POSTGRADUATE Welcome guide
All international students need to know many things about their new university. The URV's International Center has prepared this guide to provide you with all the information you need to know before you arrive. You will find all the information you need about the academic calendar, university life, accommodation close to the university and a wide range of other things that we are sure will be of interest. We hope that the guide will help you to feel part of the Rovira i Virgili University.
I N D E X 3 Welcome 4 About the Rovira i Virgili University 6 Why do a postgraduate degree at the URV 8 Research Excellence 9 11 Postgraduate programmes Contact information at the URV This guide introduces our postgraduate and research higher degrees, however more information is available through our website www.urv.cat/international Through Universitat Rovira i Virgili's website, students gain access to online supported subjects, resources and communication forums that great enhance student learning experiences. 13 14 16 17 18 19 21 29 31 38 38 40 42 43 44 45 46 48 49 50 52 Before you get here... Admission process Legal procedures Ask for an appointment Medical care Accommodation When you get here... Practical information How to get here Where you will be taught Catalunya Campus Sescelades Campus Bellisens Campus Vapor Nou Campus Vila-seca Campus Terres de l'ebre Campus Cost of living Opening a banc account URV student card Catalan, an useful language Culture and Leisure
3 W e l c o m e I would like to welcome you to the Rovira i Virgili University (URV), a modern, Mediterranean university that serves southern Catalonia. Having been involved in international cooperation for several years now, we believe that our postgraduate programmes are not resticted merely to the area of education. You will not only acquire academic knowledge but also undergo a life experience that is a real incentive for anyone interested in studying in a foreign country. I would also like to stress that the URV is a modern public higher education institution at the service of the highly dinamic region that is southern Catalonia. It is an institution that contributes to the harmonic development of society by generating knowledge and training professionals and citizens who defend the values of humanism, civic mindedness and respect for the environment and who are inmersed in the process of converging towards the European Higher Education and Research Area. For all these reasons, I hope that you enjoy your stay at the URV and that life experience will allow us to become good travelling companions. FRANCESC XAVIER GRAU VIDAL Rector de la Universidad
4 About the niversitat Rovira i Virgili The URV was created in 1991 by the Parliament of Catalonia on the basis of already existing university centres, thus restoring the University of Tarragona of the 16th century. Since its foundation, its objective has been clear: to place knowledge at the service of society and contribute to the social and economic development of its environment, which has gradually been changing with the passage the time. The social and cultural changes that have taken place created a new framework of relations and have converted Europe into an area of obligatory interaction for our students and their future as workers. In the URV we train professionals in the tenets of European harmonization, which is the key to opening up a job market without borders. We put all this into practice by providing more than 50 qualifications in a wide range of knowledge areas, which are currently being studied by more than 12.000 students. Statistics show that the URV is a leading university in Catalonia and the European Higher Education Area because of the quality of its teaching, its commitment to lifelong learning and its excellence in research, development and innovation, all of which are factors that have led to its being recognized as a Campus of International Excellence in 2010.
5 The URV has twelve faculties and schools of its own and one affiliated centre, which teach more than 50 qualifications at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Everything is made possible thanks to the work carried out by the faculties, technical schools and universities, which organize the qualifications, and the academic, administrative and management processes that guarantee that our students receive training of the highest quality. And, of course, we must not forget the work put in by the more than 20 departments, which draw the different qualifications together into knowledge areas and are in charge of organizing teaching and research. Another corner stone of our university is research. To achieve the highest level of quality possible in this area, the URV is promoting research institutes and innovation centres, which, like hospitals, will play a key role in the transfer of technology.
