A new chapter for LSE Global Programmes in Madrid

CUNEF Universidad joins LSE Global Programmes network as first Spanish partner

LSE Global Programmes is expanding into Spain through a new partnership with CUNEF Universidad in Madrid. The collaboration brings a new study route to students seeking an internationally recognised qualification while remaining within a locally supported university environment. Students will study for a University of London degree, with academic direction from LSE, delivered and supported locally at CUNEF Universidad, alongside their CUNEF degree.

It also marks an important development for Global Programmes in continental Europe, with CUNEF Universidad becoming the only current Recognised Teaching Centre in Spain.

Founded in 1973 and awarded university status in 2019, CUNEF Universidad is a private, degree-awarding institution with around 4,900 active students and 15,000 alumni. Based across two campuses in central Madrid, it has built a strong profile in business, economics, law, data science and related fields, alongside a growing international network.

This partnership is an important moment for LSE Global Programmes in Spain. With CUNEF Universidad, we are creating an academic pathway that connects Madrid and London, and prepares students to think critically across law, politics and international relations from a truly global perspective.

A different way to study International Relations

The first programme to launch through the partnership will be:

• BSc International Relations

Rather than offering the degree as a standalone local pathway, CUNEF Universidad will support it as a parallel degree programme for students already studying one of the following CUNEF programmes:

• Bachelor in Law
• Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

This means students will work towards a second internationally recognised degree alongside their CUNEF qualification, creating a broader academic profile without stepping away from their existing studies in Madrid.

How the academic model works

The parallel degree programme has been carefully designed so that students can integrate University of London study alongside their local degree in a coordinated way over a five-year period.

The University of London degree comprises 360 credits, including:

• 270 credits of University of London courses taught at CUNEF Universidad
• 60 credits recognised through approved prior learning from relevant CUNEF courses
• 30 credits completed through LSE Summer School in London

Students will complete these credits alongside the additional requirements of their CUNEF degree, including 126 additional ECTS, enabling them to graduate with both qualifications through a single integrated pathway that also incorporates an international study experience.

Looking ahead

CUNEF Universidad intends to begin supporting students on the programme from September 2026.

This partnership creates a new opportunity for students in Madrid to combine local study with the academic direction of LSE and a University of London degree. We look forward to working with CUNEF Universidad and welcoming the first cohort in the year ahead.