Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies BA
Year of entry 2023
2024 course information- UCAS code
- RR45
- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 4 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- See below
- Typical A-level offer
- ABB (specific subject requirements)
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- BBC at A Level including B in Spanish and pass Access to Leeds
Full entry requirements - Contact
- artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries are among the most diverse and dynamic in the world. On this course, you’ll become proficient in both languages, spend some time learning abroad, and build your understanding of the diverse and exciting cultural areas where Spanish and Portuguese are spoken.
You’ll gain insight into Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American culture and history. You can also choose additional optional modules on topics you’re interested in such as political icons and cultural stars of Spain and Latin America, Spanish-language film, literature, art, theatre and music, and nationalist movements.
During your third year, you’ll spend some time in a Spanish-speaking or Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) country (or both), providing invaluable opportunities to practise your language skills and experience the local culture first-hand.
Becoming fluent in both languages, as well as gaining international experience, opens up excellent global career opportunities for you when you graduate. You’ll also gain practical skills such as translation or specialised language for business purposes.
Specialist facilities
The official cultural institutes of the governments of Spain and Portugal – Instituto Cervantes and The Camões Institute – are located on campus, along with the cultural arm of the Catalan autonomous government, Institut Ramon Llull. This means you can participate in many cultural events such as Leeds Flamenco Cultural Week, attend poetry readings and film screenings, and take part in competitions and events.
Our Language Zone gives you access to free learning resources, including space for personal study, language learning software, and video, audio, books and magazines. You'll also have access to our translation computer labs equipped with specialist software and our interpreter training booths.
With four libraries on campus, you’ll find plenty of space for study, group work and research. The world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscripts, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research. You’ll have access to free classes and workshops so you can learn how to use them.
Course details
Year 1
You’ll consolidate your written and spoken Spanish in your first year, at the same time as being introduced to some of the key issues in the academic study of the Spanish-speaking world, such as the relationship between politics and culture. You’ll also begin to learn the Portuguese language and study key issues relating to the history and cultural production of Brazil, Portugal and Portuguese-speaking Africa. There is also space in your programme for an optional module on history or culture in Spain and Latin America.
Year 2
You’ll continue to develop both languages while selecting from a broader range of optional modules, on topics such as the literature and culture of the Portuguese-speaking world, Hispanic cinema and translation. You'll also be able to study broader transnational issues that overlap with the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking worlds, such as Black Europe.
Year 3
You’ll spend your third year in a Spanish or Portuguese-speaking country, either studying, teaching English, or undertaking a work placement. Depending on where you go and what you do, you can also spend periods of time in two countries and practise both your languages.
Year 4
You’ll return to Leeds for your final year to continue to refine your language skills with advanced language modules; you’ll also choose modules split across Spain, Spanish-America, Portugal and Brazil to pursue a broad base of interests. Some of your modules will be taught in Spanish/Portuguese. You’ll also undertake a final year project under the guidance of an expert academic, enabling you to demonstrate the research and critical skills you have developed during the course.
