Cultural Studies (Hispanic Studies)

Provides a comprehensive academic exploration of Hispanic cultures, societies, literatures, and languages through interdisciplinary approaches. Students will develop detailed knowledge of Spanish and Latin American historical contexts, cultural practices, literary texts, and contemporary issues. The programme offers modules in language proficiency, allowing students to enhance their fluency in Spanish, alongside courses in cultural studies, sociology, history, and literature related to Hispanic regions. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, analytical skills, and intercultural awareness, preparing graduates for careers in international relations, cultural management, education, journalism, and further academic research. The curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of the diverse identities, traditions, and social dynamics within Hispanic countries, through lectures, seminars, research projects, and language practices. Students will have opportunities to participate in study abroad programs and internships, gaining valuable international experience. The programme's flexible structure enables students to tailor their studies according to their interests in specific geographic areas, historical periods, or thematic focuses such as migration, gender, and identity. Assessment methods include essays, presentations, exams, and coursework, with support from experienced academic staff who are active researchers in the field. Upon graduation, students will possess a solid command of the Spanish language, a broad knowledge of Hispanic cultural and social issues, and the ability to critically analyze complex texts and phenomena. This degree prepares students for diverse professional pathways or postgraduate study, contributing to a deeper understanding of the rich and varied Hispanic world.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 240 ECTS
Duration full-time 48 months Partnership Joint Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

SO334 - Modern Culture

SO335 - Contemporary Culture

LS300 - Learning Spanish 3 (Post A Level)

LS302 - Intensive Learning Spanish 1 (Beginners)

LS312 - Introduction to Hispanic Culture

LS313 - Introduction to Hispanic Culture

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

LS504 - Learning Spanish 3B(Intensive Post A-Level)

LS505 - Learning Spanish 4

SO657 - Digital Culture

SO676 - Cultures of Embodiment

LS513 - Spanish Literature: Identity

LS515 - Catalan Culture

LS548 - Contemporary Spanish Cinema

LS562 - The Legacy of Inequality: Race and Ethnicity in Latin America

LS568 - Second Year Extended Essay

LS571 - After Dictatorship: Spain and Latin America

LS579 - Barcelona and Havana: Icon, Myth and History

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Year abroad

If you are taking a European language, as part of a joint degree, you spend a year between Stages 2 and 3 studying at a university in the country of your chosen language.

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

LA514 - Year Abroad Module

SO657 - Digital Culture

SO676 - Cultures of Embodiment

LS506 - Learning Spanish 5

LS580 - Barcelona and Havana: Icon, Myth and History

SCL501 - Languages in the Classroom

LS563 - Terrorism and State Terror in Latin America

LS567 - Final Year Dissertation

LA515 - Gender and Sexuality in Afro-Luso-Brazilian Cinema

LS550 - Reading Monstrosity in Iberian Culture

LS554 - Writing the Cuban Revolution

SO506 - Popular Culture, Media and Society

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification Typical offer/minimum requirement

• A level:ABB
• GCSE:C in a modern European language other than English
• Access to HE Diploma:The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma):The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.
• International Baccalaureate:34 points overall or 16 at HL including a modern European language other than English 4 at HL or 5 at SL

International students

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2015 financial support package includes a £6,000 cash bursary spread over the duration of your course. For Ts&Cs and to find out more, visit our funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages. Please note that details of the scholarship for 2015 entry have not yet been finalised and are subject to change.

The Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Studies with a focus on Hispanic Studies at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive understanding of the cultures, histories, literatures, and societies of the Spanish-speaking world. This program aims to develop students’ critical thinking, cultural awareness, and language skills through a multidisciplinary curriculum that combines cultural analysis, literary studies, and language acquisition. Students explore a diverse range of topics, including Hispanic literature, cinema, popular culture, history, and contemporary social issues across Latin America and Spain. The program emphasizes both theoretical approaches and practical skills, enabling graduates to analyze cultural phenomena and communication within Spanish-speaking communities effectively.

The course structure typically includes core modules that introduce key concepts in cultural and literary studies, as well as optional modules allowing students to specialize in areas such as Latin American studies, Spanish language, or specific cultural themes. Language modules are designed to improve proficiency in Spanish, with many courses offered in Spanish to enhance immersion and fluency. Students also benefit from studying abroad opportunities, which provide firsthand experience of Spanish-speaking countries and their cultures. These exchange programs aim to foster intercultural competence and a global perspective, vital skills in today’s interconnected world.

Assessment methods commonly involve essays, presentations, exams, and project work, encouraging both independent research and collaborative learning. The program prepares students for diverse career paths, including journalism, education, international relations, translation, cultural management, or further postgraduate study. Graduates of the program are equipped with a nuanced understanding of Hispanic cultures, advanced language skills, and critical analysis capabilities, making them valuable in various sectors such as diplomacy, media, arts, and academia. The University of Kent’s academic staff are experts in Hispanic studies, and the university provides a supportive environment with dedicated resources such as language labs and cultural events, enriching the student experience. Overall, the program strives to produce culturally literate and globally aware graduates ready to engage with the complexities of the Hispanic world in professional and personal contexts.