The UIB will incorporate Marine Sciences and a double degree in Mathematics and Physics next academic year

The Minister of Education and Universities, Antoni Vera, and the rector of the University of the Balearic Islands, Jaume Carot, presented this Monday two new degrees that will be incorporated into the academic offering next academic year: the degree in Marine Sciences and the double degree in Mathematics and Physics.

With this expansion, as they highlighted, the commitment of the Balearic university system to scientific innovation, sustainability, and the training of highly qualified professionals is reinforced. In total, the UIB will offer 46 undergraduate degrees next academic year, of which 39 will be degrees —five offered in affiliated centers— and seven double degrees. Likewise, the number of new student places will increase to 3,558 for the 2026-2027 academic year, compared to 3,523 in the previous academic year.

Marine Sciences: training to face the challenges of the marine environment

The new degree in Marine Sciences will have 35 places for the first year and is designed to train professionals capable of studying, characterizing, modeling, and managing the marine and coastal environment in all its dimensions. The degree integrates knowledge from biology, geology, chemistry, physics, and technology to understand oceanic processes and address challenges such as sustainability, climate change, or ecosystem conservation.

With a strong practical focus, the studies will combine fieldwork, laboratory practices, use of oceanographic instrumentation, and numerical modeling techniques. Students will be able to specialize in Oceanography and Marine Exploration or in Marine Environment Resources and Management, with professional opportunities in areas such as research, environmental management, underwater robotics, or technical advice. The degree will have a duration of four academic years and will require the completion of 240 credits.

The total cost of this degree amounts to 5.5 million euros until the year 2030, when the first cohort of graduates is expected. From then on, the annual cost will be 1.5 million euros, fully covered by the Ministry.

Double degree in Mathematics and Physics: highly specialized profile

Regarding the double degree in Mathematics and Physics, this is the second major novelty presented. This degree will offer solid training in abstract thinking and mathematical rigor, while also providing a deep understanding of the physical phenomena that underpin current science and technology. Initially, ten first-year places will be offered.

Students will acquire competencies to apply mathematical and numerical methods in solving complex problems, interpreting experimental data, and contrasting theoretical results with scientific evidence. This profile will enable the development of professional careers in teaching, research, consulting, or quantitative analysis in sectors such as energy, health, finance, or the environment. The double degree will have a duration of five courses and will require the completion of 354 credits.

The total cost of this degree until 2031, the year of completion of the first cohort, will be 475,976 euros, while the subsequent annual cost will be 204,058 euros. As in the case of Marine Sciences, the Ministry will fully assume the financing. With these two new proposals, the Ministry and the UIB continue to advance in the diversification of academic offerings and reinforce their commitment to quality, specialization, and the generation of opportunities for students and the archipelago as a whole.

Looking ahead to the coming academic years, the joint roadmap foresees continuing to expand the offering with new strategic degrees. For the 2027-2028 academic year, it is planned to incorporate degrees in Architecture and Mechanical Engineering, with a mention in Nautical Engineering, aimed at fostering industrial innovation and economic diversification.

Furthermore, work is also underway on the development of a STEM degree for the training of teachers in science, technology, and mathematics, as well as a double degree in Catalan Language and English Language, with the aim of responding to the demand for specialized professionals in the linguistic, educational, and cultural fields. The presentation was also attended by the Director General of Universities, Research and Artistic Education, Sebastià Massanet, and the Vice-Rector for Degree Planning and Academic Policy, Montserrat Rodríguez.