The Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), is similar to other Spanish public universities. It awards the same qualifications, which are equally valid and it is run under the same general legislation. However, the special features of UNED make it different from most other Spanish universities. This is due to the fact that it is nation-wide in scope, uses different methodology, and has a wide social influence.

The University Reform Law in Spain ensures the UNED the same degree of autonomy as the rest of Spanish universities. The law states that the UNED is to provide distance education throughout the country.

It is the UNED's teaching methodology that actually makes it special within the spectrum of Spanish higher education. The keystones of this methodology are printed and audio-visual teaching material, tutorial teaching, and an ever-increasing use of new information and communications technologies.

Recently, UNED commemorated the 25th anniversary of its foundation. The University is fully consolidated and recognised by both Spanish and international educational fields. The Statutes of UNED describe its various functions as follows:

1. To provide preferential access to university and further education for all those who, while capable of pursuing higher studies, are unable to attend on-campus classes for working, financial, residential or any other similar reasons.
2. To set up and develop programmes for further education and for cultural and professional improvement.
3. To use the most appropriate techniques and experience for distance teaching and to try out new educational models, with the purpose of serving both students and any Universities or Institutions with which it holds co-operation agreements.
4. To create a wide and varied university community based on scientific and cultural knowledge, that will serve to unite and to encourage progress and solidarity in the towns and regions of Spain.
5. To carry out scientific research in all fields and at all levels.
6. To promote continuing education and to update and promote university teaching, research, administrative and service staff

D

Students will attend their tutorials at the centre. They may also purchase the necessary teaching units and sundries that are required to participate in the courses. Students sit their examinations at the appropriate centre.

The following list of services outlines the part that the study centres play in the activities of the UNED:

• tutorials, These are held in the afternoon once or twice a week for each course and always at a time which is compatible with students' working hours
• a media archive and a library
• purchase and reception of enrolment forms
• face-to-face sessions with professors from the various Departments at headquarters in Madrid
• receiving, marking and returning distance assessment tests
• various cultural activities organized by the centre
• contact with other students
• practical lessons
• Examinations
• sale of UNED teaching materials
• information on all aspects of university activity
• participation in the study centre governing bodies.
• participation in the election of student representatives, students may channel their activities throughout the whole University, including the faculty staff.

The university has offices abroad in nine countries including London, New York, Tokyo and Bonn. These offices are study centres and the place of registration and enrolment of students. Examinations are also conducted at these centres. The activities of the UNED abroad are manifold. It has a particularly strong presence in South America where its qualifications are highly regarded.

UNED staff have at their disposal a number of technologies including written material, audio-visual computer support and new technological methods. A multimedia system means that teachers have to be well informed of their limitations and benefits. There is thus a very comprehensive system of support services for the use of technologies. The following are expert in the various media:

• University Institute of Distance Education (IEUD)
• Centre for Design and Production of Printed Matter (CEMMIM)
• Centre for the Design and production of Audiovisual Materials.

It is true to say that printed materials are still the basic tool of the UNED. These may be self-sufficient or not. The choice of method is the sole responsibility of the teaching team.

A wide range of audiovisual tolls are available each with its own particular advantages. In general, radio broadcasts are used to provide regular contact between teachers and students. Also, contents can be continuously updated by radio.

Video conferencing means that one or more technical medium has been made available to teachers, tutors and students and it is now part of UNED's distance education model. Video conferencing enables students and teachers to hold interactive conversations and conferences including images on the contents of course curricula or any other subject of interest, discussion or debate. Teachers and students can communicate with each other despite distance and still enjoy the advantages of face-to-face conduct.

Postgraduate courses are also offered by UNED with 13 Master degree courses. In addition to this there are also Doctorate courses over a range of subjects. In 1995 2,250 students were doing doctorate courses with UNED.

The doctorate programme offered by the UNED is, in particular, most interesting. The UNED provides a most comprehensive range of courses and within each course the student is presented with optional and obligatory courses. There exists a system of credits. A first year doctoral student may not enrol in courses which lead to less than 12 credits or more than 24. After having gained 32 credits then one presents a doctoral thesis in order to finish one's studies. Doctoral studies are regulated very comprehensively in the Royal Decree of the 23 February 1985. Students, however, are required to attend a minimum amount of face-to-face tutorials during the academic year.

Non-degree level courses are also offered by UNED. The majority of students in this section are involved in In-service Teacher Training. The remainder are participating in further education courses.

The UNED also offers Foundation courses for adults over 25 years old.

Examinations are the basic way of controlling students' academic performance. The student will find a general description of the features of examinations and marking and grading policy. The tutor of each course must provide a report on each student regarding results in assessments tests and other details. This report will be considered in conjunction with the examination results of the student in coming to the final mark.