Comillas Postgraduate is the multidisciplinary institute of the Pontifical University of Comillas in Madrid, specializing in the planning, organization and development of continuing education for postgraduate students, professionals, companies and institutions
– What has Comillas University contributed to society?
There are two types of contributions: those made throughout history and those made today. I believe that ICADE is important historically, since, ultimately, this Institute where we are now was originally ICADE, the Catholic Institute of Business Administration and Management, which was very important at the time in terms of training middle managers in Spain. It's important to remember that this began in the 50s, and its current contribution is to facilitate a bridge between the university and the business world.
The characteristics of our institution focus on the concern for the humanistic and integral formation of man, not only in technical matters but also in social ones.
– As President of the Spanish Association of Representatives of Business Schools, what is your opinion of the training programs in Spain?
The truth is that we are experiencing a period of considerable uncertainty regarding business schools as such, not the general system encompassing university education. From there, the educational model is elevated. Since the late 1970s, the Association has been concerned with self-regulating the sector. Perhaps this new legislation is intended to regulate the sector, but what we are not entirely clear about is whether it actually regulates the sector, or simply introduces new qualifications within a training plan that implies shorter programs in terms of duration—we are talking about four-year degrees.
This new concept of a master's degree has emerged as a bridge between undergraduate and doctoral studies, since a master's degree is a prerequisite for doctoral studies. However, the decree also appears to be attempting to establish the master's degree as a bridge to the business world, thus giving it a practical focus. This effectively formalizes what are currently specializations within degree programs by granting them master's-level status.
There also seems to be an idea that students who are at a university will continue there to pursue a master's degree, and this does not always happen.
It also raises some doubts that some groups are already saying that their graduates will not be able to practice their profession without completing a master's degree.
It is also a very complex economic problem, since a student from a private university will be able to pursue a master's degree at a public university, although the tuition fees are unknown. It's possible they will be able to enroll in master's programs at subsidized prices, funded by Spanish taxpayers.
At the Association, we are very concerned about all of this and are collaborating with the Administration to ensure that it is properly regulated.
Another issue to consider is that some schools belong to universities and others do not, which means the problems are different. In addition, there are different regulations in each of the Autonomous Communities.
– And, what is Spain's situation in terms of training compared to other countries?
I think postgraduate education in Spain is very good. Master's programs began in the 50s, and since then the level achieved has been very high.
All our schools have collaboration agreements or student exchange programs. These agreements are with both European and Latin American schools; the latter market has developed significantly and offers high-quality education.
– What new features does Comillas Postgraduate offer for the next academic year?
Interesting work is being done, incorporating new programs. This year we have a Technology Management program, a Master's in Communication Business Management, a Master's in Bioethics, and an International Master's.
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