Spanish
Spanish is the second most widely spoken European language in the world and the second language of the United States. Advanced study of Spanish is an advantage if you have a global vision for your future.
Year abroad
For your third year abroad, we currently have exchange links with universities in Spain, Chile, Mexico, Colombia and elsewhere in Latin America.
First-class facilities
Benefit from a state-of-the-art multimedia centre with access to over 2,000 films, a mini-cinema, a magazine library and a recording studio.
Vibrant community
The department organises many extracurricular activities including an annual Semana Cultural, which features music, plays, talks, readings and seminars.
Spanish courses for 2023
Single Honours
Joint Honours
- BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures and Spanish (QR39)
- BA English and Spanish (QR34)
- BA Film and Spanish (L288)
- BA History and Spanish (VR14)
- BA History of Art and Spanish (VR34)
- BA International Business Management and Spanish (NR14)
- LLB Law and Spanish (MR13)
- BA Music and Spanish (WR34)
- BA Philosophy and Spanish (RV45)
- BA Politics and Spanish (RL42)
- BA Theatre and Spanish (4D8C)
If you would like to study Spanish on its own or in combination with other languages, see Modern Languages.
Spanish at Bristol
Our degrees give you the opportunity to achieve an excellent level of spoken and written Spanish while exploring the society, culture, literature, linguistics and history of the countries where it is spoken.
You’ll work with native-speaking language experts and will get the chance to take part in a variety of cultural opportunities, including the student-run magazine Pensador, which is published every year with articles in Spanish, Portuguese and Catalan.
Beginners follow a tailor-made intensive language course, while those who are further along will receive advanced language tuition, engaging with texts, current affairs, media and film. All will complement their language study with optional units covering the fascinating history, art and culture of Iberia and Latin America.
At Bristol you can either study Spanish as a joint honours degree with another subject, or choose the Modern Languages course to study Spanish on its own or in combination with other languages.
There is a fantastic level of trust between students and teachers, which makes independent study fun and illuminating. The super staff, location, course content and countless opportunities made my choice obvious.
Career prospects
Modern languages graduates are in high demand, especially by international organisations for whom fluency in a language and knowledge of foreign institutions and customs is highly useful. You will develop skills in organisation, time management and independent learning, which are greatly valued by employers.
Our graduates enter a wide variety of careers, including translation, interpreting, teaching, journalism, banking, marketing, tourism, accountancy, the civil service and the Foreign Office.
What our students do after graduatingCourse structure
Following a broad grounding in year one, you choose from a wide and imaginative range of options to suit your interests in years two and four. Our degrees offer an exceptionally wide range of cultural options, from Spanish and Latin American literature to courses on cinema, history, politics and linguistics, all taught by researchers skilled in these fields.
For your third year abroad, you can immerse yourself in the culture of Spanish-speaking countries by working or studying abroad. We currently have exchange links with universities in Spain, Chile, Mexico, Colombia and elsewhere in Latin America. Find out about all of our go abroad options.
Sample units may include:
- From Frontiers to Football: South American History 1850-1950
- Writing, Society and Politics in Franco’s Spain
- Hispanic Sociolinguistics
- Introduction to Latin American Cinema
- Barcelona: Culture and Representations
- Latin American Digital and Visual Cultures: Identity and Resistance.
Pursue your passions
There is a great deal of flexibility in how you study Spanish, which is included as a part of many different courses.
You can study Spanish alongside other disciplines such as history, politics, or philosophy by applying for one of our joint honours degrees.
If you want to specialise solely in Spanish, or to study it alongside up to 2 other modern languages, you can apply to the BA Modern Languages course. If you study Spanish and Portuguese, you have the option of adding Catalan in the second year for a degree called BA Hispanic Studies.
Spanish
Spanish courses for 2023
Single Honours
Joint Honours
- BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures and Spanish (QR39)
- BA English and Spanish (QR34)
- BA Film and Spanish (L288)
- BA History and Spanish (VR14)
- BA History of Art and Spanish (VR34)
- BA International Business Management and Spanish (NR14)
- LLB Law and Spanish (MR13)
- BA Music and Spanish (WR34)
- BA Philosophy and Spanish (RV45)
- BA Politics and Spanish (RL42)
- BA Theatre and Spanish (4D8C)
If you are interested in studying Spanish as a single honours degree, or in combination with one or two other modern languages, please see the BA Modern Languages course entry.
Spanish is the second most widely spoken European language in the world and the second language of the United States.
Our degrees give you the opportunity to achieve an excellent level of spoken and written Spanish while exploring the society, culture, literature, linguistics and history of the countries where it is spoken.
Why study Spanish at Bristol?
Our Department of Hispanic, Portuguese and Latin American Studies has an outstanding reputation and a close student community.
Following a broad grounding in year one, you choose from a wide and imaginative range of options to suit your interests in years two and four. Our degrees offer an exceptionally wide range of cultural options, from Spanish and Latin American literature to courses on cinema, history, politics and linguistics, all taught by researchers skilled in these fields.
For your third year abroad, we currently have exchange links with universities in Spain, Chile, Mexico, Colombia and elsewhere in Latin America. Visit Global Opportunities to find out more.
Bristol is an exciting place to study arts and humanities, with a thriving cultural life, several independent cinemas, concert halls and theatres, and a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere. The department organises many extracurricular activities including an annual Semana Cultural, which features music, plays, talks, readings and seminars.
We offer single honours degrees in Spanish and Hispanic Studies (with Portuguese and Catalan). Alternatively, you may study Spanish alongside another language or subject.
What kind of student would this course suit?
A Spanish degree at Bristol will suit those with an enquiring mind and a passion for exploring the culture of other countries and societies. Studying a modern language in the context of its speakers’ history, literature, experiences and outlooks broadens horizons and challenges preconceptions.
The year abroad is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to experience living in a different language and culture.
Spanish has official status in many countries across the world. Advanced study of Spanish plus the opportunity to live and work in another culture is perfect for you if you have a global vision for your future.
How is this course taught and assessed?
Most teaching and learning takes place in seminars and classes, supported by imaginative online materials and with regular feedback from tutors.
Language work is assessed by a programme of exercises, translations, essays and guided writing tasks, as well as written and oral exams. The other elements of the course may be assessed by a combination of essays, projects, presentations and exams.
Students are encouraged to engage fully with activities in the department in addition to structured teaching.
What are my career prospects?
Modern languages graduates are in high demand, especially by international organisations for whom fluency in a language and knowledge of foreign institutions and customs is highly useful. You will develop skills in organisation, time management and independent learning, which are greatly valued by employers.
Our graduates enter a wide variety of careers, including translation, interpreting, teaching, journalism, banking, marketing, tourism, accountancy, the civil service and the Foreign Office.
Find out more about what our students do after graduating.
Disclaimer
Important disclaimer information about our courses.
Every day my inbox is flooded with opportunities – internships, research projects, extra-curricular activities – all of which are the University getting students involved. The University is constantly updating its facilities, which reinforces its friendly and inclusive environment.
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