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Studies & Degrees in Telecommunications Technology Engineering

Telecommunications technology engineering is the Spanish bachelor's degree (grado) that trains engineers to design, build and operate communication networks and the electronic systems behind them. The name refers to a specific type of degree in Spain, the Grado en Ingeniería de Tecnologías de Telecomunicación, which universities offer with slightly different titles. It is the usual first step towards the regulated telecommunications engineering professions in Spain.

Students start with mathematics, physics, programming, electronics and circuit theory. They then study signals and systems, communication theory, electromagnetic fields, computer networks and digital electronics. Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), for example, describes its degree as covering electronic systems, communication technologies, signal processing, signal propagation, communication networks and telematic applications and services, without being limited to one speciality.

Qualifications and levels

The degree is an official bachelor's degree of 240 ECTS credits, normally taken over four years. Because it gives access to a regulated profession, its content is set by a ministerial order, Orden CIN/352/2009. Every study plan must include:

  • a basic training block of 60 credits
  • a block common to the telecommunications branch of 60 credits
  • a complete block of 48 credits in one specific technology
  • a final degree project of 12 credits

The order defines four specific technologies: Sistemas de Telecomunicación (telecommunication systems), Telemática (telematics), Sistemas Electrónicos (electronic systems) and Sonido e Imagen (sound and image). Universities turn them into tracks or mentions (menciones). The Universidad de Sevilla structures its degree in four mentions. The ETSIT of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) has four tracks that are taken in the fourth year. The Universidad de Jaén, which teaches the degree at its Escuela Politécnica Superior de Linares, offers two specialities, Sistemas de Telecomunicación and Sonido e Imagen.

A graduate is qualified for the regulated profession of Ingeniero Técnico de Telecomunicación, in the speciality that matches the track followed. The profession of Ingeniero de Telecomunicación requires in addition the Máster Universitario en Ingeniería de Telecomunicación, regulated by Orden CIN/355/2009. Bachelor's degree and master's degree together must add up to at least 300 ECTS credits. Graduates of other bachelor's degrees can also enter this master's degree, but the university may require bridging courses.

Where to study it

All 13 schools listed for this subject in the SpainExchange directory are in Spain. They are spread across the country: Madrid and its region (UPM and its ETSIT, UC3M, Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio), Oviedo, Vigo, Elche, Valladolid, Zaragoza, Jaén, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Seville and Barcelona.

The exact title changes from one university to another. UC3M calls it Grado en Ingeniería en Tecnologías de Telecomunicación, the Universidad de Sevilla Grado en Ingeniería de las Tecnologías de Telecomunicación, and the ETSIT-UPM Grado en Ingeniería de Tecnologías y Servicios de Telecomunicación. What matters is whether the degree meets Orden CIN/352/2009 and which professional speciality it gives.

Spanish is the main language of instruction. The ETSIT-UPM states that its main teaching language is Spanish and that it offers 300 places for new students. Its degree is accredited by ABET and EUR-ACE and is entered in the Spanish register of official degrees (RUCT). UC3M teaches its degree on the Leganés campus in a bilingual option and a Spanish option, and students must prove a B2 level of English before they finish.

Admission for international students

Admission to a Spanish bachelor's degree depends on the student's previous studies and country. UNEDasiss, a service of the UNED, assesses the academic records of international students and runs the tests they need to enter bachelor's degrees at Spanish universities. Each university then applies its own admission criteria, so students should check them with the university they want to attend. Recognition abroad of the Spanish professional qualification depends on the rules of each country.

Careers

Graduates work for telecommunications operators, equipment manufacturers, technology and consulting companies, broadcasters, the electronics industry and public administrations. The competences listed in the ministerial order show the kind of work involved: building, operating and managing telecommunication networks, services and applications, telematic services, electronic systems, and sound and image services. Many graduates go on to the master's degree in order to qualify as Ingeniero de Telecomunicación.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the degree in telecommunications technology engineering?

It has 240 ECTS credits and is designed to be completed in four years. The master's degree that leads to the profession of Ingeniero de Telecomunicación comes afterwards.

What is the difference between Ingeniero Técnico de Telecomunicación and Ingeniero de Telecomunicación?

They are two regulated professions in Spain. The bachelor's degree qualifies for the first one. The second one also requires the Máster Universitario en Ingeniería de Telecomunicación, so that both degrees add up to at least 300 ECTS credits.

Is the degree taught in English?

Mostly in Spanish. Some universities have a bilingual option, such as UC3M, which also requires a B2 level of English before graduation. Ask each university which subjects it teaches in English.

How do international students apply?

Students with foreign school qualifications usually obtain an accreditation from UNEDasiss and then apply to the university, which sets its own admission criteria.