External Practicum (Bachelor Degree)

External Academic Internships

Training activity designed to apply knowledge, acquire professional skills, and facilitate students’ entry into the labour market.

What are external internships?

External academic internships are a supervised training activity organized by the University with the aim of applying knowledge, complementing academic education, and enhancing students’ employability and entrepreneurial skills. They are carried out within the course External Practicum (18 ECTS)

Important: Internships are carried out under an agreement and are always supervised academically and by the host company.

Practicum competences

Clinical and optometric application: Apply knowledge in refraction, visual examination, contact lenses, and low vision.
Optical and laboratory techniques: Assembly of visual corrections, fabrication of optical aids, and product handling.
Patient care: Medical history, care protocols, and communication of diagnoses.

Characteristics

18 ECTS credits
500 hours in company
20h CUV + 20h independent work
Q7 – Q8

Organization

Educational cooperation agreements
Company tutor + UPC tutor
Optical centres and CUV

Assessment

70% company tutor + 30% UPC tutor. No reassessment.

Financial support

Between €8 and €20/hour + income tax + Social Security.

Insurance

Mandatory. Student insurance or private insurance if over 28.

Information session

Here you will find the information session for 22 April 2026 for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Internship formalisation

The internships are formalised through the signing of educational cooperation agreements and a training project between the student, the University, and the host company or institution. Administrative management is carried out digitally via the PRISMA/e-Secretaria portal.

Important deadline: The student’s details must be sent via email to organitzacio.docent.foot@upc.edu at least 10 working days before the start date.

*Student insurance is required during the internship; students over 28 must purchase private insurance. UPC has an agreement with CONFIDE Insurance Brokerage. Student insurance covers one-year periods from 16 September to 15 September of the following year.

Required information:

Regulations and Documents

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum number of hours?

Degree (240 ECTS): 500 hours
Academic year runs from 16 September to 15 September

Are internships paid?

Yes, between €8 and €20/hour. Income tax and Social Security apply.

Insurance coverage?

National coverage. Additional insurance required abroad.

Can an agreement be cancelled?

Yes, via the termination form.

Informational video

Explanatory video about the external academic internship procedure and organisation.