The Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC) in Madrid was created by Law 7/1996, on 8th July, at the behest of the Government of the Comunidad de Madrid with the objective of offering all-round preparation for its students, combining theoretical teaching with training in laboratories and companies, thus facilitating rapid access to the labour market. The URJC is located in the Southern area of Madrid, with four campuses at Móstoles, Alcorcón, Fuenlabrada and Vicálvaro, and its own Foundation in the centre of Madrid. Engineering, Experimental and Environmental Sciences, Health Sciences, Communication Sciences and Tourism, and Legal and Social Sciences constitute its main fields of knowledge.
From its early beginnings with 300 students, 30 staff members and 4 undergraduate degrees, the URJC has grown now almost to 22.000 students, 2000 staff members, 25 undergraduate degrees, 17 double degrees, 6 on-line degrees, 54 Masters degrees and PhD programs. The teacher/student ratio is 1/14, guaranteeing excellent teaching, a key to the success of the URJC. The most modern public university in Madrid has undoubtedly become a brilliant reality confirming its motto: non nova, sed nove (not new, but in a new way). Borrowing from the university tradition preceding it, the URJC is perfectly equipped to face the educational, scientific and cultural challenges of higher education in the 21st century. Its excellent staff, installations and programs, place indeed the URJC among the top Spanish universities.
The URJC is also in close contact and collaborates with the international scientific community and participates in exchange programmes for both teachers and students. Research and technological innovation are one of its most important mainstays, as well as its commitment to and connection with business sectors in a free-flowing university-business relationship (the university runs one of the largest placement programs in the country). The Sport Law Centre of the URJC is the leading research and education entity in this area in Spain. It is the CIES direct partner. CIES signed a partnership agreement with the URJC in 2010.