Established in October 1997 the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya stands as a testament to academic ambition. Its founding was made possible by Organic Law 11/1983 and the 26/1984 Parliament of Catalonia Law. These laws provided the legal framework for a university that could award official degrees. The Catalan Family Foundation spearheaded this ambitious project.
Initially five faculties offered ten degree programs. About 400 students attended the opening ceremony. Imagine the excitement. The inaugural year saw programs in Nursing Law Management and Public Administration Architecture Humanities and Journalism. Dentistry and Business Management and Administration were also offered.
Over the years the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya expanded rapidly. Physiotherapy was added a year later. In 2000 programs in Primary School Teacher Education and Pre-School Teacher Education began. The university continued to grow. Employment Studies joined the curriculum in 2002 followed by Criminology two years later. In 2004 IT Systems and Management Engineering was officially recognized. The addition of Audiovisual Communication in 2004-05 rounded out the offerings.
The growth extended beyond individual programs. New centers and institutes were founded. The Institute of Advanced Family Studies was established in 2004. It became the leading Spanish institute with university status in family policy. The Centre for Advanced Social Studies (CESA) also opened in 2004. Its focus was coordinating three degree courses for working professionals. Public Administration and Management Employment Studies and Criminology were offered through CESA.
By 2008-2009 all programs complied with European Higher Education Area regulations. Bachelor and diploma courses became formal degree programs. Older programs were gradually phased out. New programs continued to be developed. The Degree in Medicine started in 2008. The Degree in Humanities and Cultural Studies and the Degree in Publicity and Public Relations both began in 2009. In 2010 the Degree in Political Science and Public Administration launched. This program was a collaboration with CESA. The Universitat Internacional de Catalunya continues to thrive offering a diverse range of educational opportunities. Its evolution reflects a dynamic commitment to academic excellence. Its story is one of growth innovation and dedication to learning.