Hispanic Studies

Hispanic Studies at the University of Birmingham offers an immersive and comprehensive exploration of the languages, cultures, histories, and literatures of the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world. This degree programme is designed to provide students with advanced language skills alongside a deep understanding of the social, political, and cultural contexts that shape the Hispanic world from the medieval period to the present day. As a student, you will engage with a wide range of texts, films, and cultural artefacts, fostering critical thinking and interpretative skills essential for careers in international relations, translation, education, journalism, and more. The programme combines language acquisition with interdisciplinary modules in history, literature, politics, and cultural studies, enabling students to develop a well-rounded perspective on the diverse Hispanic societies across Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and their diasporas. Students have the opportunity to study abroad in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries, gaining invaluable intercultural experience and language proficiency. The programme also emphasizes research skills and independent study, preparing graduates for further academic study or professional roles that require bilingual capabilities and cross-cultural understanding. With access to Birmingham’s extensive resources, including language laboratories, dedicated research centres, and partnerships with cultural institutions, students are well-supported throughout their academic journey. The course is suitable for students with no prior knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese as well as those who have some background, offering pathways to develop fluency and literacy. Graduates from the programme go on to successful careers in translation, diplomacy, journalism, education, international business, and further academic pursuits. With a strong emphasis on critical analysis, cultural awareness, and communicative competence, the Hispanic Studies programme at Birmingham aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

Across its four-year curriculum, Hispanic Studies at the University of Birmingham offers you courses in all of the languages of the Iberian Peninsula (Castilian/Spanish, Portuguese, Basque, Galician and Catalan), in linguistics, and also in a range of other subjects such as film, history, literature, visual culture and politics.

First and second years

During the first two years you take a variety of introductory courses, which deal with different aspects of Hispanic literature and cultures, as well as helping you develop your Spanish language skills.

Some modules earn 20 credits, while others are worth 10 credits. This means that you can combine courses (to a total of 120 credits) to maximise the breadth of subjects studied, thus enhancing your knowledge and skills.

The following modules are on offer to you in your first year at Birmingham:

• Spanish language modules: Spanish Language; Intensive Spanish Language A & B.
• Other Iberian language modules: Intensive Spanish Language A & B; Beginners’ Catalan: Catalan Language and Culture I; Beginners’ Galician: Galician Language and Culture I; Beginners’ Portuguese.
• Culture modules: Hispanic Literature: Texts and Contexts; History & Politics; Images of Hispanic Identity; Iberian Languages & Linguistics.

In your second year at the University of Birmingham you will have the chance to develop and deepen your knowledge, expertise and skills in a number of areas. In year 2 the range of modules on offer includes:

• Spanish language modules: Spanish Language II; Ex Beginners Spanish Language.
• Other Iberian language modules: Beginners’ Basque: Basque Language and Culture I; Basque Language and Culture II; Beginners’ Catalan: Catalan Language and Culture I; Catalan Language and Culture II; Beginners’ Galician: Galician Language and Culture I; Galician Language and Culture II; Beginners’ Portuguese; Intermediate Portuguese Language.
• Culture modules - both semesters: Hispanic Literature: Texts and Contexts L1; Life Writing in Contemporary Spain; Spanish Cinema.
• Culture modules - semester one: Don Quixote and Golden-Age Prose Fiction; Conquest, Empire and Inquisition in 16th Century Spain and Spanish America; Contemporary Latin American History & Society; Barcelona - Urban Space and Cultural Identity; Spanish Linguistics; Medieval Galician Portuguese Lyric; Portuguese Literature.
• Culture modules - semester two: Origins of the Spanish Theatre; Spanish Narratives of Violence; Introduction to the Spanish Caribbean: History, Literature & Popular Culture; Basque Society & Culture; Constructing Community in the Catalan-Speaking Territories; Love, Sin and Death in Medieval Spain; Brazilian Literature.

Third year

This year is spent at a university in Spain or Latin America, where you perfect your language skills and prepare a dissertation on a Hispanic theme.

In addition to studying at university students might also opt for approved placements in teaching or working in industry.

Fourth year

Final-year courses at the University of Birmingham offer you the opportunity to expand very significantly your knowledge and expertise, and during your last year of study, you are also offered the chance to research and write a dissertation on a topic of particular interest to you (as agreed with your tutor).

Modules on offer to final-year undergraduates include the following:

• Spanish language modules: Advanced Spanish Language.
• Other Iberian language modules: Advanced Basque Language; Advanced Catalan Language; Advanced Galician Language; Intermediate Portuguese Language; Advanced Portuguese Language.
• Culture modules - both semesters: Dissertation; Translation Theory and Practice in Europe; Advanced Linguistics; Spanish Caribbean: History & Literature; US Latino Culture: The Spanish Caribbean; “Novel into Film”: Contemporary Spanish Film from Fiction; Spanish Civil War Literature; Social and Political Processes in Contemporary Latin America; Re-Imagining the World: Cervantes, Lopes and the Baroque.
• Culture modules - semester one: Vision of the Vanquished; Great Power Intervention in the Spanish Civil War; Contemporary Latin American Novel; 20th Century Brazilian Fiction.
• Culture modules - semester two: Investigating Iberia: Fictions of Detection; Libro De Buen Amor; Currents in Catalan Literature; Contemporary Portuguese Novel; Spanish Fiction Since 1975; A Time of Change: Collective and Cultural Memory in Contemporary Spain.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 80(Grade A) TOEFL iBT® test : 93

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

Requirements

Number of A levels required: 3

Typical offer: ABB

Required subjects and grades: A level Spanish grad

International Baccalaureate: 34 points including Spanish at High Level

Additional information:

Other qualifications are considered.

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 Birmingham.

Hispanic Studies at the University of Birmingham offers an in-depth exploration of the languages, cultures, history, and societies of Spanish-speaking countries. The program is designed to develop students' linguistic proficiency in Spanish, alongside a comprehensive understanding of the cultural and social contexts that shape the Hispanic world. Students have the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of topics, including literature, politics, cinema, and contemporary issues facing Spanish-speaking nations.

The curriculum emphasizes both language skills and cultural understanding, with modules tailored to develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities in Spanish. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to analyze and critically reflect on cultural phenomena, historical developments, and contemporary challenges in the Hispanic world. The program also offers modules that focus on specific regions or themes within the Hispanic sphere, allowing students to tailor their studies according to personal interests and career aspirations.

Students benefit from exposure to expert faculty members who are specialists in areas such as Latin American studies, Spanish literature, and cultural studies. The university provides a vibrant academic environment with access to extensive library resources, language laboratories, and opportunities for study abroad placements. As part of the degree, students may have the chance to study in Spain or Latin America, immersing themselves in native language environments and gaining firsthand insights into the cultural and social realities of these regions.

The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, including translation, interpretation, teaching, international business, diplomacy, journalism, and cultural management. It also provides strong foundations for further academic research or postgraduate study in areas related to Hispanic language and culture. The university’s focus on developing both linguistic competence and cultural literacy ensures that graduates are well-equipped to operate effectively in global contexts where Spanish is an essential language.

The course typically involves a combination of lectures, seminars, language workshops, and independent research projects. Assessment methods include essays, presentations, language examinations, and group discussions. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to participate actively in class debates and cultural activities, fostering a dynamic learning environment. Additional support services are available for students, including language practice sessions, academic writing workshops, and career guidance.

Overall, the Hispanic Studies program at the University of Birmingham offers a comprehensive and enriching academic experience for students passionate about the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures. Its emphasis on practical language skills, cultural insights, and international exposure ensures that graduates are prepared to succeed in increasingly interconnected global environments.