Types of Baccalaureate in Spain: modalities, subjects and exits

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Choosing which path to follow in high school is one of those decisions that, while not definitive, will influence you for a few years and determine your entry point to university or vocational training. In this guide, we explain in detail the different types of high school tracks, their subjects, and career paths so you can make the right choice without overthinking it.

With proper guidance and a thorough understanding of the options, you'll see that everything fits together: the current regulations (LOMLOE) establish several official pathways, and there are also internationally recognized options like the International Baccalaureate . The idea is that you can shape your path according to your interests, skills, and goals without closing any doors prematurely.

What is the Baccalaureate?

The Baccalaureate is a stage of post-compulsory secondary education that generally occupies the first and second years between the ages of 16 and 18. Its purpose is to provide you with the intellectual and personal maturity , along with the knowledge and skills, to successfully undertake higher education or begin a professional career with greater confidence.

Over two years, students take common subjects , specialized subjects (which tailor their profile), and electives . This stage also emphasizes essential skills for the future, from communication to critical thinking and citizenship, preparing them for the transition to higher education or advanced vocational training and explaining the types of educational assessment that influence promotion.

Requirements for access to Baccalaureate

You can enroll in Baccalaureate studies if you hold an ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education) certificate or a Vocational Training Technician or Higher Technician qualification , as well as equivalent qualifications in Fine Arts and Design or Sports for academic purposes. Furthermore, the regulations allow you to remain in the regular program for up to four years (consecutive or not) to complete the stage with flexibility.

Exceptionally, students may be authorized to complete their Baccalaureate studies in three academic years through a distribution of subjects into blocks. This adjustment, provided for in regional regulations, aims to address the personal or organizational needs of some students and schools.

New types of Baccalaureate with the LOMLOE

The LOMLOE (Organic Law for the Modification of the Organic Law on Education) structures the educational offerings in Spain into four official tracks: Arts; Sciences and Technology; General; and Humanities and Social Sciences . These tracks can be organized with different pathways to facilitate specialization, especially in Arts, which is divided into two main tracks: Visual Arts, Image and Design , and Music and Performing Arts.

Alongside the national curriculum, some schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) , a demanding and internationally recognized program that combines grouped subjects, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) , Extended Essay (EE), and the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) program. While not a "LOMLOE" (Spanish Organic Law on Education) program, it serves as a highly valued complementary pathway due to its global reach.

Common subjects in all types of Baccalaureate

Regardless of the chosen track, there is a core set of subjects that will strengthen your academic foundation. In the first year of Bachillerato (pre-university studies) , you will study: Philosophy, Spanish Language and Literature I, Foreign Language I , Physical Education, and, where applicable, the co-official language and literature I in the relevant autonomous communities.

In the second year of Bachillerato (pre-university studies), the common subjects are: History of Spain, History of Philosophy, Spanish Language and Literature II, Foreign Language II and, if applicable, Co-official Language and Literature II. In addition, some communities and schools include or encourage a Bachillerato research project due to its educational value.

Alongside the core curriculum, each student takes three elective subjects : one compulsory subject from their chosen specialization and two others selected from the center's offerings. In many schools, for organizational reasons, the range of electives and subjects may be limited; in these cases, the administrations facilitate taking the subjects at other centers or through distance learning.

Baccalaureate modalities and subjects

Bachelor of Science and Technology

This track is ideal for those who enjoy mathematics , applied science, and technology , and are comfortable analyzing, modeling, and solving complex problems. It's a natural gateway to degrees in Science, Engineering, Architecture, or Health Sciences (among others).

Typical subjects in the 1st year: the compulsory subject is Mathematics I , and two are completed from among Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences; Physics and Chemistry; Technical Drawing I; and Technology and Engineering I. In the 2nd year, Mathematics II or Applied Mathematics to Social Sciences II is studied (depending on the organization of the center) and two are chosen from among Biology; Geology and Environmental Sciences; Physics; Chemistry; Technical Drawing II; and Technology and Engineering II.

