Study Spanish, why & how to study
Study a Spanish degree and you’ll be learning a language spoken across the globe, and about a nation that shaped European and Latin American history.
CONTENTS
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What’s Spanish?
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What Spanish degrees can you study?
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What do you need to get onto a Spanish degree?
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What topics does a Spanish degree cover?
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How will you be assessed?
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Why study Spanish?
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What do Spanish graduates earn?
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What jobs can you get as a Spanish graduate?
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What are the postgraduate opportunities?
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Similar subjects to Spanish
- Have any questions?
What’s Spanish?
Take a Spanish degree, and you’ll study the language and culture of Spain. You’ll develop proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing in Spanish, and translating Spanish to English. Cultural topics may focus on the literature, history or politics of Spain.
However, most Spanish degrees are joint degrees or major/minor programmes, so you’re likely to learn more than just Spanish. Frequent combinations include another language, but other options include humanities, business-related or creative arts subjects – or even science.
What Spanish degrees can you study?
Undergraduate degrees in Spanish include:
- Accounting and Finance/Spanish BSc
- Business Management and Spanish BSc
- Chemistry with Spanish for Science MSci
- Film and Spanish BA
- French and Spanish BA
- Spanish BA/MA
Spanish degrees are likely to include a year abroad. Some institutions offer courses with an integrated foundation year.
What do you need to get onto a Spanish degree?
Most Spanish undergraduate degrees require 104–198 UCAS points, depending on the course and university. Qualifications may include:
- A Levels: A*AA–BCC
- BTECs: DDM or in combination with A Levels
- Scottish Highers: AAAAAA–BBBB (Advanced Higher AAB–AA)
- Access to HE Diploma: Pass in a relevant subject with Merit in 50% of units at level 3
- International Baccalaureate: 38–28
- Universities will usually ask that you have studied: A Level/Higher Spanish or Modern Languages, unless a beginner or ‘ab initio’ option is available. Joint studies subjects may also be specified
Experience that would look good on your application:
- Practice listening and speaking Spanish through language courses in person or online
- Immerse yourself in the culture by reading Spanish blogs or Hispanic literature or watching films
- If eligible, attend summer schools, e.g. Sutton Trust or UNIQ
What topics does a Spanish degree cover?
A large number of optional modules may be offered, allowing you to tailor your degree to your specialist interests. Typical core modules may include:
- Cultures of Spain and Latin America
- Spanish language and texts
- Spanish history and politics
- Spanish: translation into English
How will you be assessed?
Your progress will be assessed in a variety of ways, depending on the module:
- Coursework
- Essays
- Dissertation
- Individual and group projects
- Oral presentations
- Written and oral exams
Why study Spanish?
You may study Spanish because you are passionate about the culture – or you may see it as adding value to a business, finance or science-related subject. Either way, you’ll gain strong skills for employment.
Career-specific skills:
- Advanced language skills
- Ability to translate from Spanish to English
- Understanding of the socio-political context
Transferable skills:
- Interpersonal and intercultural skills
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Research
- Presentation
- Organisation
- Project management
Professional accreditation:
- Where combined with joint or major honours, degrees may be accredited by a relevant professional society, e.g. the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for accounting and finance options
What do Spanish graduates earn?
Graduates of a Spanish degree may have a starting salary from £20,000–£30,000, depending on the occupation. Those entering the Diplomatic and Development Fast Stream will earn £28,000.
As your career develops, your average salary will depend on the sector you’ve entered. In England, teachers who become leading practitioners can earn up to £64,500, while a sales director may earn more than £75,000.
What jobs can you get as a Spanish graduate?
A degree in Spanish could lead to a range of graduate jobs, from the financial sector to the civil service, business or the media.
- Data analyst
- Journalist
- Translation checker
- Teaching
- HR coordinator
- Sales executive
- International arbitration associate
- Government diplomatic and development fast stream
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Postgraduate opportunities are generally limited to those who already have degree-level competence in Spanish. Graduates with a Spanish degree will require a PGCE if they wish to become a teacher. Examples of postgraduate courses include:
- Interpreting and Translating – French and Spanish MA
- Spanish PhD
- Primary with Modern Foreign Languages PGCE
Similar subjects to Spanish
Other subject areas that might appeal to you include:
- American Studies (which can include Latin America)
- Iberian Languages
- Linguistics
- Modern Languages
Have any questions?
If so, you can contact our experts by emailing ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk to ask any questions about studying Spanish. We’ll be happy to hear from you!
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