Autonomous University of Madrid

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Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM)

The Autonomous University of Madrid, known as la Autónoma, is a public university in Madrid, Spain. It was founded in 1968 by royal decree and is considered one of Spain’s leading universities.

Location and campus
- The main Cantoblanco campus covers about 650 acres (260 hectares) and is about 15 km north of Madrid. Some faculties are in central Madrid.
- The campus is a self-contained university town with libraries, student housing, sports facilities, cafeterias, medical services, and research centers. It is connected by train and regional bus.

What it offers
- UAM has eight faculties and schools, 59 departments, eight research institutes, and seven associate centers.
- It offers many degree programs, including doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees. There are around 90 PhD programs and many master’s programs.
- The university is known for strengths in biology, medicine, physics, and law.

Rankings and reputation
- UAM is widely regarded as one of Spain’s top universities and has ranked highly in national and international rankings. Notable alumni include King Felipe VI, who studied law and is president of the UAM alumni association.

People and governance
- The rector (top administrator) is Amaya Mendikoetxea Pelayo (elected in 2021).
- The university is governed by three bodies: the University Assembly, the Board of Governors, and the Social Board.

Student life
- Students participate in many clubs and associations, and the campus hosts various cultural and sporting activities.

History
- The university was created as part of Spain’s higher education expansion in the 1960s. The Cantoblanco campus opened in the late 1960s and was designed as a self-contained campus away from central Madrid. The 50th anniversary was celebrated in 2018.