UNIVERSITY OF VALLADOLID

The Universidad de Valladolid (UVA, www.uva.es) is one of the most important centers of Higher Education in Spain. On average, nearly 24,000 students enroll each year, counts on more than 2,600 teachers and nearly 1,000 people dealing with administration tasks and other services. The studies are taught in four university campuses: Valladolid, Palencia, Segovia and Soria. The institution offers a wide selection of studies for undergradates, masters or doctoral degree in all areas of study. In the 24 centers and technical schools are provided training and research in experimental sciences, technologies, health sciences, social sciences and humanities.

The Faculty of Education and Social Work one of this centers. This Faculty is mainly focused on initial teacher training and provides four bachelor’s degrees in social sciences and education, four master’s degrees in education and research and one doctorate program in educational research. At the Department of Pedagogy we are developing several researches and interventions in lifelong learning and career guidance. The Observatory of Validation of Professional Competences (Observal) develops a line of research focused on adult learning and the recognition of personal and professional competences. This initiative is open to participation and collaboration between people and institutions interested in the field of lifelong learning. Observal is framed within the European guidelines related to validation of non-formal and informal learning.