Universitat Rovira i Virgili
Address: Carrer de l'Escorxador, s/n, 43003 Tarragona, Spain
Phone: +34 977 55 82 22
Email: info@urv.cat
Website: www.urv.cat
The language requirements at Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) vary depending on the program level (undergraduate, master's, PhD) and the language of instruction for the specific course. Here’s an overview of the typical language requirements:
1. Undergraduate Programs
- Most undergraduate programs at URV are taught in Catalan and Spanish. Therefore, proficiency in one or both of these languages is typically required for students enrolling in undergraduate courses.
- Language Requirements:
- Spanish: Many undergraduate programs require students to have a basic to intermediate level of Spanish proficiency (B1-B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR).
- Catalan: For courses taught in Catalan, students may need to have a similar level of Catalan proficiency, though some programs offer language support for non-Catalan speakers.
2. Master’s and PhD Programs
- Many master's and doctoral programs at URV are offered in English, especially in areas like chemical engineering, environmental sciences, and business. However, some programs are still taught in Spanish or Catalan.
- Language Requirements:
- English-taught programs: A minimum proficiency in English is required, usually:
- IELTS: 6.0 or higher
- TOEFL iBT: 80 or higher
- Cambridge English: B2 or higher (First Certificate in English)
- Spanish-taught programs: If the program is taught in Spanish, proficiency in Spanish is typically required, usually a B2 level.
- Catalan-taught programs: For programs taught in Catalan, non-native speakers may be required to demonstrate proficiency, or they may receive language support to help them learn Catalan.
- English-taught programs: A minimum proficiency in English is required, usually:
3. English Language Support
- URV offers a growing number of programs in English at the master’s and PhD levels to attract international students. These include fields like chemical engineering, computer science, and business.
- The university also provides language courses in Catalan and Spanish for international students to help them integrate and improve their language skills while studying.
4. Language Courses for International Students
- URV offers free or low-cost Spanish and Catalan language courses for international students who need to improve their language proficiency to meet course requirements or just for personal integration.
5. Exchange and Erasmus Students
- Exchange students, including those participating in the Erasmus+ program, need to meet the language requirements for the courses they wish to attend. This may include proficiency in Spanish, Catalan, or English, depending on the language of instruction for specific courses.
Conclusion:
- Undergraduate programs: Primarily in Catalan or Spanish, so proficiency in one of these languages is necessary.
- Master’s and PhD programs: Many are available in English, especially in scientific and technical fields. For English-taught programs, a B2 level of English is generally required.
- Spanish and Catalan courses are offered to help international students meet language requirements.
Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) is a public university located in Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain. URV offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines. Some of its key specialties are in the following fields:
1. Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
- URV is renowned for its expertise in chemistry and chemical engineering. The university consistently ranks high in this area, especially due to its close ties with the local petrochemical industry in Tarragona, one of the largest in southern Europe.
- Key programs:
- Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
- Master's in Chemical Engineering
- Master's in Nanoscience, Materials, and Chemical Engineering
- PhD in Chemical Engineering
2. Environmental Sciences
- URV has strong programs in environmental sciences and environmental engineering, focused on sustainability, climate change, and environmental management.
- Key programs:
- Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences
- Master's in Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Energy
- Master's in Ecological and Environmental Management
3. Medicine and Health Sciences
- The university is known for its contributions to health sciences, particularly in the fields of nursing, medicine, and biomedical research.
- Key programs:
- Bachelor's Degree in Medicine
- Master's in Health and Hospital Management
- Master's in Biomedical Research
- PhD in Health, Psychology, and Behavioral Sciences
4. Tourism and Heritage Studies
- Being located in the culturally rich region of Catalonia, URV offers highly specialized programs in tourism, heritage studies, and archaeology.
- Key programs:
- Bachelor's Degree in Tourism
- Master's in Cultural Heritage Management and Museology
- PhD in Archaeology and Prehistory
5. Business and Economics
- URV offers strong programs in business, economics, and management, with special emphasis on entrepreneurship, finance, and innovation.
- Key programs:
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Management
- Master's in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Master's in Finance and Banking
- PhD in Economics and Business
6. Law and Political Science
- The university offers legal and political science courses that focus on both European and international perspectives.
- Key programs:
- Bachelor's Degree in Law
- Master's in International Relations
- Master's in European Integration Law
- PhD in Law
7. Linguistics and Translation Studies
- URV has developed strong programs in linguistics, language teaching, and translation studies.
- Key programs:
- Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature
- Master's in Translation and Intercultural Studies
- PhD in Language and Literature
8. Education and Psychology
- URV offers programs focused on teaching methodologies, educational psychology, and general psychology.
- Key programs:
- Bachelor's Degree in Education
- Master's in Educational Psychology
- PhD in Education and Psychology
9. Engineering and Computer Science
- URV offers comprehensive courses in various engineering disciplines, with a strong focus on automation, robotics, and computer science.