8 Research excellence Our aim is to guarantee a brilliant future for our university community through research. Therefore, we are constantly developing new methods in our research centres and giving our staff and students the chance to develop and apply their specialities. In 2010, official recognition was given to the Southern Catalonia Campus of Excellence (CEICS). This meant the consolidation of the strategic cluster of the various teaching, research and knowledge transfer structures and the productive sector of the south of Catalonia with the purpose of becoming an international point of reference in the field of Chemistry, Energy, Nutrition and Health, Tourism, Oenology and Heritage and Culture. The CEICS is made up of the Rovira i Virgily University in conjunction with eight leading public research centres, four science and technology parks, four technology centres, four hospitals and four business associations. For further information, see: www.ceics.eu
10 Practical career-oriented courses As public university specialized in training professionals, the URV gives priority to the practical courses that provide postgraduate students with the necessary skills to improve and increase their chances of finding work. Responses to employment needs By combining teaching and research, the URV responds to the social, cultural and employment needs of the local region, particularly in the fields of social, technical and health sciences. Resolution to real problems Our research projects are designed to solve environmental, ethical and economic problems at both national and international level, focusing on issues such as obtaining drinking water in an economically sustainable way or the exploration of the ethics of nanotechnology. Participation in industry Our courses are taught in conjunction with representatives of the related industries, who provide our graduates with the benefit of their professional knowledge. This makes them aware of the current and future needs of industry, and their degrees are recognized internationally.
11 Contact details Name of the institution: Website: Unit responsible for nternational students: Postal address: Rovira i Virgili University www.urv.cat/international International Center Universitat Rovira i Virgili International Center Av. Països Catalans, 17-19 43007 Tarragona Spain
12 Telephone / 0034 / 977 558 235 Fax 0034 / 977 201 864 E-mail contact: Academic year: Holidays: postgraduate@urv.cat 12 September to 28 June (aprox) Christmas: 20 December to 6 January Easter: 21 to 21 April
13 Before you get here...
14 Registration process Communication of acceptance If you are a master's degree candidate, you should consult the state of your pre-registration on the following link: https://wis.si.urv.net/masters/alumne/estat.jsp. You will be infromed of whether you have been accepted on the programme you have applied for. Registration All registrations on a postgraduate programme should preferably be done using our website (www.urv.cat) or, if this is not possible, through the Academic Management Service. Master's degrees: New student: 1st and 2nd phase: 6-24 July and 9-30 September 3rd phase: 27-30 September Second year students can register between 6 and 24 July and 9 and 30 September. Doctoral degrees: If you wish to do a doctoral degree, you should register in the first ten days of each month between September and March.
16 Legal requirements Before you get here: VISA Non-European Union students must have a visa to enter Spain. All international students also need a NIE (an identity number for foreigners) and insurance. For information about how to obtain a NIE, get in touch with the URV's International Center TYPES OF VISA: A tourist visa only allows you to stay in the country for a specific period of time. Therefore, if you wish to stay longer, you have to go back to your own country and apply for another visa. A short-term visa is valid for six months and cannot be extended. It is given for periods of study shorter than six months. A student visa can be renewed to cover the length of the university degree programme. When you arrive: VISA EXTENSION and NIE If you are an international student, as soon as you arrive you should make an appointment with the International Center by sending an e-mail to hosting@urv.cat. You will be provided with all the general infomation welcoming you to Tarragona and the specific information about legal requirements of your academic stay: - EU students will be advised to register on the Register for Foreigners - Non-EU students will be told how to apply for the NIE (identity number for foreigners). Please remember that there is a deadline after which you cannot make your application. More information: http://www.urv.cat/international/vivir-urv/en_visados-tramites-extranjeria.html
17 ake an appointment It is important that you inform us of the date of your arrival as soon as you know when it will be. Send us an e-mail at hosting@urv.cat. The International Center will give you an appointment so that we can welcome you to the university. We will also give you practical information about the university, we will help you with any legal requirement that you may require, we will try to help you with any other issues that are important for you and we will answer any doubts you might have.
