WEST UNIVERSITY OF TIMISOARA

MASTER INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND

MANAGEMENT OF GLOBAL AFFAIRS

EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS IN RUSSIA AND SPAIN

CORRECTOR: PROF. MIHAI IRIS

AUTHOR:
UMAN ALEXANDRU SIMON

TIMIOARA JANUARY

Summary:
One of the main differences between the Spanish and Russian educational systems is the testing method
from the higschool level to the university level. Bachillerato
At 16, students who wish to continue their education can study for a further two years to earn
the Bachillerato certificate. It is roughly equivalent to UK A Levels. This is the certificate needed to go
to university although students will also have to sit an entrance exam
All students take a number of core subjects including Spanish, a foreign language and history but they
also have to specialise in one area: natural and health sciences, sciences and engineering, social sciences,
the humanities or the arts. Some nine subjects are studied with the yearly exam results of each subject
aggregated to provide an overall mark up to 10.
A pass at Bachillerato will allow a student to take university entrance examinations.
On the other side, we have the Russian examination system, unified State Exam is an exam in the Russian
Federation. It is in fact a series of exams every student must pass after graduation from school to enter a
university or a professional college. Since 2009, USE is the only form of graduation examinations in
schools and the main form of preliminary examinations in universities. A student can take USE in Russian
language, mathematics, foreign languages
(English, German, French,Spanish), physics, chemistry, biology, geography, literature, history, basics
of social sciences and computing science USE in Russian language and mathematics are obligatory; that
means that every student needs to get the necessary results in these subjects to enter any Russian
university or get a high school diploma.
At the same time, we can identify a common feature in both education systems, more exactly, the
compulsory education.
Based upon the Fundamental Law of Education, education is compulsory for all children and young
people who are resident in Spain between the ages of six to 16 years, with primary education lasting six
years followed by four years of compulsory secondary education, at the end of which a Certificate of
Education is received. All students receive basic vocational training at secondary level.
Education authorities have an obligation to help foreign students integrate and must provide specific
programmes to do this.
State education is free of charge in Spain from preschool to 18 years, although in some regions parents
may be asked to pay for books, other materials and extra-curricular activities. Financial help may be
available in some cases
At the same time, in Russia, Basic general education lasts for nine years. Graduates of this level may
continue their education at senior high school to receive secondary general education. They may also
enter an initial vocational school or non-university level higher education institutions. Initial vocational
schools Professional technical schools which offer one-and-a-half to two years purely professional
education and a Professionalny Litsei which offer joint professional and secondary general education for
three to four years and skilled workers training at different levels. Non-university level higher education
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institutions also offer three- to four-year professional and secondary general education and two-year
vocational training for holders of the School Leaving Certificate. Secondary general education on the
basis of basic general education continues for two years and ends when students are 17-18. Graduates
from a secondary general school may apply for entrance to a higher education institution. Secondary
education leads to the award of the Certificate of Secondary Complete General Education.