- Key programs:
- Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering
- Master's in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
- PhD in Computer Science and Engineering
Research and Innovation:
URV is well-known for its research activities in various fields, particularly in chemistry, environmental sciences, and health sciences. The university hosts several research institutes, such as:
- Catalan Institute for Chemical Research (ICIQ)
- Catalan Institute for Classical Archaeology (ICAC)
- Center for Omic Sciences (COS) for health research.
International Focus:
URV has many exchange programs and partnerships with international institutions, making it an attractive destination for international students. The courses are often offered in both Catalan/Spanish and English, especially at the graduate level.
Scholarships and Financial Aid:
The university offers several scholarships for both local and international students, including merit-based scholarships, financial aid, and research grants.
Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) has several highly regarded professors across various disciplines, especially in the fields of chemistry, chemical engineering, biomedicine, and cultural heritage studies. Here are some of the top professors at URV, known for their research, publications, and contributions to their respective fields:
1. Prof. Miquel A. Pericàs
- Field: Chemistry, Catalysis
- Position: Director of the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), one of Europe’s leading chemical research institutes affiliated with URV.
- Achievements: Prof. Pericàs is a world-renowned expert in organic chemistry and catalysis. His research focuses on the development of new catalytic processes for sustainable chemistry.
- Recognition: He has received several international awards in chemistry and has numerous high-impact publications.
2. Prof. Carme Queralt Mitjà
- Field: Archaeology, Classical Studies
- Position: Professor of Classical Archaeology at URV and researcher at the Catalan Institute of Classical Archaeology (ICAC).
- Achievements: An expert in ancient Roman archaeology, she is involved in several prominent excavation projects in Catalonia and is recognized for her work in ancient Iberian and Roman settlements.
- Recognition: Known for her contributions to heritage preservation and archaeology in Spain, she is frequently invited to international conferences and collaborations.
3. Prof. Francesc Díaz-Catalán
- Field: Environmental Chemistry
- Position: Professor of Environmental Chemistry at URV and member of the Centre for Environmental, Food and Toxicological Technology (TecnATox).
- Achievements: His research focuses on environmental pollution, toxicology, and waste management. He has worked on important projects related to air quality and environmental health.
- Recognition: Prof. Díaz-Catalán has published widely in international journals and is frequently cited in environmental science research.
4. Prof. Àngel Lozano
- Field: Telecommunications, Engineering
- Position: Professor of Telecommunications Engineering at URV.
- Achievements: He is a leading researcher in wireless communications and 5G technology. His work on network protocols and communication systems has earned him international recognition.
- Recognition: Prof. Lozano has been awarded several research grants and collaborates with leading technology companies.
5. Prof. Josep Mercadé
- Field: Chemical Engineering
- Position: Professor at URV’s Department of Chemical Engineering.
- Achievements: He is a specialist in process engineering and chemical reactors. His research focuses on energy efficiency, sustainable chemical processes, and industrial applications.
- Recognition: Known for his industrial collaborations and innovative research in energy management within the chemical industry.
6. Prof. Antoni Arola
- Field: Biomedicine
- Position: Professor of Biomedicine and Director of the Biomedical Research Center of Tarragona (CBR).
- Achievements: Prof. Arola’s work in molecular biology and metabolic diseases has led to groundbreaking research in the fields of cancer and metabolic disorders.
- Recognition: He is widely published in biomedical journals and has received numerous grants for his research.
7. Prof. Teresa Garcia-Milà
- Field: Economics, Business
- Position: Professor at URV’s Department of Economics.
- Achievements: She specializes in economic theory, regional economics, and public policy. Her work on regional economic disparities and European Union economics is well-regarded.
- Recognition: She is a frequent contributor to policy discussions and has collaborated with international economic research institutions.
8. Prof. M. Pilar Nicolás
- Field: Law, Bioethics
- Position: Professor of Law at URV and researcher in the Bioethics and Law Observatory.
- Achievements: An expert in bioethics and legal aspects of biomedical research, she works on topics such as medical ethics, patient rights, and legal frameworks for scientific research.
- Recognition: She is a leading voice in the intersection of law and bioethics, with numerous publications and advisory roles in ethical committees.
9. Prof. Joan Francesc Marco
- Field: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
- Position: Professor at the School of Engineering at URV.
- Achievements: Specializing in artificial intelligence, robotics, and machine learning, Prof. Marco has contributed significantly to AI research, particularly in industrial applications and automation.
- Recognition: He has collaborated with international AI research labs and companies and has published extensively in AI and robotics journals.
10. Prof. Albert Bosch
- Field: Environmental Microbiology
- Position: Professor at the Department of Microbiology.
- Achievements: His research focuses on environmental virology, particularly the detection of viruses in water systems and their impact on public health.
- Recognition: Prof. Bosch has been instrumental in public health initiatives, including the detection of viruses in water systems during pandemics.
As of now, the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) does not have any Nobel Prize winners among its faculty or alumni. However, the university is recognized for its research excellence, especially in fields like chemistry, biomedicine, and environmental sciences, which contribute to its growing international reputation.
