Spanish BA
Year of entry 2025
2024 course information- UCAS code
- R410
- Start date
- September 2025
- 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
This course allows you to become highly competent in Spanish, one of the world’s most widely spoken languages. You’ll find Spanish in countries as diverse as Argentina, Equatorial Guinea, Mexico and Peru, all known for their vibrant cultures and historical complexity.
You’ll gain a detailed understanding of culture and history – covering both Spain and Spanish-speaking countries across Africa and Latin America. You can also learn Catalan or Portuguese during your time with us.
Core language modules will improve your spoken and written Spanish, while our core research module in Year One will introduce you to study skills and major issues in the discipline. Optional modules allow you to explore topics like history and culture, as well as practical skills like translation and Spanish for business.
You’ll spend your third year in a Spanish-speaking country, allowing you to practise your language skills and experience a local culture.
Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies at Leeds is an exciting place for your undergraduate experience. Our friendly community of students and staff, student-led societies and outstanding pastoral support creates a friendly and dynamic atmosphere for all our students. This course will equip you with the knowledge, skills and intercultural awareness necessary to achieve your true potential and pursue a wide range of exciting global careers.
We strongly believe that the best way to build your vocabulary and refine your grammar is through the study of culture and history, and that language classes offer an excellent opportunity to acquire greater knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world. Our teaching across our modules is therefore a unique blend of language and content, and many of your modules will contain classes and/or assessment in Spanish.
Studying at Leeds means you will learn from world-leading experts in fields as diverse as Spanish popular music, translation, Venezuelan cinema, gender in the Spanish-speaking world, electronic art and writing, and nationalism and empire. Much of our teaching derives from our research activities and language scholarship in Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies. Click on the links below to see more about the research centres which we lead and the organisations of which we form part:
Specialist facilities
The official cultural institutes of the governments of Spain and Portugal – Instituto Cervantes and the Instituto Camões – have branches on campus, as does the cultural arm of the Catalan autonomous government, Institut Ramon Llull. The University of Leeds is the only institution in UK Higher Education to host all three. 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 space for study, group work and research. The world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, 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 make the most of the libraries' materials.
Course details
Our Spanish course is rewarding and flexible, allowing you to focus on your language skills while choosing from a wide range of optional modules on your particular areas of interest. You will gain an international outlook and intercultural competence from your studies and the experience of living abroad which, alongside advanced language skills, will allow you to pursue career options in diverse and exciting fields when you graduate.
Year one
You’ll spend your first year practising your written and spoken Spanish skills in your core language module. On the other core module, you will be introduced to various issues central to the study of the Spanish-speaking world and to the skills and knowledge necessary for academic study. In optional modules, you will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of Spanish and Latin American culture and/or history, and learn Portuguese or Catalan. Some of your teaching and/or assessment on these modules will be in Spanish.
Year two
In addition to your core language module you’ll build on the knowledge acquired in your first year through a wider range of optional modules. These cover topics such as Spanish and Latin American history, cinema, literature, theatre, art, popular music and translation. Language elements of these optional modules range from lectures in Spanish to you producing podcasts and literature reviews in the target language.
Year three
You can choose to spend a year studying or working in a Spanish-speaking country, sharpening your language skills and absorbing the culture of your local community.
Year four
You’ll return from your Residence Abroad with first-hand experience to shape your studies, as you take advanced language classes and select from more optional modules. These range from the language-focused (translation and Spanish in a business context) to cutting-edge academic modules on topics such as stardom and race in Spain, Latin America and Equatorial Guinea. You'll also apply the critical skills you’ve developed to your Final Year Project, which you will research independently and produce with the guidance of one of our expert academics.
At each stage of your studies, you’ll also be able to study other modules in the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, such as Black Europe at Level 2 and Decolonial Approaches in your final year.
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 |
| Researching Spanish and Latin American Studies | 20 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| The Historical Development of Spain and Hispanic America | 20 |
| Catalan Language and Culture I | 20 |
| Introduction to the Cultural Production of Spain and Spanish-America | 20 |
| Beginners Portuguese | 20 |
Year 2 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Practical Language Skills in Spanish 2 | 20 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Issues in Hispanic Cinema | 20 |
| Literature and the Arts in the Spanish-speaking World | 20 |
| Lower Intermediate Portuguese | 20 |
| Latin America since Independence (c1800 - c1930) | 20 |
| Translation Theory and Practice in a Spanish - English Context | 20 |
| Catalan Language and Culture II | 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 |
| Final Year Project | 40 |
Year 4 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Spanish in an Economic and Business Context | 20 |
| Spanish-English Translation | 20 |
| Catalan Language and Culture III | 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 |
| 20 |
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside your subject area.
Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
Independent learning is an important element of your studies, allowing you to think critically about the various topics you encounter and the materials used to study them. We offer plenty of support on everything from choosing your modules to making the most of our excellent library resources.
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 various types of assessment. Exams and essays are a significant part of this. You will also be assessed in other innovative ways across our modules, such as language portfolios, oral presentations, podcasts and video reviews. We offer support in these areas as well – for example, we run extra classes on skills such as making a podcast, public speaking, structuring essays and exam techniques that you’ll be able to attend throughout your time at Leeds.
Some assessment on our non-language modules will also be in Spanish, as part of our drive to use the study of culture and history to enable you to build your vocabulary and hone your grammar.
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB
Where the post-A level language route is taken, an A grade in the language is required.
Where the beginner language route is taken, previous experience in language is not required.
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 BBB at A Level 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.
Where the post-A level language route is taken, D3 in the language is required.
Where the beginner language route is taken, previous experience in language is not required.
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level.
Where the post-A level language route is taken, 5 in Higher Level in the language is required.
Where the beginner language route is taken, previous experience in language is not required.
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3.
Where the post-A level language route is taken, 5 in Higher Level in the language is required.
Where the beginner language route is taken, previous experience in language is not required.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers or B in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers or AABBBB in Highers.
Where the post-A level language route is taken, A in Advanced Higher in the language is required.
Where the beginner language route is taken, previous experience in language is not required.
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.
Where the post-A level language route is taken, an 8.5 in the language is required.
Where the beginner language route is taken, previous experience in language is not required.
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 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.
Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year
This course is designed for students whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university (also known as widening participation backgrounds) and who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree.
The course will give you the opportunity to be taught by academic staff and provides intensive support to enable your development of academic skills and knowledge. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress to your chosen degree course. Find out more about the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year
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: To be confirmed
International: £26,000 (per year)
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.
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.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025
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
A degree in Spanish gives you proficiency in a global language that is spoken in many major economies. Through your training in analytical and communication skills and your expertise in an important world language, 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 experience of living in a Spanish-speaking country will demonstrate that you are independent and adaptable, while you’ll have skills in teamwork, research and time management, which will allow you to fulfil your career ambitions.
Graduates have gone into a wide range of careers across the globe. They include:
- Business and finance
- Marketing and retail
- Education
- Journalism
- Government departments and the civil service
Others have studied for a postgraduate qualification in translating or interpreting to pursue language-based careers or continued to study Spanish language or culture to Masters level, either for a PhD and career in academia or to further their knowledge.
What careers support will I have?
We are committed to helping you achieve your career ambitions. You’ll benefit from bespoke support and opportunities in the School and the University.
Our experts in the award-winning University Careers Centre will support you to make informed decisions about your career path, 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.
Leeds University 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. They’re also a great way to develop your skills such as team working and leadership. For example, 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 home to School Reps who are appointed by students to represent the views and be the voice of students in your School.
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 offer award-winning specialist support.
Careers support
The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies regularly hosts employability events where you can listen to Leeds alumni talking about their careers and ask them for advice.
As a student with us, you will 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.
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.
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
You’ll spend your third year in Spain or another Spanish-speaking country, immersing yourself in local culture and cultivating your language skills.
Residence abroad opportunities
You could study abroad, work as a British Council Language assistant, or take a work placement year.
Whatever you choose to do, you’ll gain new insight into a Spanish-speaking society as well as valuable experience of adapting to another culture. For many of our students, it’s the real highlight of their course.
We have partnerships with a number of universities in Spain and Latin America for you to spend your study abroad year.
Work placement opportunities
We offer students the option of undertaking a work placement or working as a language assistant in a school under the British Council’s programme.
You’ll receive support and guidance from the School’s experienced Work Placement Officer, the Residence Abroad team and the University Careers Centre. You'll also network with returning fourth-year students to ask about opportunities, their experiences and general advice for finding the right placement.
Some of the companies where our students have completed work placements include:
The Anglo Mexican Foundation (Mexico)
Elite Formación Integral (Spain)
Newlink Consulting and Communications (Spain)
La Casita de Martín (Spain)
Optimissa Capital Market Consulting (Spain)