Schooling in Spain is state funded and is compulsory between the ages of six years and sixteen, given
that no courses are repeated. Although non-university education in state-funded schools is free in Spain,
parents must pay for books, materials, and sometimes uniforms for their children. Once the required
schooling is finished, a student can then opt to continue on to high school (bachillerato) or move on to a
vocational school. Only those who finish high school can be admitted to a university.
There are three categories of Spanish schools in the Spanish education system: public schools (colegios
pblicos), state-funded private schools (colegios concertados) and private schools (colegios privados).
Since some private schools are publically funded the line between public and private is blurred.
Spanish school hours depend on each type of school. Some may run from 9 am through 5 pm with a two
hour lunch break. Other schools may begin at 9 and end at 2 pm, the typical lunch time in Spain. Some
schools may have only a one hour lunch break and may or may not provide a cafeteria for children to eat
at the school. For working parents, Spanish schools offer a paid morning program starting as early as 7
am and an afterschool program of extracurricular activities, free or paid for, depending on the activity.
The literacy rate of a country, while not a perfect measure, is often used to rank educational systems
worldwide. According to the CIA World Factbook, 97.9% of Spain's population was literate in 2003. The
figure encompasses a literacy rate in Spain of 98.7% among males and 97.2% among females. Literacy,
in this case, is defined as a percentage of the population over the age of 15 that is able to read and write.
Other sources indicate that the Spanish literacy rate is actually higher.
The structure of the Spanish Education System follows the Fundamental Law of Education, known
as LOE in Spain.
Spanish Middle School
After primary school in Spain students must continue on to Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO)
which generally lasts from age 12-16. Spanish secondary education is divided into two cycles lasting
two years each.
Once a Spanish student graduates from ESO, students have three different choices:
1. High school known as the Spanish Baccalaureate (Bachillerato)
2. Vocational/Professional training (Electrician, hairdresser, etc)
3. Enter the work force
Spanish High School - Spanish Baccalaureate
The Spanish high school Baccalaureate is non-compulsory free education that consists of one cycle in
two academic years for students age 16-18. The Spanish Baccalaureate consists of a series of required
common classes, elective classes and specialization classes known as modalidades, or concentration in
a certain discipline. A student must specialize in one of the offered disciplines and if the students plan to
continue on to university, certain concentrations may be required in order to be admitted into certain
university programs.
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Required classes of the Spanish Baccalaureate include 2 years of both Castilian language and literature
(or the co-official language) and foreign language, and 1 year of philosophy and civic responsibility,
physical education, contemporary science, history of philosophy and the history of Spain.
Elective courses may include: a second foreign language, information technology, dance, art, theater,
music, or other classes depending on the school.
The specialization part of the Spanish high school Baccalaureate requires a student choose one of 4
concentrations for which they will be required to take 3-4 classes a year. Each concentration has
obligatory classes and other classes from which to choose from.
The specialized concentrations and corresponding types of courses:
1. Arts: The arts discipline is divided into two concentrations: art, image and design; or performing
arts, music and dance.
2. Science and Technology: math, biology, physics, chemistry, geology, technical drawing, etc.
3. Humanities and Social Sciences: applied math, economics, Latin, Greek, contemporary history,
geography, art history, business economics, etc.
Students who successfully complete the requirements of the Spanish high school Baccalaureate will
receive a diploma. They may then opt for vocational training, a university education, or in some cases
both. In order to continue on to the university they must take an entrance exam (Prueba de Acceso a la
Universidad - PAU). The test results together with the student's academic record and grades will
determine not only access to the university but also which degrees the student can pursue.
Spanish Vocational Training - FP
There are two types of vocational training in Spain: Middle Grade Training cycles (Ciclos Formativos
de Grado Medio) for those who only have their ESO (compulsory education) diploma and Superior
Training Cycles (Ciclos Formativos de Grado Superior) for those who possess a Spanish Baccalaureate
diploma. Those who complete a Superior Training Cycle may then pursue certain university degrees.
Spanish University and Higher Education
Spanish University degrees are usually four years long, with the exception of medicine degrees and some
others which are 6 years long. By 2010, in accordance with the European Commission of Education and
Training, Spanish higher education will consist of: Bachelor degrees (Grado) for four year programs,
Master degrees for 2 year post-graduate programs, and Doctorates for post-masters education.
There are many internationally recognized Spanish universities such as Complutense University of
Madrid, the University of Barcelona, the University of Seville, The University of Granada and the
University of Valencia, among many others. Other historically important and reputable Spanish
universities include the University of Salamanca and the University of Alcala.

Education System in Russia

Russia has a long-standing tradition in high-quality education for all citizens. It probably has also one of
the best mass-eduction systems in the world producing a literacy rate (98%) exceeding most Western
European countries. Education is split into a compulsory Basic Education, and ongoing Higher Education.
Compulsory Basic Education
Basic general education lasts for nine years. Graduates of this level may continue their education at senior
high school to receive secondary general education. They may also enter an initial vocational school or
non-university level higher education institutions. Initial vocational schools include PTU(Professionalnotechnicheskoe uchilische) which offer one-and-a-half to two years purely professional education and a
Professionalny Litsei which offer joint professional and secondary general education for three to four
years and skilled workers training at different levels. Non-university level higher education institutions
also offer three- to four-year professional and secondary general education and two-year vocational
training for holders of the School Leaving Certificate. Secondary general education on the basis of basic
general education continues for two years and ends when students are 17-18. Graduates from a secondary
general school may apply for entrance to a higher education institution. Secondary education leads to the
award of the Attestat o Srednem (Polnom) Obshchem Obrasovanii (Certificate of Secondary Complete
General Education).
Higher Education
Higher education is provided by public and non-public (non-State) accredited higher education
institutions. There are two levels of higher education:

