HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

In a significant development, the regional government of Andalucía has granted approval for the establishment of the Atlantic-Mediterranean Technological University (Utamed), marking a groundbreaking milestone for the educational landscape in the region. Utamed, poised to be Andalucía's inaugural online university, will call Malaga home and is set to revolutionise higher education options by venturing beyond traditional classroom-based learning.

This trailblazing institution is slated to offer an initial array of courses spanning the faculties of digital business, technology and law, humanities and social sciences, and health sciences. Moreover, its academic portfolio is expected to expand in the coming years. Utamed is primed to provide access to 11 bachelor's degrees, eight master's degrees, and two doctorate programs, effectively catering to diverse educational needs.

Utamed's inception is the result of a collaborative effort, with Medac MasterD Group taking the lead in its promotion, accompanied by the notable participation of Vocento, Spain's premier regional press group and the publisher of local newspaper SUR in English, as well as investment powerhouse KKR, both serving as key partners in this ambitious endeavor.

The university's core focus is aligned with the evolving digital landscape, acknowledging the shifts brought about by the post-pandemic era. Utamed aims to play a pivotal role in job creation and the attraction of talent, underscoring its commitment to applied research and fostering robust student-mentor-investor relationships. These mentors and investors, some of whom have already entered into agreements with Utamed, though their identities remain undisclosed, are distinguished entrepreneurs and founders of prominent enterprises.

Utamed's headquarters will be situated within the premises currently occupied by SUR, located on Avenida Doctor Marañón, adjacent to La Rosaleda. The Junta de Andalucía has expressed a resounding "general interest" in the approval of this university, anticipating a heightened sense of competitiveness among other institutions in the region, ultimately driving a higher standard of education.

Paco Ávila, the president of Utamed and co-founder of Medac alongside Miguel Reinoso, has emphasised the institution's commitment to affordable education, with the option of interest-free installment payments. Additionally, Utamed is dedicated to the allocation of 5% of its budget toward scholarships, surpassing the legal requirement by an impressive 4%, reinforcing its commitment to making quality education accessible to all.

Source

https://www.surinenglish.com/andalucia/andalucias-first-online-university-given-the-green-20230928165157-nt.html