The University of Madrid (Spanish: Universidad de Madrid, UAM) is a public research university located in Madrid, Spain. Founded in 1836 as the Royal Academy of San Fernando, it became a royal college in 1837 and a university two years later. The institution was renamed after King Alfonso XIII granted it the title of “university” in 1920. It currently has over 70,000 students spread across its campuses at Somosaguas and Moncloa.
The University of Madrid is one of the oldest universities in Spain and one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the country. It is also one of the largest universities in Europe, with over 70,000 students enrolled across its campuses at Somosaguas and Moncloa. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as a number of specialized research centers and institutes. Notable alumni include some of Spain’s most prominent political figures, such as Prime Ministers Pedro Sánchez and José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, as well as Nobel Laureates Severo Ochoa and Santiago Ramón y Cajal.
The University of Madrid was founded in 1836 as the Royal Academy of San Fernando by King Ferdinand VII. The academy was created with the purpose of training new generations of Spanish administrators following the independence from Napoleon’s occupation. In 1837, it became a royal college under Queen Isabel II (1830-1904), before being renamed to “University College” (“Colegio Universitario”) during her reign two years later. In 1920, after centuries operating from different locations around Madrid – including several palaces – King Alfonso XIII (1886-1941) granted it the status of university by royal decree; since then it has been known simply as “the University”.
During the Franco regime (1939-1975), many professors were forced into exile due to their political leanings or because they belonged to groups that opposed Franco’s dictatorship; this led to an exodusof someof Europe’s finest scholars to other countries such as United States or United Kingdom . As a result,,the teaching staff suffered greatlyin terms quality., However,, this academic brain drain had positive consequences for other Spanish universities who benefited from an influx talent., Among those who emigrated were future Nobel Prize winners like Severo Ochoa or Santiago Ramón y Cajal . Additionally,, many famous Spaniards chose to study at foreign rather than local universities during this period due political reasons.. For example,, future Prime Ministers José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and Pedro Sánchez both pursued their studies outside Spain during Francoism., Nowadays,,the University enjoys good reputation both domestically abroad., Its graduates occupy top positions business government all over world., Moreover,,,, research conducted at ranks highly international rankings like Shanghai Ranking .