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.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Practical Language Skills in Spanish 1 | 20 |
| Introduction to Brazil, Portugal and Portuguese Speaking Africa | 20 |
| Portuguese Language for Beginners 1A | 20 |
| Portuguese Language for Beginners 1B | 20 |
| Researching Spanish and Latin American Studies | 20 |
Year 2 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Practical Language Skills in Spanish 2 | 20 |
| Practical Language Skills in Portuguese 2 | 20 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Linguists into Schools | 20 |
| Black Europe | 20 |
| Film and Literature in the Portuguese-speaking World | 20 |
| Issues in Hispanic Cinemas | 20 |
| Literature and the Arts in the Spanish-speaking World | 20 |
| Culture and Society in the Portuguese-Speaking World | 20 |
| Latin America since Independence (c1800 - c1930) | 20 |
| Translation Theory and Practice in a Spanish - English Context | 20 |
| Catalan Language and Culture II | 20 |
| The Spanish regional Melting Pot: the old same History? | 20 |
| Modern Spain (1868-1975) | 20 |
Year 3 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Year Abroad | 120 |
Year 4 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Practical Language Skills in Spanish 3 | 20 |
| Advanced Portuguese Language | 20 |
| Final Year Project | 40 |
Year 4 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Material Cultures and Cultures of Consumption | 20 |
| Adventures of the Imagination: Crime and the Fantastic Across Continents | 20 |
| Decolonial Approaches | 20 |
| Social Movements across Cultures | 20 |
| Minoritised Languages, Dialects and Cultures from Past to Present | 20 |
| Linguists into Schools | 20 |
| Spanish in an Economic and Business Context | 20 |
| Contemporary Spain: Politics, Culture and Society After Franco | 20 |
| Spanish-English Translation | 20 |
| Catalan Language and Culture III | 20 |
| Urban Realities and Representations in the Portuguese Speaking World | 20 |
| Nationalism and Internationalism in the Spanish-Speaking World | 20 |
| Icons and Stars: Celebrity and Revolution in Spain and Latin America | 20 |
| Race and Representation in the Spanish-speaking world | 20 |
Learning and teaching
Our tutors are experts in their fields whose teaching is informed by their own cutting-edge research. We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You’ll be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a final year research project on a topic of your own choice.
As well as being taught by our expert academics, 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. We are committed to an innovative and inclusive approach to teaching, which draws on a variety of activities, including flipped learning, group presentations, and bespoke digital resources to prepare you for your seminar discussions.
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
We use a wide range of assessments including essays, exams, presentations, podcasts, literature reviews and reflective logs. We offer support in these areas as well. For example, we run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam techniques which you can attend throughout your time at Leeds. Assessments are designed to deliver the transferable skills needed for the world of work; task-based activities are designed to evidence critical thinking, demonstrate initiative, and show knowledge of a range of relevant subjects and sources.
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.
We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.
Alternative qualification
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 the level 3 QCF BTEC at Subsidiary Diploma level and above in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M2 including M1 Spanish.
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 6 in Higher Level Spanish
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 including H2 in Spanish
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers OR B in Advanced Highers or AAABB in Highers OR AABBBB in Highers
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: 75% including 8.5 in Spanish.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative 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 alternative 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. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
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.
Fees
UK: £9,250 (per year)
International: £22,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 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 international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.
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.
Some additional fees apply to this course:
Find out more about fees if you take a study abroad or work placement year.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Course or programme of study costs.
Additional costs related to being a student at the University of Leeds.
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 about additional costs.
Scholarships and 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.
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
Read our guidance about applying.
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.
This course is taught by
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
Contact us
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Undergraduate Admissions
Email: artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
With the rise of economies like Mexico and Brazil, Spanish and Portuguese are seen as important languages for business. But they’re also major world languages that are spoken across the globe.
Alongside language skills, you’ll also build important transferable skills that are highly sought by employers.
You’ll have developed research and critical skills, allowing you to find information from a range of sources and draw your own conclusions from what you find. Your advanced communication and presentation skills will enable you to explain and defend those views. You’ll also have experience of working in a team, and your time abroad will demonstrate you are independent and adaptable.
Graduates have gone onto work in a range of sectors, both within and beyond the UK. They include education, IT, retail, marketing, administration, the civil service, translation and tourism.
Others have studied for a postgraduate qualification in translating or interpreting to pursue language-based careers or continued to study language or culture to Masters level, either for a PhD and career in academia or to further their knowledge.
We are committed to helping you achieve your career ambitions. The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies careers and employability support includes promoting internships, providing opportunities to work for the School and employer-led workshops and events.
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
This degree includes time abroad in both a Spanish-speaking and a Lusophone country.
Normally, you’ll spend the last term of your second year in a Spanish-speaking country, leaving you a full year to spend in Portugal, Brazil or another Lusophone country, or vice versa.
Study abroad
We have partnerships with a number of universities in Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, Chile, Costa Rica, Portugal and Brazil where you could study for your year abroad.
Alternatively, you can apply for a work placement abroad. Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. One option is to become a language assistant in a school under the British Council’s programme (the Language Assistantship is only available for Spanish, not Portuguese language).
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.