While there are no Nobel laureates directly associated with URV, the university collaborates with prestigious research institutes, such as the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), which conducts world-class research in chemistry and has links with scientists who have been involved in cutting-edge discoveries.
URV continues to foster an environment that supports high-level research, innovation, and international collaboration, contributing to its global recognition and potential for future breakthroughs in various disciplines.
The Universitat Rovira i Virgili is located in the province of Tarragona, close to Barcelona, in one of the most important tourist regions in Europe. We are a young and dynamic university serving the needs of society, with an international outlook and a close relationship with our immediate socioeconomic environment.
Our commitment to scientific research and teaching innovation has led us to become one of the leading universities in Spain and Europe and to be listed on the international rankings alongside the best universities in the world.
We offer courses covering all areas of knowledge: engineering and architecture, arts and humanities, health sciences, social sciences and experimental sciences. These take the form of a wide variety of bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees and lifelong learning courses.
Stay ahead
Our aim is to provide you with the best training. With your motivation and our experience you can stay ahead in your personal and professional development and reach your goals.
How can we help you to stay ahead?
*Learn in an innovative and personalised environment: We offer you personalised treatment, small groups and a close relationship with your teachers. We use innovative and participatory learning methodologies that enable you to punt intro practice the knowledge you acquire in real-life work situations.
*Increase your job opportunities: The master's programmes are designed keeping in mind the latest social trends of each field so that you can learn the most useful skills for your professional future. All of our degrees offer you the chance to gain work experience in companies and institutions in you chosen sector.
*Train in an international setting: We have more than 800 international agreements so you can conduct part of your studies at universities around the world or gain first-hand experience of work in a foreign company. Each year more than 400 students from around the world come to study at the URV, and 28% of all our master's and doctoral students are international.
*Enjoy training of the highest quality: The quality of our courses has been accredited and meets the standards of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). The leading international rankings place us among the best universities in the word:
Academic Ranking of World Universities: 601-700
THE (Times Higher Education) World University Rankings: 401-500
THE (Times Higher Education) World University Rankings (2017 Top 100 Young Universities): 76
CWTS Leiden Ranking (Top 50%): 268
The Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) is particularly well-known for several reasons:
1. Strength in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
- URV has earned an international reputation in chemical engineering and chemistry. The Catalan Institute of Chemical Research (ICIQ), based at URV, is one of Europe’s leading research institutes in this field. The close proximity to Tarragona's large petrochemical industry strengthens its programs and research in these areas.
- The university consistently ranks among the top institutions for chemistry and chemical engineering in Spain and internationally.
2. Research Excellence
- URV is recognized for its strong research output in multiple fields, particularly in nanotechnology, biomedical research, sustainability, and cultural heritage studies. It collaborates extensively with industry and academic institutions worldwide.
- Its research institutes, such as the ICIQ, Center for Omic Sciences (COS), and Catalan Institute for Classical Archaeology (ICAC), are renowned for cutting-edge research and innovation.
3. Strategic Location and Regional Impact
- Located in Tarragona, Catalonia, the university benefits from being in a region with rich cultural, historical, and industrial significance. The region’s large petrochemical sector, rich Roman heritage, and coastal tourism industry provide practical opportunities for students and researchers, especially in chemistry, tourism, archaeology, and heritage management.
- URV plays a key role in driving regional development, particularly in terms of sustainability and industrial innovation.
4. High International Collaboration and Global Outlook
- URV places a strong emphasis on internationalization. The university is part of numerous European and global academic networks and offers a wide array of exchange programs, particularly through initiatives like Erasmus+.
- Many of its master’s and PhD programs are offered in English, making it attractive to international students and researchers.
5. Focus on Cultural Heritage and Archaeology
- URV's expertise in archaeology and cultural heritage management is well-known, largely due to the university's location in a region rich in Roman and medieval history. The Catalan Institute of Classical Archaeology (ICAC) at URV is a key institution for research in this field.
6. Environmental and Sustainability Focus
- URV has developed a strong reputation for its research and teaching in environmental sciences, sustainability, and renewable energy, reflecting the growing global emphasis on climate change and sustainability. Its programs in environmental engineering and sustainable development are highly regarded.
7. Biomedical and Health Sciences
- URV is recognized for its contributions to biomedical research and public health, with advanced research in areas like biomedicine, hospital management, and health sciences.
- The Tarragona Biomedical Research Center (CBR) is an important hub for health-related research.
8. Cultural Integration
- URV’s bilingual education (in Catalan and Spanish) and its increasing number of programs offered in English allow students from all over the world to access quality education while integrating into the rich Catalan culture and history.
Rankings and Recognition:
- URV consistently ranks among the top 100 young universities globally and is recognized for its research impact, particularly in chemistry, chemical engineering, and environmental sciences. It is also considered one of Spain’s top universities for certain specialized programs like heritage studies, tourism, and sustainable development.