The UNED Summer Courses 2026 They arrive with a particularly broad and diverse program, spread across numerous partner centers throughout Spain and open to both university students and anyone interested in form during the summer monthsThe distance learning university thus reinforces its commitment to continuing education, dissemination and culture, with proposals that combine formal teaching, social reflection and activities open to the public.
In this new edition, the UNED summer offer It runs from the end of June to the end of September, with in-person options, online and blended learning, with recognized academic credits and affordable prices. The courses range from mental health and well-being to artificial intelligence, history, heritage, and social sciences, with a strong presence in regions such as El Bierzo, JaĆ©n, AragĆ³n, Navarra, Madrid, and Asturias.
An edition marked by the breadth of the offering and current challenges
The National University of Distance Education has scheduled for 2026 a 37th edition of Summer Courses especially ambitious, with more than 170 activities throughout its network of centersIn this context, some venues stand out due to the specific weight of their programming and their focus on problems that are very present in today's society: mental health, inclusion, digital transformation, sustainability, or cultural heritage.
The Ponferrada and Bierzo region's associated center, for example, will assume a leading role within the overall programThe university will host a dozen seminars on topics such as forest management, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence applied to communication and marketing, astronomy, and industrial heritage. These courses will run from June to September in a hybrid format, with 20 hours of instruction per course, equivalent to one academic credit.
Meanwhile, centers like Calatayud, Tudela, AlcalĆ” la Real, Madrid or Asturias reinforce their own summer programming with current topics and a clear commitment to public service. Overall, the UNED Summer Courses 2026 are conceived as a meeting point between university knowledge and the everyday concerns of citizens, without requiring a specific prior academic background.
This network structure allows a significant part of the activity to be concentrated in specific areas of SpainAt the same time, thanks to the online format, attendance is open to participants from anywhere in the country or abroad. In many cases, it is possible follow the sessions both live and on demandThis makes it easier to combine training with other work or personal obligations.
Furthermore, a large part of the courses are designed to be accessible at different levels These courses cater to everyone from people without university experience to professionals looking to update their knowledge. This combination of academic rigor and methodological flexibility is one of the hallmarks of UNED's summer program.
AlcalĆ” la Real: mental health, autism spectrum disorder and technology addictions in the spotlight
In AlcalƔ la Real (JaƩn), the old Trinity has once again become the emblematic venue of the UNED Summer CoursesThe event, now in its 23rd edition in the municipality, was officially presented at a ceremony attended by municipal and provincial representatives, representatives from the JaƩn branch of the association, and representatives from the collaborating entity, Caja Rural de JaƩn, highlighting the institutional and social significance of this summer gathering.
Three training proposals have been designed for this summer, agreed upon by all. City Council and UNEDThese courses are closely linked to the needs of local associations, social groups, and educational centers. They focus on autism spectrum disorder, personal and professional recovery after a crisis, and screen and social media addiction among minorsāthree areas directly related to mental health and emotional well-being.
The course on autism spectrum disorder This initiative aims to offer an updated perspective on this diagnosis, addressing clinical, educational, and social viewpoints. The proposal for post-crisis reconstruction focuses on the psychological impact of complex life situations, offering tools for personal growth and career reorientation. Finally, training on screens and social media focuses on the problematic use of digital technologies at an early age and the prevention of addictive behaviors.
Registration for these courses is now open until the start of each activity, with reduced prices and bonuses Specific courses are available for unemployed individuals, students with disabilities, and certain professional and community groups within the municipality. All information can be found on the local course website, which provides details about each seminar and the registration process.
Alongside academic content, AlcalĆ” la Real will once again focus on a parallel agenda of cultural activitiesWelcome sessions in the cloister of La Trinidad, guided tours of the historic center and the Las Cruces neighborhood, culinary offerings, and musical performances. A highlight is a visit to the Palacete de La Hilandera, which will include refreshments and a concert entitled āEn clave de Jā (In the Key of J), featuring pianist Jorge Molina and singer-songwriter Jorge Fennec.
The program is completed with the XII Short Story Competition āUNED Summer CoursesāThis year's competition is dedicated to disability. Submissions can be made between June 1st and 28th, and the contest offers prizes of 1.000 and 400 euros, thus reinforcing the creative and social awareness component linked to the summer program.
El Bierzo and Ponferrada: technology, forests and industrial heritage
In the Bierzo region, the UNED has designed a program that emphasizes technological, environmental and cultural challengesWith Ponferrada, Vega de Espinareda, and PeƱa do Seo as key locations. According to the institution, approximately 40% of the province's training activities will be based directly in this area, reflecting its strategic importance within the UNED Summer Courses 2026 program.
The first seminar will be held from June 24 to 26 in Vega de EspinaredaUnder the title āForests at Risk: Keys to Effective Forest Management in the Face of 21st Century Fires,ā this course, which focuses particularly on the Las MĆ©dulas area, will feature the CSIC team that provided scientific advice following the devastating fires of August 2015. It will address the prevention of and response to large forest fires in the context of climate change.
