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

Lancaster,

48 Months

Check Eligibility

About this course

This four-year combined degree offered by the School of Global Affairs and the Department of Linguistics and English Language is highly ranked, especially in linguistics (3rd in QS World Rankings, 2024). It provides an immersive experience with an international placement in year 3, where students can choose study at a partner university or undertake a work placement, including opportunities with the British Council as a Language Assistant. Support is provided for students who start from beginners' Spanish, including intensive courses to help become truly fluent. Modules cover topics ranging from the sounds of world languages to contemporary Spanish culture, history, and society. The program aims to develop high-level language proficiency alongside a deep understanding of linguistic structure, society, and culture, preparing students for diverse career paths or further postgraduate study.

Why this course is highly recommended

This program is ideal for students passionate about languages and cultures, with a strong emphasis on practical language use and intercultural sensitivity through the year abroad. Lancaster's department is highly ranked and supports students with dedicated preparation, support, and diverse module options to suit interests in linguistics, culture, and society. Opportunities for work placements, studying at partner universities, and engaging with real-world language contexts make it valuable for employability. The course's comprehensive approach enhances understanding of language structure, use, and cultural dimensions, opening pathways to careers or further academic pursuits.

Specialisation

The course integrates Spanish Studies with Linguistics, offering modules such as The Sounds of the World's Languages, Shaping Contemporary Spain and Latin America, and Structures of Language. Students can deepen their intercultural understanding during their year abroad and develop their Spanish to advanced levels (C1/C2). They also have options to specialise in areas like applied linguistics, forensic linguistics, discourse analysis, and the relationship between language and identity, providing a well-rounded, language-informed perspective on social and cultural issues.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

26.07L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants typically need AAB in A levels, including Spanish or a foreign language at AS B or GCSE 7/A. Other accepted qualifications include the Access to HE Diploma with appropriate language evidence, 35 IB points, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers, and T levels with suitable language ability. English language proficiency requires an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component. Applicants fluent above CEFR B2 in Spanish are not accepted.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates develop linguistic, intercultural, and transferable skills suited to diverse careers like accountancy, IT, business, civil service, journalism, publishing, research, teaching, and translation, both locally and abroad. Many students continue with postgraduate studies in translation, applied linguistics, and related fields, leveraging Lancaster's excellent research facilities. The degree emphasizes employability and life skills through initiatives like The Lancaster Award, making graduates well-prepared for global or local employment, or further academic exploration.

FAQs

Can I study Spanish from beginners?

Yes, students with no prior knowledge of Spanish can enroll in intensive beginner courses designed to make them proficient in spoken and written Spanish.

Is a year abroad compulsory?

Yes, the international placement in year 3 is an integral and assessed part of the course, offering study, work, or teaching opportunities abroad.