18 Medical Care All students registered on a postgraduate course at the URV are covered by an insurance policy for civil liability. Nevertheless, if you are a foreigner, you will be required to have personal health insurance to cover your stay at the URV. European Union citizens If you are a citizen of the European Union you will have your health insurance covered by the Servei Català de la Salut (Catalan Health Service). Before you leave your country you should obtain the Europaen Health Insurance Card (which is valid for a year). It will cover your health expenses in Spain and all other European Union countries. Non-European citizens If you are a citizen of a non-european Union country, you must be in possession of a health insurance policy that covers Spain to be allowed to enter the country. You can purchase your insurance in your home country, although this can be done for you by the URV's International Center if you wish. If you are registered with a local council in the province of Tarragona and also at the URV, you have the right to request the card of the Catalan Health Service and receive the corresponding health care. For further information, please contact the URV's International Center at hosting@urv.cat
19 Accommodation The URV can help you find accommodation for the lenght of your stay. Before you arrive, we advise you to make a booking in a local hotel, hostel or residence for the first few days in Tarragona, Reus, Vilaseca or Tortosa. Below, please find some of the accommodation options: Accommodation Office If you are interested in finding an apartment or a flat to share near the university, we recommend that you get in touch with the URV's Accommodation Office. They will help you find the accommodations that is most suited to you needs. Centro de Atención a los Estudiantes (CAE) - Bolsa de vivienda Av. Països Catalans, 5-7 43007 Tarragona 977 558 836 / 977 558 581 e-mail: bhabitatge@urv.cat You can also search for accommodation on line using the database of flats and apartments that the Accommodation Office makes available at the following address: www.urv.cat/serveis_universitaris/borsa_habitatge/es_busca.html (the password you need is: BHURV).
20 URV apartments The URV has a complex of apartments designed especially for the university community. The complex consists of 36 single apartments and 22 double apartments, all full furnished and with a kitchen. They can be rented for periods as short as one week and as long as one year. Information: www.resa.es/esl/residencias/apartamentos_universitarios_urv Reservations: apartamentsuniversitaris@urv.cat For further information about accommodation, please visit our website http://www.urv.cat/ international/vivir-urv/en_alojamiento.html or get in touch directly with the URV's International Center at the following e-mail address: hosting@urv.cat
21 When you get here...
22 Languages The two official languages of Catalonia are Catalan and Spanish. Catalan belongs to the same family of languages as Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese. In Catalonia, Catalan is widely used in all areas of public life, in the media, in trade and business. Practically everybody in Catalonia speaks both Catalan and Spanish. The language model of the Catalan universities is based on respect for the two official languages of Catalonia. Both lecturers and students have the right to express themselves in the official language they prefer. Classes are given in either Catalan or Spanish, depending on the lecturer. There are some master programmes partially or totally taught in English. Contact your academic coordinator to know more details about the language. Climate Practical information The climate of the Golden Coast is typically Mediterranean: mild and gentle. The winters are cold, but not extremely so - the average temperature is 10ºC - and the summers are warm. It is hottest in July and August when the temperatures exceed 32ºC. The good weather starts in March, coinciding with the arrival of the spring. The rain tends to fall in autumn and winter. In the middle of August there are often summer storms, which also occur - albeit moderately - through September and October. Clothes In winter you will need an anorak, scarf and gloves but little else because the temperatures are mild. In summer it is quite hot,. so you should wear light clothes (but always mindful of the formality of the occasion). If you need intend to be here between March and April or between September and October, do not forget to wear a T-shirt underneath your s.
23 Official time 12 9 3 6:00 a.m. United States 8:00 a.m. Rio de Janeiro 11:00 a.m. Great Britain 12:00 a.m. Tarragona 1:00 p.m. The Cairo 3:00 p.m. Abu Dhavi 4:30 p.m. New Delhi 7:00 p.m. Pekin 6 Time changes in Spain: - Last Sunday in March: 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. - Last Sunday in October: 3 a.m. to 2 a.m.
24 Money The official currency is the euro. the coins have values of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros. The notes have values of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. You can change currency at banks and savings banks, which normally open from Monday to Friday in the morning and on Thursday afternoons (from September to May). Telecommunications. To call Spain from abroad you will have to dial: International prefix Spain code Province of Tarragona Number 00 34 977 (6 more numbers) If you need to use a mobile phone or contract an internet connection in Spain, the most competitives companies are: Movistar, Orange, Simyo, Vodafone and Yoigo. You can acquire a Spanish telephone number and top up your phone in numerous establishments. The URV has agreements with these shops so that they can give members of the university a special deal. For further information, send an e-mail to hosting@urv.cat.
