affectivity as another part of the human being.

Primary Education is organized into subjects that are thought all over by teacher with all round knowledge in these areas however, there are teachers specifically hired to teach music, languages and physical education.

Compulsory Secondary Education

ESO is a period of compulsory secondary education. For many, it usually means a change of scenery: the beginning of studies at the institute or at a different school. Compulsory secondary education is between 12 and 16 years old. Of course, in case the student repeats a course, they can stay in the ordinary system until they are 18. Currently, there are two study options, the face-to-face option and the distance option.

ESO is organized into two cycles: the first, with three school years, and the second, with one. Depending on the path chosen in the last year, the student will prepare to study Vocational Training or Bachillerato The objectives of ESO include the following:

• Ensure that all students acquire the basic elements of culture: humanistic, artistic, scientific and technological.

• Develop and consolidate study and work habits.

• Prepare students for incorporation into subsequent studies and for their job placement.

• Train young people to exercise their rights and obligations in life as citizens.

It is important to remember that Compulsory Secondary Education is the last compulsory educational stage. Obtaining an ESO degree opens many doors for us in the labor market.

High school

This phase of our educational life almost always acts as a bridge. Although we can leave the studies with the Bachillerato title, if we take it it is to get to another place. The Bachillerato is part of post-compulsory secondary education and lasts for two courses. Normally, students are between 16 and 18 years old. Today, there are two types of study: face-to-face or distance. Furthermore, it is possible to study this part of the studies abroad.

The Bachillerato is organized in three modalities:

• Humanities and Social Sciences.

• Sciences.

•Arts.

Bachillerato aims to:

• Provide training and intellectual and human maturity to students.

• Contribute knowledge and skills that allow them to join active life with responsibility.

• Train students to access higher education.

Vocational training

As its name indicates, Professional Training is a stage aimed at professionalization and job placement. The training cycles last two years and can be attended in person or remotely. Depending on the degree of learning, Vocational Training is organized into three links:

 

Basic: designed for people who do not have an ESO degree.

Cycle of average degree: these Educational trainings grant the technical title.

Higher degree cycle: these Educational trainings grant the title of higher technician and give access to the university.

To aid the transition inyo th working world, the Educational Programme is made up of two parts: the theoretical and the practical. In this sense, Training in Work Centers allows the student to come into contact with the world of work and begin to enhance their curriculum.

 

University careers

The Great Maze of Higher Education: the options are endless! Typically, students enter college at age 18, but there is no set limit. Be that as it may, accessing the university raises many questions. What do we want to study? Will we do it in person or online? Do we prefer a private center or a public one? What if we make the wrong decision?

 

In Spain, degrees usually last 4 years, during which 240 ECTS credits must be passed. However, recent modifications allow for 3-year careers. These shorter degrees must have a minimum of 180 ETCS credits.

 

Before entering the university it is important to bear in mind the following:

 

The access options that our previous studies give us.

The general scholarship system.

The offer specific scholarships that can be useful to us.

The balance between vocation and employability.

The possibilities of distance study.

Master and postgraduate

Master and postgraduate studies are also known as second cycle. This educational stage usually lasts one or two years and can be attended in person or at a distance. Its main purpose is to provide specialized knowledge to university graduates. However, the masters do not always have to be related to our previous training. In any case, it is a good idea to beware of which masters are internationally accredited as not all are!

 

Doctorate

Doctoral studies are the maximum academic degree of the university. This training is also known as the third cycle. If you are considering starting a thesis, it is essential that you have previously passed a degree (first cycle) and a master's degree (second cycle).

 

The third university cycle has two main purposes:

 

Provide advanced research training.

Train the student as a future university teacher.

The period of time that passes between the start of the thesis and the end usually lasts between 3 and 5 years. However, the duration varies depending on the needs of each student. Once the thesis is written and defended, the doctor's degree is obtained.  This can be completed in person or distance study.