The baccalaureate is a crucial stage in secondary education that prepares students for access to higher education or for entry into the workplace. During these years, students have the opportunity to study specific subjects in depth, develop academic and personal skills, and discover new interests that will steer them towards their professional vocation in the future. 

As well as acquiring knowledge in subjects such as mathematics, science, humanities and the arts, this stage encourages critical thinking, problem solving and the ability to work independently. 

It is a period which, in addition to providing a solid knowledge base, enhances students’ personal growth and all-round development, preparing them to face the challenges and opportunities of the future.

But what are the different types of baccalaureate available to choose from and what distinguishing features do they have? Below, we explain how each modality works and what career opportunities each of them offers.

The different types of baccalaureate available

The main baccalaureate programmes are: Social Sciences, Natural and Health Sciences and Arts. Each one has a specific focus that prepares students for different university courses or professional careers. 

Characteristics and focus of each discipline

Each baccalaureate has different characteristics and approaches:

The Social Sciences Baccalaureate focuses on disciplines such as economics and history, preparing students for careers in law or administration. 

On the other hand, the Natural and Health Sciences Baccalaureate focuses on biology and chemistry, and is oriented towards medicine or biomedical engineering. 

Alternatively, the Arts Baccalaureate favours creativity and artistic expression, suitable for careers in fine arts or design. 

Types of Baccalaureate in Valencia and other regions

In the Valencian Community, as in other regions of Spain, the same types of baccalaureate mentioned above are offered. However, it is important to bear in mind that the availability of specific programmes may vary depending on the school and the demand from students in each area. 

For this reason, it is recommended that you consult your education guidance advisors or the relevant education departments for detailed information on the options available in your area.

Social Sciences Baccalaureate

The Social Science Baccalaureate focuses on providing students with a solid foundation in subjects such as economics, history, geography and philosophy. Participants will also acquire analytical and critical thinking skills.

It is a programme specially designed for people interested in careers related to social sciences such as law, business administration, journalism or political science. 

Natural and Health Sciences Baccalaureate

The Natural and Health Sciences Baccalaureate focuses on disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. Students develop experimental and analytical skills, as well as an in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles of the natural and health sciences.

It is a programme specifically aimed at students interested in careers related to medicine, biotechnology, engineering or scientific research. 

Arts Baccalaureate

The Arts Baccalaureate focuses on areas such as literature, visual arts, music and drama. Various forms of artistic expression are explored and creativity, performance skills and communication skills are developed.

It is designed for students with creative skills and interests in artistic, humanistic or communication careers, preparing them for a wide range of professions within the cultural and creative field.

Future career prospects of the different baccalaureate programmes

It is also essential to assess the future prospects and career opportunities of the different baccalaureate programmes in order to choose the option that best suits our interests:

University and employment options

Each type of baccalaureate offers different opportunities both at university and in the workplace. 

  • Students taking a Social Sciences Baccalaureate can opt for university degrees such as Law, Economics, Business Administration or Political Science. 
  • Meanwhile, those who choose the Natural and Health Sciences Baccalaureate can access university programmes in Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacy or Biology. 
  • And those who take the Arts Baccalaureate can pursue degrees in Fine Arts, Audiovisual Communication, Graphic Design or Art History.

As for the labour market, career opportunities can vary greatly depending on the type of baccalaureate and the skills acquired during the educational programme. 

  • Graduates in Social Sciences can work in law firms, consulting companies, government institutions or the media. 
  • Graduates in Natural and Health Sciences may find employment in hospitals, research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies or biomedical engineering companies. 
  • Finally, Arts graduates can develop their careers as artists, designers, art teachers or cultural critics.

Preparing for the future: changes in 2024

This year, the Baccalaureate is divided into four modalities: Science and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Arts, and the newly introduced General option. This is a broader and more flexible option that is ideal for those students who are still not sure what they want to study or if they want to access higher education after completing the Baccalaureate.

In the first year of the General Baccalaureate, students will take General Mathematics and will be able to choose two other subjects from the remaining modalities offered by their school. However, compulsory subjects will include Economics, Entrepreneurship and Business. 

During the second year, students in this modality will take General Sciences together with two more subjects from other modalities, including Cultural and Artistic Movements. 

In addition, Music and Performing Arts, as well as Visual Arts, Image and Design, will be reintroduced within the Arts pathway. This will provide students with more opportunities to deepen their area of interest and enhance their learning in both visual and performing arts.

In terms of assessment and qualification, teachers will be responsible for determining whether students have reached the competences and objectives set during the course. Students may continue from the first to the second year of the Baccalaureate with a maximum of two failed subjects, as long as they re-take these subjects in the second year. 

Those who have passed all first and second year subjects will be awarded the Baccalaureate certificate. It is also possible to obtain the certificate with a failed subject under certain conditions.

In summary, the different types of baccalaureate programmes available offer a wide range of educational and career opportunities, allowing each student to find a programme that suits his or her interests and future objectives. Nevertheless, to ensure future academic and career success, it is important for students to research and choose the type of baccalaureate that best matches their skills, interests and career aspirations.