25 How to get here The province of Tarragona is located in the north-east of Spain in the Autonomous Community of Catalonia. Well communicated with Europe and the rest of the peninsula, it has two convenient airports: one in Reus, 7 km away, and the other in Barcelona, 82 km away. Likewise, it has rail links with the most important cities of Spain and the capitals of Europe. The city also has one of the leading industrial ports in the Mediterranean and Port Tarraco, a port designed to accommodate luxury cruisers. Tarragona is also crossroads of two of the main motorways in Spain: the Mediterranean motorway that links Alicante with France and the rest of Europe; and the North motorway, which begins in Tarragona and ends in the Basque Country.
27 Flights from Barcelona Airport El Prat Airport in Barcelona is about 110 kilometres from the city of Reus and 82 from Tarragona. It has numerous daily flights and national, international and transoceanic connections. You can get there on the AP-7 and A-16 motorways, by train (changing at Barcelona Sants) and by bus (service run by the Plana company (977 21 44 75). Airport infromation office: 0034 / 932 983 838 or 0034 / 902 404 704. Barcelona airport Train from Barcelona The best way of travelling from Barcelona to Reus or Tarragona is to take a train from the airport to Barcelona Sants and then change for Reus or Tarragona. Tickets can be bought in the airport itself. You will be given a discount for buying a return ticket. For further infromation and reservations, please consult: www.renfe.es or ring 0034 / 902 320 320. There is also a coach service that links Barcelona Airport to the cities of Reus and Tarragona. For further details, see: www.itenewebs.com/autocaresplana.
28 Bus from Reus Airport The Hispano Igualadina company runs a service between Reus, the airport and Tarragona. For information about timetables and prices, see the Hispano Igualadina website: www.igualadina.com. Tarragona and Reus both have modern bus stations that run services to the towns and villages in the region. They also provide national and internationa sevices. One of the international companyies is Eurolines (for information and reservations, ring 93 367 44 00 / 902 40 50 40). Of the national companyies, Alsa (902 44 22 42) runs services between Tarragonas and the main cities in Euskadi, Andalusia and Madrid; and Hife (902 11 98 14) connects Tarragona with Zaragoza and Valecia. Passengers can change in these cities for Madrid, Extremadura, San Sebastián, Burgos and Santander. Both Tarragona and Reus have a municipal bus service for getting around the respective cities. The bus company in Tarragona is called EMT and you can consult the timetables on its website: www.emtanemambtu.cat. The bus company in reus is called Reus Transport and its website is: www.reustransport.cat. Passengers get on to buses through a door at the front righthand side and notify the driver that they wish to alight by pressing a bell that can be found at several points inside. The driver will stop at the first stop after hearing the bell. Passengers get off the bus through the back doors. Bus from Barcelona Airport The company Alsa runs a bus service from Barcelona Airport to tarragona and Reus several times a day. The bus leaves from the airport itself (old airport terminal) and takes approximately 75 minutes to get to Tarragona and 910 minutes to get to Reus. For information about timetables and fares, see the company's website: www.alsa.es.
29 How to get from place to place From Tarragona to Coma-ruga To get to Coma-ruga, follow the instructions given above to get to Tarragona and then take a bus at the bus station. Comaruga does not have a railway station. For the times of the buses from Tarragona, we recommend that you ask directly at the bus station. From Tarragona to Tortosa To get to Tortosa, follow the instructions given to get to Tarragona and then take a train or bus. You can also catch a train direct from barcelona Sants to Tortosa. We recommend a Regional Express, Catalunya Express or Delta. For the times of trains From Barcelona or Tarragona, please see: www.renfe.es. From Tarragona to Vila-seca To get to Vila-seca, follow the instructions given above to get to Tarragona and then take a train or bus. For the times of trains from Tarragona, please see: www.renfe.es. And for the times of buses we recommend that you ask directly at the bus station.