Basic higher education (4 years) leading to the Bakalavrs degree, the first university level
degree. This is equivalent to the B.Sc. degree in the US or Western Europe
Postgraduate higher education (5-6 years or more). After two years, students are entitled to
receive a Magistrs degree. This is equivalent to a Masters Degree (M.Sc, M.A.) in the US or Western
Europe. After a Masters degree, students can continue to study towards a doctoral degree: Kandidat Nauk
degree (the first level, equivalent to Ph.D.) and Doktor Nauk degree (the second, highest level, equivalent
to Professor).
The Bakalavrs (Bachelors) degree programmes last for at least 4 years of full-time university-level
study. The programmes are elaborated in accordance with the State Educational Standards which regulate
almost 80% of their content. The other 20% are elaborated by the university itself. The programmes
include professional and special courses in Science, the Humanities and Social-economic disciplines,
professional training, completion of a research paper/project and passing State final exams. Having
obtained the Bakalavrs degree, students may apply to enter the Magistrs programme or continue their
studies in the framework of the Specialists Diploma programmes. The Bakalavrs degree is awarded in
all fields except Medicine after defending a Diploma project prepared under the guidance of a supervisor
and passing the final exams. In Medicine, the first stage lasts for six years.
Holders of the Bakalavrs (Bachelor) degree are admitted to enter the Specialist Diploma and Magistrs
(Masters) degree programmes. Access to these programmes is competitive. The Magistrs (Masters)
degree is awarded after successful completion of two years full-time study. Students must carry out a
year of research including practice and prepare and defend a thesis which constitutes an original
contribution and sit for final examinations.
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Access to the Kandidat Nauk (Aspirantura) level again is very competitive. Candidates must hold a
Specialist Diploma or a Magistrs degree. Studies last for 3 years. The Aspirantura prepares for research
and professorial activities. Students must learn teaching methods, ICTs, and pass qualifying (Kandidat
Nauk) exams. They carry out independent research, prepare and defend a dissertation in public. They are
then awarded the scientific degree of Kandidat Nauk. The Doctor Nauk programme is specific and its
duration is not fixed. It follows the Kandidat Nauk and is awarded after preparation and public defence of
a dissertation.
History of education in Russia
Russias higher education system started with the foundation of the universities in Moscow and St.
Petersburg in the middle of the 18th century. The system was constructed similar to that of Germany. In
Soviet times all of the population in Russia had at least a secondary education. The pursuit of higher
education was and still is considered to be very prestigious. More than 50% of people have a higher
education.
Due in great part to demands of the international educational organizations, the system of education in
Russia began to change over the past four to five years. Universities began transitioning to a system
similar to that of Britain and the USA: 4 years for the Bachelors degree and 2 years for a Masters
degree. The universities are still in the process of these changes; some of them offer the new system and
others still work according to the prior 5-year system, particularly in programs such as law.
Entry requirements for Russias universities
Russias top universities have very competitive entry requirements, and special entry exams are held each
year. Students with Russian citizenship, regardless of residency outside of Russia, must apply for studies
according to the standard competitive system and directly with a faculty admissions office. If you have
dual citizenship, you can apply as a foreign student using the non-Russian passport. Applicants for
advanced degrees (M.A./M.Sc., Ph.D., D.Sc.) should have their prior degree in the same or a very similar
field. This is a more strict requirement than in some other countries, especially the US.
One of the great attractions of education in Russia is the cost, especially when compared to the quality.
Degree study tuition can range from $2000 to $8000 per year, with other costs (room & board, books,
etc.) ranging from $1500 to $5000 per year, depending on location and spending habits.
Many Russian universities also offer distance education and provide courses for the public and for
specific professional needs. However, such systems are usually less developed than in the US and other
Western European countries.
The academic year lasts from Sept 1 to Mid June everywhere, with long summer vacations from July 1st
to Aug 31.
Unified State Exam (Russian: , , Yediniy gosudarstvenniy
ekzamen, EGE) is an exam in the Russian Federation. It is in fact a series of exams every student must
pass after graduation from school to enter a university or a professional college. Since 2009, USE is the
only form of graduation examinations in schools and the main form of preliminary examinations in
universities. A student can take USE in Russian language, mathematics, foreign languages
(English, German, French,Spanish), physics, chemistry, biology, geography, literature, history, basics
of social sciences and computing science.[1][2][3] USE in Russian language and mathematics are
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obligatory; that means that every student needs to get the necessary results in these subjects to enter any
Russian university or get a high school diploma.
Training of teachers in Russia
A very important part of Russias education system is the training of teachers. There are three levels:
primary/basic, secondary and higher level teachers.

Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers

Non-university level educational institutions (technikums, colleges) train teachers for pre-primary and
primary schools. The duration of the course is two to four-and-a-half years. Some teacher training
institutions of university level train teachers for primary schools. The course lasts for five years.
Graduates of these two types of educational institutions may exercise the profession.
Training of secondary school teachers
Teacher training is carried out in teacher training university-level institutions. The programme lasts for at
least five years. Graduates may enter the profession.
Training of higher education teachers
University teachers must have followed post-graduate training. A scientific degree (Kandidat Nauk at
least) is compulsory. Lecturers are appointed on a contract basis by the departments, tenured professors
are appointed by the university.

Bibliography:
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http://www.expatica.com/es/education/schools/Education-in-Spain_103110.html
http://www.expatica.com/ru/education/Education-in-Russia_104072.html
http://www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/society/customs/education-in-spain
http://www.studyrussian.com/russian-course/study-university-moscow/russian-education-system.html
http://www.euroeducation.net/prof/russco.htm
http://en.russia.edu.ru/edu/description/sysobr/910/