Common electives include: ICT (Information and Communication Technologies), a second foreign language, Economics, Psychology, History of Music and Dance, Audiovisual Culture, Musical Analysis, or, in some autonomous communities, Geology. These subjects allow students to strengthen their technological, communicative, and international profiles.

Related Higher Level Vocational Training Exits: Health (e.g., Clinical and Biomedical Laboratory , Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine), Information Technology and Communications (DAM, ASIR), Electricity and Electronics (Industrial Automation and Robotics), Mechanical Manufacturing (Production Programming), and Energy and Water (Renewable Energies).

Related university degrees: Sciences (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Geology, Environmental Sciences), Engineering (Civil, Computer, Industrial, Aerospace, Telecommunications, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical), Health (Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Veterinary, Nutrition, Biochemistry) and Architecture or Technical Architecture.

Bachelor of Humanities and Social Sciences

Perfect if you're interested in understanding human behavior, culture, economics, and social organization . It's divided into two tracks: Humanities and Social Sciences. The main difference lies in the required core subject for each track.

Humanities Track: In the first year, Latin I (compulsory) is usually taken as a subject, and among the options, Greek I, World Literature, and Contemporary World History stand out. In the second year, Latin II is usually compulsory , and subjects such as Greek II, Art History, or Geography are added, depending on the school's offerings.

Social Sciences Itinerary: in the 1st year the compulsory subject is Applied Mathematics to Social Sciences I , with options such as Economics, Contemporary World History and Universal Literature; in the 2nd year the compulsory subject is Applied Mathematics to Social Sciences II, and they are complemented with Business Economics, Geography and Art History, among others.

Common electives include: ICT, a second foreign language, psychology, history of music and dance, audiovisual culture, philosophy and citizenship (where offered), or world literature. This allows you to tailor your profile towards communication, management, or social research.

Higher Level Vocational Training Exam Options: Administration and Management (Administration and Finance), Commerce and Marketing (Sales Management and Commercial Spaces), Sociocultural Services (Early Childhood Education, Social Integration), Tourism and Hospitality (Travel Agencies and Event Management) or Graphic Arts (Design and Publication Editing).

Related university degrees: Law, Business Administration , Economics, Sociology, Political Science, International Relations, Social Work, Psychology, History, Philosophy, Philology (Hispanic, English, French, Classical, etc.), Geography, Art History, Translation and Interpreting, Journalism, Audiovisual Communication, Advertising and Public Relations, Education (Early Childhood, Primary) and Pedagogy.

Bachelor of Arts

The Arts track is geared towards creative individuals with an interest in visual expression, design, music, dance, or theater . It is organized into two pathways with specific subjects designed to develop technical skills, visual culture, and performing or musical abilities.

Visual Arts, Image and Design Track. In the first year, the core subject is usually Artistic Drawing I , and two additional subjects are chosen from Audiovisual Culture, Technical Drawing Applied to Arts and Design I, Artistic Projects, and Sculpture. In the second year, the core subject is usually Artistic Drawing II, and two additional subjects are chosen from Technical Drawing Applied II, Design, Artistic Fundamentals, and Graphic-Plastic Expression Techniques.

Music and Performing Arts Track. In the first year, students take one course from either Musical Analysis I or Performing Arts I and choose two from either Choir and Vocal Technique I, Audiovisual Culture, or Musical Language and Practice. In the second year, the structure is repeated with Musical Analysis II or Performing Arts II and two from either Choir and Vocal Technique II, History of Music and Dance, or Dramatic Literature.

Common electives include History of Music and Dance, Psychology, a Second Foreign Language, ICT, and Philosophy, which help to refine both artistic and communication skills. Many schools also offer workshops and creative projects linked to the school's cultural life.

Higher Vocational Training Exam Options: Graphic Arts (Advertising Graphics, Illustration), Image and Sound (Audiovisual Project and Show Production), Design and Plastic Arts (Artistic Ceramics, Photography, Interior Design) or, in the performing arts field, qualifications linked to sociocultural and tourist animation.

