BA (Hons) in German Studies and Spanish Studies, Lancaster University

Lancaster,

48 Months

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About this course

This course, taught by the School of Global Affairs, offers a comprehensive exploration of German and Spanish languages, cultures, and societies within a global context. You'll start with modules that focus on language-specific cultural components, building your skills in spoken and written German and Spanish. As you progress, you'll study the culture, politics, and history of German- and Spanish-speaking countries in greater depth, with opportunities for cultural comparison across Europe and beyond. A key feature is the third-year abroad, which allows you to develop language proficiency and intercultural sensitivity through studying at a partner university or completing a work placement. The final year emphasizes advanced language skills alongside cultural modules. The course is designed to develop high-level language capabilities and a thorough understanding of the cultural and societal contexts of both languages.

Why this course is highly recommended

The course is highly ranked, being 3rd for French and Iberian Languages and 4th for Italian in the 2025 guides, demonstrating its academic reputation. It offers a balanced approach combining language mastery with cultural understanding, backed by support for international placements, work experience, and cultural engagement. These features help students develop skills valued by employers across diverse fields, from business to diplomacy, arts, and education. The course also caters to students at different language levels, making it suitable for a wide range of learners interested in deepening their intercultural and linguistic skills.

Specialisation

Students specialise in German and Spanish Studies, with modules tailored to different language levels—from beginners to advanced CEFR levels. The course includes tailored language modules, cultural studies, and optional modules in areas like film, politics, history, and social issues relevant to German and Spanish-speaking cultures. The third year abroad and optional modules support further cultural and linguistic depth.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

26.07L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants need ABB at A level, including German and/or Spanish. Other qualifications such as the IB with 32 points overall, or equivalent qualifications like BTEC DDM or Access to HE Diploma with appropriate language evidence, are accepted. English language proficiency requires an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. Fluency above CEFR B2 in German or Spanish is not accepted for entry.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates from this course can pursue careers in areas like accountancy, IT, business development, civil service, events management, finance, journalism, publishing, research, and sales. With strong intercultural and language skills, many find work in teaching, translating, and international organizations both in the UK and abroad. Additionally, students often continue their studies at Lancaster or other postgraduate programs, such as translation and languages research, which can lead to further opportunities in language-related professions.

FAQs

Is a language from beginners level allowed?

Yes, studying a language from beginners level is permitted, but it is somewhat intense, and students can only study one language from this level. Optional modules will then include higher-level languages or other subjects.

Is a placement abroad compulsory?

Yes, spending the third year abroad is an integral and assessed part of the course for German and Spanish students, supporting language skills and intercultural competence.