Alfonso X el Sabio Mare Nostrum University has brought its first academic year in Málaga to a close, having consolidated its educational programme, strengthened its links with the business and institutional communities, and held the graduation ceremony for its first postgraduate students. This milestone marks the culmination of the university’s first phase, which began in September 2025.
To round off this first year, UAX Mare Nostrum has held graduation ceremonies for students on the Master’s Degree in Big Data Business Analytics, the Master’s in Emergency and Critical Care for Nursing Professionals, and the Master’s in Sports Physiotherapy. Luis Couceiro, Vice-Chancellor of UAX Mare Nostrum, was joined at the ceremony by Jesús Núñez, President of UAX. “This university is not a point of arrival, but the start of a phase of continuous growth, both in terms of degree programmes and student numbers, always aligned with the needs of the labour market and the social challenges of the present and the future, ” said Núñez.
UAX Mare Nostrum: a model of academic excellence
Since its arrival in Málaga, UAX Mare Nostrum has established itself as a hub for innovation, applied learning and collaboration with businesses and institutions. The campus, located in the El Pato and Minerva area, spans over 27,000 square metres dedicated to practical learning and collaboration.
“This first year demonstrates that it is possible to build a university that is deeply connected to the local area whilst also maintaining a global vision. Seeing our first students graduate today is the best confirmation that we are building an academic community capable of generating knowledge, innovation and opportunities for Andalusia,” said Coucerio.
During the 2025–2026 academic year, the university will be integrated into the local ecosystem, taking part in flagship initiatives for the city and the region such as the Mediterranean Forum, the Iris Games Awards, the Euronova Tech Meetings, and various conferences linked to female talent, STEM careers, health, sport and technology.
This integration has also led to strategic partnerships. UAX Mare Nostrum already has 147 agreements with leading companies, representing over 1,000 internship places in areas such as Health, Sport and Technology. Partner organisations include Accenture, Polo Digital, OWO, Rinova, Quirónsalud, Próxima Farmacias, Bidafarma, Vithas, Caser Residencial, Mutua Universal, Mapfre, DomusVi, MC Mutual, Beiman, Viamed Salud, Unicaja Baloncesto, Málaga CF, GO fit, David Lloyd Clubs, the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation, Altafit, the Spanish Rugby Federation, BeOne, Sport Life Ibérica and Inacua.
One of the key distinguishing features of UAX Mare Nostrum is its commitment to an educational model that is closely linked to the professional world right from the very first years of study. Students have been able to take part in learning experiences in real-world settings, including collaborations with Málaga CF, sporting events such as the Málaga Half Marathon and ‘El Partidazo de los Youtubers’, as well as visits to companies in Málaga’s technology sector and activities with laboratories and professional organisations.
In the sporting sphere, the university has strengthened its role as an educational partner, consolidating agreements with Málaga CF and the Málaga Costa del Sol Women’s Handball Club. These partnerships enable students to gain exposure to real-world professional environments.
Practical learning has also been enhanced through the UAXmakers projects, in which students work in interdisciplinary teams to develop solutions to real-world challenges alongside partner organisations. During this first academic year, organisations such as Grupo Quirón, OWO Game, CEIP Los Guindos and the Mercader Association have taken part, enabling students to apply technology purposefully, develop cross-disciplinary skills and understand how they can make a positive impact on society through their professions.
New degree programmes to meet the profiles demanded by the market
Looking ahead to the 2026–2027 academic year, UAX Mare Nostrum will expand its academic offering with new degree programmes. Among the main new additions are the Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and the dual Bachelor’s degrees in Nutrition and Pharmacy, and Nutrition and Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, as well as new postgraduate programmes in the field of dentistry, such as the Master’s in Surgery, Implantology and Digital Oral Rehabilitation and the Master’s in Advanced Orthodontics, alongside the Master’s in Digital Orthodontics and Applied Artificial Intelligence.
The university will also introduce the Master’s in Culture, Sport, Media and Entertainment Management, developed in collaboration with Live Nation Spain. This partnership will enable the training of the next generation of professionals in a rapidly growing industry, combining UAX’s academic excellence with the practical expertise of one of the leading international players in the live entertainment sector.
With this development, UAX Mare Nostrum reinforces its commitment to Málaga and Andalusia as an active player in fostering talent, knowledge and innovation. Against a backdrop in which the city continues to establish itself as a hub for investment, technology, healthcare, culture and entrepreneurship, the university is making progress towards its aim of preparing professionals with a global outlook, the ability to adapt to change and the capacity to apply technology purposefully.