Related university degrees include: Fine Arts, Design (Graphic, Fashion, Interior), Art History, and Conservation and Restoration, as well as Audiovisual Communication, Advertising and Public Relations, Journalism, Music, Dance, Theater, Film, and Dramatic Arts. This track is not limited to "Fine Arts": it opens wide doors in creative and cultural industries.

General Baccalaureate

It is the most versatile option for those still exploring their career path or who desire a multidisciplinary profile . It allows combining subjects from different modalities while maintaining two core subjects with significant cross-curricular educational value.

In the first year, the common subject for this specialization is General Mathematics , and students also choose two subjects from among all the specialization subjects offered by the school, including Economics, Entrepreneurship, and Business Activity (specific to this specialization). In the second year, the common subject for this specialization is General Sciences , and students choose two subjects from the second-year subjects, including Cultural and Artistic Movements (also specific to this specialization).

This design facilitates a balanced itinerary that combines quantitative, scientific and sociocultural skills, ideal for keeping different university or vocational training options open without pigeonholing yourself too soon.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The IB is not a Spanish program, but it is an internationally recognized program offered by some schools. It is organized into six subject groups and includes three key components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service).

Students who complete the IB program develop a demanding academic profile that is highly valued by universities worldwide. Its approach fosters critical thinking, research skills, and a global perspective , and can be combined with university entrance preparation in the Spanish system.

Usual structure by course and choice of subjects

In practical terms, each course is organized with one compulsory subject and the choice of two additional elective subjects. Furthermore, students take at least one optional subject from the center's offerings, which may include, among others, a second foreign language, ICT, psychology, audiovisual culture, or artistic and musical content.

In the second year of Bachillerato (pre-university studies), the structure is maintained: one compulsory subject from the chosen specialization , two elective subjects from the chosen specialization, and usually one optional subject . This continuity ensures progression in the key learning areas of each pathway and helps prepare students for the university entrance exam ( EvAU ) and access to university or higher-level vocational training.

Continuity between Baccalaureate subjects

Many subjects establish continuity between the first and second years, so that to take the second-year subject, it is recommended (or required) to pass the corresponding first-year subject. In exceptional cases, and if the teaching staff deems it feasible, students may be allowed to take the second-year subject without having passed the first-year subject. Main continuities:

• Musical Analysis I → Musical Analysis II
• Performing Arts I → Performing Arts II
• Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences → Biology
• Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences → Geology and Environmental Sciences
• Choir and Vocal Technique I → Choir and Vocal Technique II
• Artistic Drawing I → Artistic Drawing II
• Technical Drawing I → Technical Drawing II
• Technical Drawing I or Technical Drawing Applied to Arts and Design I → Technical Drawing Applied to Arts and Design II
• Physics and Chemistry → Physics
• Physics and Chemistry → Chemistry
• Greek I → Greek II
• Latin I → Latin II
• Spanish Language and Literature I → Spanish Language and Literature II
• Foreign Language I → Foreign Language II
• Mathematics I → Mathematics II
• Mathematics I or Mathematics Applied to Social Sciences I → Mathematics Applied to Social Sciences II
• Technology and Engineering I → Technology and Engineering II

Academic and professional opportunities by modality

Today, the range of options is enormous, combining classic areas with emerging ones linked to digital transformation and sustainability . Choosing the right specialization allows you to enhance your talent and gain opportunities in the areas where you're most interested in competing for positions and scholarships.

Science and Technology: Engineering (Architecture, Civil, Computer Science, Industrial, Aerospace, Mechanical, etc.), Health Sciences (Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Psychology, Veterinary Medicine), Pure Sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry) and mixed areas of business and technology (Business Administration, Marketing, AI, Business Analytics).

Humanities and Social Sciences: Communication (Journalism, Advertising, Audiovisual Communication), Law and Politics , Economics and Business (including Business Administration), Education (Early Childhood, Primary, Pedagogy), Psychology, Sociology, International Relations, Social Work, History, Philosophy, Philology, Translation and Interpreting and Tourism.

Arts: beyond Fine Arts, doors open to Graphic Design, Fashion or Interior Design , Conservation and Restoration, Music, Performing Arts, Audiovisual Production and Direction, Photography and other professions in the cultural and creative industries.

