The University of Murcia (Spanish: Universidad de Murcia) is the primary institute of higher education in Murcia, Spain. With a student population of approximately 38,000, it is the largest university in the Region of Murcia. Founded in 1272 AD, the University of Murcia is the third oldest university in Spain, following only the University of Salamanca (1218 AD) and the University of Valladolid (1241 AD), and the thirteenth oldest in the world. The University of Murcia was established by the King Alfonso X of Castile[5] under the Crown of Castile.
The majority of the university's facilities and buildings are spread over two campuses: the older is La Merced, situated in the town center, and the larger is Espinardo, 5km to the north of Murcia. The university's San Javier campus is the center of its sports science programs.[6] A third campus for Medical and Health Studies is currently[when?] being built next to the suburban area known as Ciudad Sanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca, 5km south of the city.
History
Murcia in SpainFacade of the Arts Faculty (La Merced campus) viewed from Plaza de la UniversidadFaculty of Law cloister (La Merced campus)
The first university in Murcia was founded as the Universitas Studiorum Murciana by Alfonso X of Castile around 1272. The current modern University of Murcia was founded in 1915, making it the tenth oldest university in Spain among the modern universities, but its seal carries the date of the thirteenth century founding.
Campuses
The University of Murcia has two campuses: La Merced,[7] the original campus in the center of the city; and the larger Espinardo,[8] 5 km to the north, which houses most students.
A third campus for medical and health studies is currently being built in the Murcia neighborhood of El Palmar,[9] next to the hospital Ciudad Sanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca, 5 km south of Murcia's city center. A fourth campus is in the beginning stages in San Javier.[10] Another one, in Lorca, is expected to open in 2007.
Degrees
Categorized by faculties and university schools:[11]
