Evolution Of Civil Engineering Degrees In Spain Up To The Present And On-Going Changes At The Civil Engineering School Of A Coruña

Abstract

The transformation of civil engineering education in Spain is presented, particularly following the implementation of the European Higher Education Area reforms in 2010 (Bologna Plan). Historically, Civil engineering studies were structured around two main qualifications: the Technical Engineer in Public Works and the Civil Engineer. After 2010, a new model was introduced comprising a Bachelor's degree that confers technical engineering competencies, followed by a two-year Master's programme that grants full accreditation as an Engineer for Roads, Canals and Ports. Currently, the civil engineering Bachelor's degrees are offered at 27 nationwide, with progressive growth between 1996 and 2012. Sixteen universities currently offer the qualifying Master's programme, reflecting significant growth since the Bologna reforms. The qualifying Master's programs are available at 16 universities, with a marked increase in offerings after the Bologna reforms. Spanish regulations require all accredited degrees to guarantee core professional competencies, ensuring a unified qualification framework while allowing up to 50% curricular differentiation between universities. Degree programmes typically include specializations in the areas of civil construction, hydrology and environmental engineering, or transportation and urban infrastructure. A newly proposed curriculum from the University of A Coruña maintains that general structural pattern but emphasizes mathematics and IT.