Debate League
Enhance your communication skills, learn how to present an argument, and represent the UOC against other universities.
The theme of the 2026 edition is "Is democracy in peril?". Registration is open until 21 November:
League in Catalan
League in Spanish
The Debate League is a university public speaking activity in which UOC students can test their ability to present an argument, express themselves and think critically.
Now in its third year, the project has become established in two languages: Catalan and Spanish. The league in Catalan allows participants to represent the UOC in the Vives Network University Debate League against other universities in Catalan-speaking territories. The league in Spanish, which is still growing, aims to continue fostering debate as an educational tool.
The League aims to:
· Foster active participation and critical thinking.
· Provide tools for improving oral expression and confidence in public.
· Promote public speaking as a cross-disciplinary skill.
Participants must register in advance to take part.
The League is based on a structure of competition in teams. Each group prepares arguments based on a topical subject proposed by the organizers. The match-ups between the teams are drawn randomly, and a jury rates their performances according to their arguments, structure, fluency and responsiveness.
The jury is made up of UOC teaching staff, communication professionals and people with experience in public speaking or debating. It is selected based on criteria of knowledge, impartiality and availability.
The first step is to sign up. Participation in the League includes prior training, the knock-out rounds and a grand final. The winning teams of the league in Catalan will go on to represent the UOC in the Vives Network interuniversity competition.
Whether you're participating in Catalan or Spanish, this year's theme is "Is democracy in peril?"
- Registration deadline: 21 November 2025.
- Training sessions: to be confirmed.
- Debate League in Catalan: 2–4 March 2026.
- Debate League in Spanish: 10–12 March 2026.
- The Vives Network University Debate League: 27–29 April 2026 at the University of Alacant.
If you're on a bachelor's degree programme, participating in the Debate League means you can apply for recognition of two optional course ECTS credits for university activities (RECAAU).
You need to apply through the prior studies assessment procedure.
The activity will appear in the credit recognition section of your academic record in the semester following your participation in the League. In this case, the procedure is free of charge, but you will have to pay the fee for the credits recognized when you enrol to include them in your academic record.
You'll find more information about university activities (RECAAU) at Procedures / Recognitions and validations / Request prior studies assessment / which studies and activities can be validated / More information about the recognition of university activities and you can apply for recognition at Procedures / Recognitions and validations / Request prior studies assessment.