30 Coma-ruga Reus Vila-seca Tarragona Tortosa Distribution of the centers of the URV Coma-ruga, Escola Sancta Maria Maris Reus, Campus Bellissens and Campus Vapor Nou Tarragona, Campus Centre and Campus Sescelades Tortosa, Campus Terres de L'Ebre Vila-seca, Campus Vila-seca
Where you will be taught Tarragona - CAMPUS CATALUNYA Avinguda de Catalunya, 35 Master programmes Research in Nursing Science Advanced Studies of Public Administration and Public Law Business and Contractual Law Criminal Justice System Environmental Law Euro-Mediterranean Relations Practice of Law Social Sciences of Development: Culture and Development in Strategic Communication at the Risk Society Urban Anthropology, Migrations and Social Intervention Women, Gender and Citizenship Studies Youth and Society 31 Medical Anthropology and International Health Classical Archaeology Quaternary Archaeology and Human Evolution (Erasmus Mundus) Foreign Language Teaching (Spanish / English as a foreign language) Advanced Studies in Catalan Language, Literature and Culture Medieval european identity Music as an Interdisciplinary Art Artistic Heritage and Cultural Cooperation
Tarragona - CAMPUS CATALUNYA - Avinguda de Catalunya, 35 Doctoral programmes Anthropology Archaelology Historical Societies, Territory and Heritage Language, literature and culture Quaternary and Prehistory Translation and intercultural studies Nursing Sciences Climate Change Communication Criminal Justice System Law Migrations and Social Mediation Social Action: Youth and Gender 32
Tarragona - CAMPUS SESCELADES - Avenida Països Catalans, 26 Master programmes Teacher training: secondary and upper secondary education, vocational training and language teaching Educational technology: e-learning and knowledge management Occupational risk prevention Nutrition and metabolism Health psychology Oenology Nanoscience and nanotechnology Theoretical and computational chemistry Synthesis and catalysis Applied chromatographic techniques Cognitive Science and Language 330 Computer engineering and mathematics Environmental engineering and sustainable production Electronic engineering Industrial engineering Chemical engineering Artificial intelligence Research into fluid thermodynamics engineering Computer security and intelligent systems Security of the information and communication technologies Nanoscience, materials and engineering
34 Tarragona - CAMPUS SESCELADES - Avenida Països Catalans, 26 Doctoral programmes Nutrition and Metabolism Mental Health: Genetics and Environment Psychology of Education Educational Technology: e-learning and knowledge management Electronic Engineering, Automation and Communications Computer Engineering Chemical, Environmental and Process Engineering Research in Fluid Thermodynamic Engineering Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Air-conditioning Technologies and Energy Efficiency in Buildings Science and Chemical Technology Oenology and Biotechnology Cognitive Science and Language
Reus - CAMPUS BELLISSENS - Avenida de la Universitat, 1 Master programmes Business Management Economics Business Administration Doctoral programmes Economics and Business Architecture, urbanism and building 35
36 Reus - CAMPUS VAPOR NOU - Calle Sant Llorenç, 21 Master programmes Aging and health Genetics, Nutritional and Environmental Factors for Growth and Development Mental Health: Research in Psychiatry, Neurotoxicology and Psychopharmacology Neurosciences Doctoral programmes Biomedicine Assessment and Measurement of Behaviour Neurosciences
37 Tortosa - CAMPUS TERRES DE L'EBRE - C/ Teodor González, 43 Master programmes Aging and Health
Vila-seca - CAMPUS VILA-SECA - Carrer Joanot Martorell, 15 Master programmes Analytical Techniques and Innovation in Tourism Territorial Planning: Information, Tools and Methods Climate change Doctoral programmes Tourism and Leisure 38
39 Cost of living Your monthly expenditure will depend largely on your habits and needs. Normally a citizen needs about 600 euros per month, to which should be added any extra costs related to your studies (books, for example). Below is a list of approximate prices for some typical consumer goods: Rent of a room 200-350 euros Beer 1 euro (in the shops) 3 euros (in a pub) Cost of living for one month 300-400 euros Loaf of bread 0,40-0,70 euro monthly transport (under 25 year olds) 30 euros 17,50 euros Bottle of watter 0,50 euros (in the shop) 3 euros (in a pub) One bus ticket 1,30 euros Photocopy in URV faculties 0,07 euros Cinema ticket (with a URV card) 8,50 euros Newspaper 1,50 euros Meal in the canteens from 4,50 euros Cup of coffee 1,20 euros
40
41 pening a bank account To open a bank account in Spain you have to show your NIE. (the international Center can help you to apply for the NIE - see page 16). Even so, if you do not have a NIE you can still open an account. In this case you will probably be required to present the following documents: - A passport or an identity card - Certifficate of registration with a local council in Spain - Registration on the programme of studies you are doing at the URV You can also open a bank account in the city's Post Office or when you request your URV student card in the office of the secretary of your faculty or school.
