I’m new to the forum and have noticed a lot of enthusiastic discussion about studying in Spain! The 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject were just released, which is a huge deal every year for choosing universities and majors, so I had to share and discuss it with everyone.
Every year when we look at the overall university rankings, Spanish universities’ performance can seem a bit lukewarm. But when it comes to individual subject strengths, many Spanish universities are real powerhouses! The QS Subject Rankings don’t focus on a school’s ‘overall reputation’ but rather on its teaching and research strength in a specific field. For students like us who have clear goals and just want to master a specific craft, it’s an incredibly valuable reference.
Analysis of Strong Subjects at Spanish Universities
In this year’s rankings, Spanish universities have a total of 983 programs listed, with 52 making it into the global top 50 and 85 in the top 100. The most impressive performers are still the well-established institutions: the University of Barcelona and the Complutense University of Madrid continue to have the most subjects ranked. They are followed by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and the University of Granada. It’s particularly noteworthy that in fields like Archaeology, Architecture, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science, Spanish universities are consistently among the world’s best, making these their star programs.
A Glimpse at Some Top Subjects and Their Universities
I took some time to compile a list of some of the majors and universities that made it into the global top 50, which you can see in the Spanish university subject rankings, to give you a clear overview. It has to be said that humanities, arts, and medical sciences are truly Spain’s traditional strengths. The Complutense University, in particular, is incredibly strong in Dentistry and Veterinary Science!
| Subject Area | Spanish Universities in the World’s Top 50 |
|---|
| Archaeology | University of Barcelona, Complutense University of Madrid |
| Architecture & Built Environment | Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Polytechnic University of Madrid |
| Dentistry | Complutense University of Madrid |
| Veterinary Science | Complutense University of Madrid, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona |
| Philosophy | Complutense University of Madrid, University of Barcelona |
Hospitality & Leisure Management | Apologies, this field is on the main QS list, but no Spanish institutions made the top 50. My mistake. |
Rankings are just one factor to consider. Choosing a school should also depend on your personal interests, the city’s cost of living, the curriculum, and future career plans related to your Spanish university courses. For example, if you love modern art and design, the atmosphere in Barcelona would be a better fit. If you want to experience Spain’s political and cultural center, then Madrid is the obvious choice. What are your target schools and majors? Did your university make the list?
Feel free to leave a comment and join the discussion
!
