Universidad Pablo de Olavide
Please find useful information below about Universidad Pablo de Olavide as an exchange destination. Learn more about the location, the campus, courses and student life!
About
The Universidad Pablo de Olavide (UPO) is a small, modern public university located just a few kilometers from the center of Seville. Established in 1997 and named after an 18th-century Peruvian intellectual, UPO is one of the newest universities in Spain, and has a student population of around 13,000, 11% being international students.
UPO offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across areas such as business, law, social and political sciences, natural sciences, and computer science. The university brings together classrooms, research labs, sports facilities, residences, and social spaces in one centralized area, making it easy for students to get involved and stay connected.
UPO is active in international exchange and research, with strong ties to institutions around the world. The university is also committed to environmental and social responsibility. In alignment with the UN’s sustainable development goals, it has taken steps to become a more sustainable and greener campus, promoting renewable energy, sustainable transport, and environmental education.
Consult UPO on Times Higher Education to learn more about their current world ranking and academic reputation in different subject areas.
Location
The Universidad Pablo de Olavide is located in Seville, the capital of Andalusia in southern Spain. It is a historical city known for its rich culture, warm climate and beautiful architecture.
With over 2000 years of history, and origins from Roman settlement, there is much history and culture. Some notable cultural aspects are the Flamenco culture, tapas and dining experiences.
Seville is known for its beautiful architecture, with notable landmarks including the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Seville Cathedral and La Giralda. Much of Seville’s landmarks and architecture feature Roman, Islamic, Gothic and Baroque elements, a symbol of how Seville was shaped by centuries of cultural influences.
UPO is located about 6 km from the city centre of Seville, in the southeastern part of the city. There are metro and bus lines that link to the city centre, allowing for easy transportation. UPO is compact and very walkable, with green spaces, libraries, and parks scattered across campus.
Level of competitiveness
This exchange is only open to students studying a Modern Language in the School of the Arts:
For competitiveness level, please enquire with the STA Year Abroad team.
Language of Instruction
Spanish is the language of instruction and examination, as that is the target language of Modern Language students who study here, although there are a few courses taught in English.
It is recommended that students have at least a B1 level in Spanish, both for written and oral skills.
Academic Calendar
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The academic year is divided into two semesters:
Semester 1: September – December
Semester 2: January – May
Please refer to this website for more detailed information and the full academic calendar.
Courses
The Universidad Pablo de Olavide offers a wide range of courses, mainly taught in Spanish. UPO offers a wide array of degrees in areas such as economics, law, business, computer science, the arts, and more. The entire course catalogue can be found here.
Credits
Students must enrol on a full courseload equivalent to 60 Queen Mary credits per semester / 120 for a full academic year. AMU uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), where 1 Queen Mary credit = 0.5 ECTS. Therefore, a full courseload at AMU is 30 ECTS per semester / 60 ECTS for the full academic year.
Accommodation
Students at UPO can choose three different options for accommodations:
- Host families
- Residence halls
- Shared apartments
Host families: students can live with a family and choose either a single or double room to share with another student depending on availability.
Residence halls: there are several residence halls available for students to live in, all located not too far from campus.
Shared apartments: students can choose to live with others in an apartment. This is not arranged by the university.
More information for all types of accommodations can be found here.
Private accommodation: Queen Mary students who intend to look for private accommodation are advised to follow the partner’s guidance as soon as possible to begin their accommodation search safely.
Cost of living
Estimations for living in Seville can be found here. Please also consult the estimated minimum and maximum cost of living figures available in our “Estimated Costs of Living” document available on our Finance page.
Student Life
At UPO, students can partake in student communities and programs. UPO offers Spanish language and cultural courses, in which international students can learn more about Seville’s culture, enhance their Spanish skills and meet other international and local students.
International students at UPO can visit the International Centre which is dedicated to helping students with paperwork, academics, housing, and cultural adjustment.
Seville offers much to do for students. There are many places to explore and sightsee in Seville, with many restaurants, performances, and a plethora of amazing dining options. Students can enjoy tapas from a variety of restaurants, admire the historical and intricate architecture, take part in festivals such as the Feria de Abril a vibrant, week-long celebration with music, socializing, dancing, and food, and watch Flamenco performances.