Already in Ponferrada, between July 6 and 8, the course āDigital Marketing and Artificial Intelligence geared towards the growth of your companyThis program is geared towards professionals and entrepreneurs seeking to strengthen the communication strategy of their projects. It focuses on the use of generative artificial intelligence and digital tools to improve social media presence, customer acquisition, and business decision-making.
From July 15th to 17th, also in Ponferrada, a course specifically dedicated to the Cybersecurity challenges in today's digital societyThis course will analyze common threats, best protection practices, and regulatory frameworks for both individual users and organizations. The aim is to provide a clear overview of the risks and the most up-to-date defense strategies.
The Bierzo cycle will close from September 16th to 18th in the mining village of PeƱa do Seowith a course focused on industrial heritage as a potential career path. This training will explore how former mining or industrial sites can be transformed into hubs of economic, cultural, and tourist activity, combining engineering with the restoration of historical heritage.
In addition to these seminars, the provincial program is completed with six other courses in Mansilla de las Mulas, La BaƱeza, Cistierna, Villablino, SahagĆŗn, the La MontaƱa Negra center (La Piela) and BraƱuelasAll of these courses can be attended in person at the indicated locations or online. Registration is managed through the UNED university extension website, where it is possible to filter activities by date and topic under āUNED Summer Coursesā.
Calatayud: anniversary of the center, emotional health and historical heritage
The UNED of Calatayud commemorates in 2026 the 50th anniversary of its Associated CentreAnd it wanted to celebrate the anniversary with one of the most extensive summer programs in its recent history. Framed within the 37th edition of the UNED Summer Courses, the four planned seminars will take place between June 24 and July 10, with each seminar worth 1 ECTS credit.
The calendar opens with āBody and mind in harmony: a journey of emotional well-being to the rhythm of Rockā(June 24-26, in person), a proposal that links emotional health, sexual health education and practical rock'n'roll workshops. Under the direction of Professor M.ĀŖ Carmen PĆ©rez-Llantada Rueda, this course seeks to approach well-being from a dynamic and personal perspective, working on psychological aspects with the support of music.
The following will be offeredLiving longer, living better: keys and challenges of longevity in an aging societyā(June 29 ā July 1, in-person and online), led by Professor MarĆa del Pilar Gomiz Pascual and promoted by the Vice-Rectorate for Students and Inclusion of the UNED. The seminar addresses aging from the perspective of human rights, public policies, the fight against ageism and the search for sustainable care models.
Aragonese heritage will take center stage with āIslamic and Mudejar art: the Mudejars in the regions of Calatayud, Aranda and Darocaā(July 1-3, in person), led by Professor Ana EchevarrĆa Arsuaga. This is a traveling course in which each session is taught in a different monument, linked to the commemoration of the recognition of MudĆ©jar as a World Heritage Site, which allows combining theoretical learning with direct experience of the environment.
The cycle is completed with āRome aeterna, caput mundi: the city of Rome from myth to modernityā(July 8-10, in person and online), directed by Professor Pilar DĆez del Corral Corredoira. The program traces the history of the Italian capital from its legendary origins to 20th-century Rome, including a final presentation by historian and writer JosĆ© Enrique Ruiz-DomĆØnec.
Regarding fees, the Calatayud center maintains a pricing policy with different tiersBefore July 1st, the standard registration fee is ā¬108 (ā¬124 after that date). For alumniUNED members, students, large families (general category), UNED and associated center staff, faculty/tutors, those over 65, and the unemployed, discounted fees range from ā¬63 to ā¬75. For people with disabilities, victims of terrorism or gender violence, and large families (special category), the fees are reduced to ā¬32 or ā¬38 depending on when they register.
Tudela: 18 courses and almost three decades of summer experience
UNED Tudela faces its 27th edition of Summer Courses with a significant expansion of the offering: 18 training courses between June 22 and September 29. Since this project began in 2000, the center has accumulated 44.915 enrollments, relying on face-to-face teaching and, increasingly, on online outreach to reach audiences both within and outside of Navarre.
This programming is integrated into the Summer Courses at the Universities of NavarreThis initiative is funded by the Department of University, Innovation and Digital Transformation of the Government of Navarre. The Public University of Navarre (UPNA), the University of Navarre, UNED Pamplona, āāand UNED Tudela are participating in the overall program, contributing a total of 42 courses by 2026 thanks to a grant of ā¬100.000.
The director of UNED Tudela, Luis FernƔndez, has emphasized two main objectives: to maintain a close connection with current eventsChoosing topics that address citizens' concerns and ensuring maximum openness. Many courses are offered free of charge and have no academic prerequisites, so anyone interested can participate regardless of their level of education or economic situation.
The proposed themes cover the health and well-being, justice and democratic values, technological innovation, security and cybercrime, geopolitics, historical memory, cultural creation and scientific disseminationTo this end, prestigious speakers from different fields are featured, such as the writer Juan Manuel de Prada, the nutritionist Azahara Nieto, the cybercrime expert Silvia Barrera, the psychologist Javier Urra, the chess player Pepe Cuenca, the analyst JosƩ F. PelƔez or the historian Carlos Malamud, among others.
