BA (Hons) in English Literature and Spanish, University of Surrey

Guildford,

36 Months

Check Eligibility

About this course

The BA English Literature and Spanish degree is designed to give you a balanced insight into language, literature, and culture. Throughout the course, you'll explore a range of literary periods, authors, genres, and theories in English, alongside practical language skills in Spanish. The course combines traditional texts with innovative modules like Writing Gaming, Monsters, Mystics, and Demons, and The Gothic Imagination. You'll develop 'future-proof' skills such as applied creativity, problem solving, and emotional intelligence, valued by employers in diverse sectors like journalism, publishing, diplomacy, and education. The curriculum also offers industry-ready components through award-winning placements and study abroad opportunities, including engagement with companies such as Disney, Volkswagen, and Macmillan. The course is located on the Stag Hill campus and encourages independent learning, group work, and active participation, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant research culture.

Why this course is highly recommended

The course’s focus on employability and international experience makes it especially appealing. It has top rankings in the UK for Iberian languages and Languages and Linguistics, and an excellent staff-student ratio ensures personalised attention. The course offers award-winning professional training placements and study abroad options at renowned companies like Disney and Volkswagen. Its curriculum blends traditional literature with contemporary and innovative modules, cultivating skills vital for the digital age, such as digital literacy, intercultural communication, and critical analysis. Graduates enjoy high employability rates, with many securing roles in journalism, marketing, education, and international relations, or furthering their studies.

Specialisation

This degree combines English Literature with Spanish language and cultural studies. You can opt to start Spanish as a beginner if you don’t have prior qualifications, and progress towards near-native fluency by graduation. Modules like Spanish for Academic Study, Spanish for Research Projects, and Spanish Sociolinguistics offer immersive language learning and intercultural understanding. The course also emphasizes theoretical frameworks like gender, race, postcoloniality, and ecocriticism, allowing students to specialise in areas like contemporary fiction, medieval women's writing, or global cultural issues, depending on their interests.

Course fees

Application fees

23.22L

1st year tuition fees

23.22L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants should have a typical offer of BBB at A-level, with Spanish and English Language or Literature required. Equivalents like the IB (32 points), European Baccalaureate (75%), or BTEC (DDM) are accepted with relevant subjects. For non-standard qualifications or international qualifications, specific criteria apply, such as IELTS 6.5 for English proficiency. Additional requirements vary depending on the qualification, and there are options for GCSE equivalencies and foundation pathways if entry criteria are not met.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

120

Career prospects

Graduates from this course are highly employable, with a wide range of careers in journalism, publishing, diplomacy, marketing, media, education, and translation. Many students undertake internships abroad or work in roles like account management, public relations, or teaching. The course’s emphasis on transferable skills such as research, communication, and intercultural understanding prepares students for the global job market. Further study options also include postgraduate courses in development studies, business, and European studies, opening additional career pathways.

FAQs

Can I start Spanish as a beginner?

Yes, students without prior Spanish qualifications can start as beginners and work towards near-native fluency by the end of the degree.

What kind of placement opportunities are available?

The course offers award-winning professional training placements with companies like Disney, Volkswagen, and Macmillan, with options to study or work abroad during the third year.