An important point: even if you pursue a Science-focused Baccalaureate, you can later switch to Humanities or Social Sciences degrees if you find that's where you're better suited. The key is to find out about the weighting factors in the university entrance exams (EvAU) and, if necessary, strengthen your skills in specific subjects.

Which Vocational Training or Advanced Degree should you study based on your Baccalaureate?

From Science and Technology, the options for higher vocational training in Health, Information Technology and Communications, Electricity and Electronics, Mechanical Manufacturing or Energies are very popular (for example, Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine; Clinical Laboratory; DAM; ASIR; Industrial Automation and Robotics; Production Programming; or Renewable Energies).

If you come from Humanities and Social Sciences, Administration and Management (Administration and Finance), Commerce and Marketing (Sales Management and Commercial Spaces), Sociocultural Services (Early Childhood Education, Social Integration) and Tourism and Hospitality (Travel Agencies and Event Management) are a good fit.

From the Arts field, the following stand out: 3D Animation, Graphic Design and Production Management , Plastic Arts and Interior Design, Illustration, Photography, and Image and Sound cycles (Audiovisual Production and Shows).

With the General modality, it is common to orient FP towards areas such as Social Integration , Health Documentation and Administration, Forestry and Natural Environment Management or other families linked to the offer of the center and your combination of modality subjects.

If you completed the International Baccalaureate, you will see recognition and good alignment in cycles of International Trade , Building Projects or Sales and Commercial Space Management, taking advantage of their practical and international dimension.

FAQ

Can you study Business Administration with a Bachelor of Science degree?

Yes, no problem: with a Science Baccalaureate you arrive at Business Administration with a mathematical and analytical foundation that benefits accounting, finance, and economics. Many technical profiles end up standing out in companies because of their data-driven mindset and problem-solving skills.

Which Baccalaureate should I study for Medicine?

The standard recommendation is to study Science and Technology with a focus on Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. This will give you the scientific foundation and study methodology you'll need for your degree and, later, for your healthcare specialization.

Can you change the type of Baccalaureate?

Schools usually allow you to request a change of modality during the first weeks of the first year. If the change is proposed in the second year, you will have to adjust to reinforcement measures and continuity of subjects (because several of the second year depend on having completed their "level I").

The teaching staff may, in exceptional circumstances , authorize you to take a second-year subject without the corresponding first-year course if they believe you will be able to successfully complete it. Speak with your tutor and review the university entrance exam weighting system to avoid any surprises later.

Types of Baccalaureate according to the educational organization

In addition to the chosen modality, it's worth considering the center's organization : the range of courses offered, the compatibility of schedules, and the possibility of distance learning for subjects not taught locally. Some administrations specify which particular institutes offer, for example, the General modality (in the Community of Madrid, centers such as IES Cardenal Cisneros, Antonio Machado, Francisco Giner de los Ríos, Jaime Ferrán, or Matemático Puig Adam are mentioned).

Also consult the official resources (guides and curriculum PDFs from your community) and the range of electives and projects (research, arts, entrepreneurship), because they often make a difference in your actual high school experience.

Tips for choosing the right modality

If you plan to pursue higher education, the chosen modality influences both your academic preparation and your admission score: in the specific phase of the university entrance exam (EvAU), some subjects carry more weight in each degree program, and in vocational training (FP), you often have preference if your high school diploma is related to the professional field of the program. Find out about the weighting factors and available places for the degree or program that interests you.

And remember that the range of subjects offered depends on the region and the school. If your school doesn't offer a subject that's key for you, ask about alternatives at other schools or about distance learning. It's about finding the right fit, not giving up on your goals because of scheduling or organizational issues.

With this map in front of you, you'll see that the Baccalaureate isn't a single path but a range of smart combinations: choose the track that best enhances your strengths , reserve electives that will open doors for you (languages, ICT, economics, audiovisual culture), and ensure continuity between key subjects. This way, you'll arrive at university or vocational training with a profile tailored to your goals and ready to seize every opportunity.