The offer includes, for example, courses on the weight-centric approach and HAES in clinical nutritionNew studies on the Spanish Inquisition, networks, cyberbullying and minors, the relationship between chess and mathematics in the life of the professional player, the artistic direction of art centers, the political situation in Latin America, the illusion of time from physics, debates on current social and scientific challenges, or cybercrime through real cases.
Collaborations with ESIC for training in economics, marketing and businessThe courses focus on liquidity management using the NOF-FM model and on converting marketing indicators (KPIs) into business results. As part of its commitment to linguistic diversity, one of the courses is taught in Basque, with simultaneous translation into Spanish for those participating online.
As a new feature, the riverside center offers the possibility of formalize a single registration for the complete program UNED Tudela Summer Courses, without needing to register for each course individually. Detailed information, as well as access to the registration form, is available through the UNED university extension website.
Asturias, Madrid and the cultural dimension of the Summer Courses
In Asturias, the UNED based in GijĆ³n has also opened registration for its summer programThis year's program includes five events: four in GijĆ³n and one at the Tito Bustillo Cave Art Center in Ribadesella. Although the activities have a local focus, their themes are of general interest, and many can be enjoyed both in person and online, live or on demand.
Among the scheduled courses, the following stand out:Cider in Asturias: from a unique food to Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanityā, scheduled for July 15-17. Under the direction of Professor Antonio FernĆ”ndez FernĆ”ndez and the coordination of Juan Ćngel de Con Redondo, this seminar analyzes cider culture as a defining element of the Asturian landscape and as a symbol of identity with international projection.
The program is completed with āEducating with emotion: keys to well-being and learningā(July 13-15), led by faculty from the UNED Faculty of Education;Psychological first aid in personal crises and major disastersā(July 20-22), taught by specialists in Psychology; and āEducating against bullying and cyberbullyingā(July 22-24), focused on preventative measures and intervention programs against school violence. In addition, the course150 years of prehistoric research in the Sella Valleyā(July 8-10) will once again take students to Tito Bustillo to delve deeper into the study of prehistoric settlement, with the support of regional and local institutions.
The Asturian courses maintain Reduced prices for those who register before July 1st and confirm the usual combination of face-to-face and online formats, designed to facilitate the participation of people residing outside the Principality or with travel difficulties.
In Madrid, the collaboration between UNED Madrid and the CĆrculo de Bellas Artes This will lead to a new edition of Summer Courses in a distinctly cultural setting. For several weeks, the CĆrculo's rooms will be transformed into a space for debate and shared learning, bringing together specialists, artists, researchers, and professionals from diverse fields.
Madrid's programming will address topics such as Artificial intelligence, geopolitics, contemporary philosophy, new cultural imaginaries, theater, Shakespeare, ancient Egypt, or forms of artistic and political representationAll courses can be taken both in person and online, reinforcing the blend of university life and cultural life that characterizes this particular campus.
The stated objective of this collaboration is to promote a critical, accessible and vibrant culture, which serves as a bridge between academic knowledge and current public debates, opening its doors to audiences of diverse ages, backgrounds and origins.
Registration, fees and academic recognition
Within the overall program, UNED maintains a clear line of support for lifelong learningWith registration now open at most campuses and a wide range of discounts available, centers like AlcalĆ” la Real and Calatayud offer discounts for the unemployed, people with disabilities, senior citizens, large families, victims of gender violence or terrorism, as well as for groups affiliated with the university itself.
In many cases, UNED's summer activities offer academic recognition in the form of ECTS credits or equivalent qualifications, allowing university students to incorporate this supplementary training into their academic record. This is the case with the courses in Calatayud, all of which are worth 1 ECTS credit, or the courses offered in El Bierzo, which certify 20 hours of instruction and one academic credit.
The possibility of following a good part of the activities in online format, both live and on-demandThis has become one of the keys to the success of these initiatives. This flexibility not only benefits those who live far from the physical locations, but also those who need to balance work, family responsibilities, and studies.
On the other hand, collaborating entities such as Rural Savings Bank of Jaen In AlcalĆ” la Real, additional benefits are offered, such as free accommodation for students from outside the municipality during the course dates. These measures help reduce barriers to access and boost the local economy of the towns hosting the academic and cultural activities.
Those interested in participating can View the full offer and formalize the registration through the official channels of each associated center and from the UNED university extension portal, where all the proposals for Summer Courses 2026 are grouped by theme and dates.
With this extensive network of initiatives, UNED once again positions summer as an ideal time to learn, debate, and share experiences in diverse settings, from historic cloisters to urban cultural centers, as well as rural, mining, and coastal locations. The combination of university education, cultural activities, social reflection and open access This makes these Summer Courses a well-established benchmark for those seeking to continue learning without giving up the atmosphere of the summer season.