42 URV student card The URV student card has a chip so that it serves as an identity card for the whole of the university community. What is it for? It is a single card that can be used to access: the photocopying service; the library; e-mail; offices, laboratories, car parks and computer equipment. The card can also be used for purposes of identification in meetings and exams, and for digital signatures. Should you be interested, it can also include the financial services provided by Catalunya Caixa. The URV has set up the Portal of Institutional and Commercial Advantages in an attempt to provide the members of the university community with a wide range of advantages. To access the portal, please go to the following link: www.g2colectius.net/urv and register as a user by entering the data requested (the user name is always the URV e-mail address). How can I apply for it? If you are an international postgraduate student, you should apply for the URV card by presenting a photograph (passport photo on a white background) together with a copy of your university registration at the office of the secretary of the faculty or school where you registered.
43 atalan, a useful language Catalan is the language of Catalonia, and both Catalan and Spanish are the official languages (Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia). The language of the URV is Catalan (URV statute) and, therefore, it is the institutional and administrative language. As far as teaching is concerned, Spanish, Catalan and English are used. Lecturers can choose in which language to give their classes and their choice must be respected. Whatever lecturers decide to do, however, students can do their exercises, exams and other work in either of the two official languages (Catalan or Spanish). Intercat You can learn Catalan before you come at: www.intercat.cat On this website, youwill find Speakc@t (an on-line survival Catalan course),lingcat (sociolinguistic information about Catalan) and many more resources so that you can begin to learn the language. The URV Gràcies programme A survival Catalan course for new students. A total of 22,5 hours (10 hours in the classroom + 10 hours of convesation + 2,5 hours discovering the culture). It is totally free and if you pass the course you will be given a certifficate. It is taught at faculties in Tarragona Reus and Tortosa. Please find below a short dictionary with vocabulary that you will find useful when you get here:
44 Català English Hola - Hello Gràcies - Thank you Adéu - Goodbye Si us plau - Please Perdó - Sorry Benvingut - Welcome Bon dia - Good morning Bona nit - Good evening/night Diari - Newspaper On - Where Carrer - Street Avinguda - Avenue Pis - Flat Residència - Residence Facultat - Faculty Estudiant - Student Entrada - Entrance Sortida - Exit Arribada - Arrival Trobar - Find Menjar - Meal Aigua - Watter Llet - Milk Suc - Juice Cervesa - Beer Platja - Beach Català English
45 Culture and leisure The Mediterranean climate and character, the welcoming atmosphere of the stretts and the hospitality of the people make every town in Catalonia an area for open-air leisure, festivals and cultural events. Catalonia is synonimous with celebration and celebrations belong in the street. Because of the wide range of traditional and local festivals throughout Catalonia, there is something to be found at all times of the year. Local festivals Tarragona Reus Tortosa Vila-seca Coma-ruga "Sant Magí", 15-19 August "Santa Tecla", 14-24 Septiembre Saint Peter, 24-29 June "Santa Misericórdia", 21-25 September Renaissance, 22-25 July "Santa Cinta", 3-11 September Summer festival, 24 July - 3 August Saint Anthony, 15-24 January Summer festival, 11-15 August
46 Cost of living Your monthly expenditure will depend largely on your habits and needs. Normally a citizen needs about 600 euros per month, to which should be added any extra costs related to your studies (books, for example). Below is a list of approximate prices for some typical consumer goods: Rent of a room 200-350 euros Beer 1 euro (in the shops) 3 euros (in a pub) Cost of living for one month 300-400 euros Loaf of bread 0,40-0,70 euro monthly transport (under 25 year olds) 30 euros 17,50 euros Bottle of watter 0,50 euros (in the shop) 3 euros (in a pub) One bus ticket 1,30 euros Photocopy in URV faculties 0,07 euros Cinema ticket (with a URV card) 6,50 euros Newspaper 1,50 euros Meal in the canteens from 4,50 euros Cup of coffee 1,20 euros
This document has been drawn up by the URV's International Center. The information it contains was updated in April 2013. The URV reserves the right to change any information provided in this guide without prior warning. Universitat Rovira i Virgili 2013.