Careers and employability

Students using headphones at desks.

When you graduate from Leeds you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to help you stand out in the competitive job market.

Leeds graduates have an excellent reputation and Leeds is the 6th most targeted university in the UK by graduate recruiters (The Graduate Market in 2023).

You’ll learn in a stimulating and intellectual environment with a variety of teaching and assessment techniques. Some of your modules may be assessed by oral presentation or by producing a written report. Others may involve group projects and working with organisations outside of the University. This means you’ll develop strong, transferable expertise that will prepare you for a career in a diverse range of fields.

What do Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies graduates do?

Our graduates take many different career paths, both in the UK and overseas. These include:

  • retail
  • education
  • academic research
  • marketing
  • administration
  • teaching
  • logistics
  • business
  • finance
  • journalism.

Leeds offers postgraduate courses for careers in translation and interpretation.

The MA by Research will allow you to further your knowledge and expertise in Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies and is excellent preparation for a PhD or a chosen career.

What careers support will I have? 

You’ll benefit from bespoke support and opportunities in the School and have access to the activities and expertise of the award-winning University Careers Centre.

School support

As a student with us, you'll be guided in your career choices and prepared for life after your degree in a variety of ways. Workshops and events  are organised for you by the School throughout the year and focus on networking, understanding the value of your language skills, hearing from alumni about their career experiences and hosting graduate recruiters who want to hire you.

We’ll also keep you informed of work/voluntary placements for your time abroad and of any other part-time and volunteering opportunities that you can fit around your studies. 

University support

Our experts in the University’s Careers Centre will support you to make informed decisions about your career path, to understand the opportunities available and the steps you need to take to pursue your choices. You’ll be encouraged to attend on-campus events including graduate recruitment fairs, employer networking and information sessions, and meetings with our alumni.  

Your year abroad

By studying abroad or taking a work placement year you'll gain valuable experiences and skills to help you in the graduate job market.

Leeds University Union

Our award-winning students' union provides career-related support through the part-time job hub, student societies and other activities throughout the year.

Clubs and societies are a great way to get involved in lots of activities and explore your interests, providing opportunities to develop skills such as team working and leadership.

You could be a key player in an award-winning sports team, or become a committee member and chair society meetings, or you could even project manage a volunteering trip overseas. The Union is also home to School Reps who are appointed by students to represent the views and be the voice of students in your School. 

Enterprise

At Leeds, you can access support to help you start your own business. Whether you want to learn about enterprise or become an entrepreneur, we can help you tailor your experience.