(Full time) 2019 start
Spanish BA
Overview
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and Spanish-speaking countries around the world are known for their economic potential and rich cultures. This degree will help you become proficient in the language, as well as gaining an insight into the cultural life of these dynamic and exciting countries.
Our tutors are experts in their fields, and because we’re such a big department we can offer flexible degrees with plenty of choice. Core modules will improve your spoken and written Spanish, as well as introducing you to the culture and history of Spain and the Spanish-speaking world.
You’ll also be able to shape your Spanish degree by selecting optional modules on topics such as the Spanish Civil War, Hispanic and Lusophone cinema and contemporary Spanish culture and politics. You can choose to learn Catalan language and culture, and gain practical skills in translation studies. It’s a great opportunity to explore the Hispanic world’s vibrant and complex cultures.
Specialist facilities
Leeds offers great facilities for Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies students. The most exciting resources we have are the cultural branches of the governments of Spain and Portugal – the Cervantes and Camões Institutes have branches on campus, as does the cultural arm of the Catalan autonomous government, the Ramon Llull Institute.
The institutes seek to promote language teaching and greater understanding of Spanish-speaking, Lusophone and Catalan cultures around the world. Working with our degree programmes, they host many cultural events and academic activities for our students.
In addition our fully-equipped Language Centre hosts digital language labs, audio/video practice booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). Our Interpreter Training Suites also offer you the chance to explore a career in interpreting, and our Electronic Resource Information Centre houses specialised computing facilities to support translation studies.
Course content
You’ll spend your first year practising your written and spoken Spanish skills in core language modules, as well as being introduced to key aspects of Spanish and Latin American culture or choosing to learn Catalan. You’ll then build on this knowledge with a wider range of optional modules to choose from in the following year, including topics such as Spanish and Latin American history, translation, literature, cinema and theatre.
All of this serves to prepare you for spending a year studying in a Spanish-speaking country, sharpening your language skills and absorbing the culture of your local community.
When you come back to Leeds, you’ll return with first-hand experience to shape your studies, as you take advanced language classes and select from more optional modules, from the use of Spanish in a business context to national and regional identities in Spain. You can also apply the critical skills you’ve developed to an extended essay or dissertation, which you will research independently.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Learning and teaching
Independent study is crucial to the degree – it allows you to develop your research skills and critical thinking. We have excellent library resources that you can draw upon, and the University Library runs training programmes to help you use them effectively.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
In some modules group work or oral presentations may form part of your assessment, but exams and essays are the most common methods we use. We do offer plenty of support throughout your time at Leeds – for example, you’ll be able to attend extra classes on exam technique, public speaking, structuring essays and other issues.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB including A in Spanish.
Other course specific tests:Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be ABC at A Level including A in Spanish and grade A in the EPQ.
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Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required. This course has additional subject specific requirements. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information. -
BTEC
We will consider this qualification in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information. -
Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M1 including Spanish.
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International Baccalaureate
34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 6 in Higher Level Spanish
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 including H2 in Spanish
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BB in Advanced Highers including Spanish and AABBB in Highers, or B in Spanish in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers
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Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us. -
Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 77% including 85% in Spanish.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level including B in Spanish and pass Access to Leeds.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, contact the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies admissions team.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £18,500 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
A degree in Spanish gives you proficiency in a global language that is spoken in many major economies. It also gives you an appreciation of their cultures and helps you to consider the language in context.
These qualities could open numerous doors in themselves, but you’ll also acquire a range of transferable skills that are highly desirable to employers. You’ll be a clear communicator with strong presentation skills, as well as being a critical thinker who draws your own conclusions from the information available to you. Your year abroad will demonstrate that you are independent and adaptable, while you’ll have skills in teamwork, research and time management.
Graduates have gone into careers in a wide range of careers both in the UK and overseas. They include retail, education, marketing, administration, teaching, business and finance and journalism. Others go into language-based roles such as translation or interpreting, or pursue further training in this area.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Residence abroad
You’ll spend your third year in Spain or another Spanish-speaking country, immersing yourself in local culture and cultivating your language skills.
We have partnerships with a number of universities in Spain and Latin America where you could study, or you could undertake a work placement. You could even work as a language assistant in a school under the British Council’s programme.
Whatever you choose to do, you’ll gain a new insight into a Spanish-speaking society as well as valuable experience of adapting to another culture. If you choose to work during your time there, you’ll also return with work experience to increase your appeal to employers. For many of our students, it’s the real highlight of their course.
Read more about Residence Abroad in Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.