Noun
/lise̞nθiˈt͡ʃuɾa/ (Spain) or /lisenˈt͡ʃuɾa/ (Latin America)
"Licenciatura" refers to an academic degree awarded upon completion of a higher education program, typically at the undergraduate level. This term is commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries to denote the first cycle of university education, which usually comprises three to five years of study, depending on the field.
The frequency of use of "licenciatura" is quite high in educational and professional contexts, particularly in discussions about qualifications. It is used more in written contexts, such as in academic papers, educational documentation, and formal discourse. However, it can also appear in spoken language, particularly in discussions about education.
My sister is studying to obtain her bachelor’s degree in medicine.
Para trabajar como abogado, necesitas una licenciatura en derecho.
To work as a lawyer, you need a bachelor’s degree in law.
La licenciatura es un requisito fundamental para acceder a estudios de posgrado.
Though "licenciatura" itself is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions, it contributes to phrases relating to higher education and academic achievements. Here are a few expressions and sentences where it plays a role:
To obtain a bachelor’s degree, it is necessary to devote many hours to study.
Licenciatura en mano
After years of effort, I finally have my bachelor's degree in hand.
Licenciatura trunca
Many students face the challenge of an incomplete bachelor’s degree due to financial issues.
Licenciatura y más
The word "licenciatura" comes from the Latin root "licentia," which means "license" or "permission." It originally referred to a formal permission granted to individuals to practice a profession, eventually evolving to signify the academic degree itself.