Spanish and Latin American Studies

This undergraduate program in Spanish and Latin American Studies at University College London offers an in-depth exploration of the rich cultural, historical, political, and social developments of Spain and Latin America. The curriculum is designed to develop students' proficiency in the Spanish language while providing a comprehensive understanding of the diverse societies and histories across these regions. Students will engage with a wide range of interdisciplinary topics, including literature, cinema, art, politics, and economic development, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. The program emphasizes both historical contexts and contemporary issues, equipping graduates with a global perspective and cross-cultural competencies. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, language practice, and independent research, students will enhance their communication skills in Spanish and learn to interpret complex cultural texts and socio-political phenomena. The program also offers opportunities for study abroad, allowing students to immerse themselves directly in Spanish-speaking environments, thereby strengthening language skills and cultural understanding. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in international relations, diplomacy, journalism, cultural management, education, and other fields that require a deep knowledge of Spanish and Latin American contexts. The faculty comprises experts in Latin American literature, history, politics, and linguistics, ensuring students receive a high-quality education grounded in current academic research. Commitment to diversity and inclusion is central to the program, encouraging students to appreciate regional differences and engage with a broad spectrum of perspectives. The degree combines linguistic training with regional specialization, making it suitable for students interested in both language proficiency and regional expertise. Overall, the program aims to produce culturally literate, critically engaged graduates capable of contributing to a wide range of global and local communities through advanced knowledge of Spain and Latin America.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

The integrated study of language, literature, history and film is the hallmark of this degree. You are required to take modules to the value of 16 credits comprising an introductory core module in year one, Spanish language modules (with the option of also studying Portugese), as well as a selection of content modules including Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American literature, history, and film. A wide range of options is available in all years.

During your third year you will undertake a course of study at a university in a Spanish-speaking country. We currently have links with universities in Spain, Mexico, Chile and Argentina.

You will also take modules from SELCS. This will allow you to study subjects like literature, film, art and culture from a wider perspective. You will be exposed to broad cultural movements, issues and approaches and be able to draw on the full range of specialisms within the school.

A levels

Grades

AAB

Subjects

Spanish grade A required.

GCSEs

English Language at grade B, plus Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

36

Subjects

A score of 17 points in three higher level subjects including Spanish at grade 6, with no score lower than 5.

The University College London offers a range of financing options to support students enrolled in its Spanish and Latin American Studies programmes. Prospective students can access various funding sources, including scholarships, grants, bursaries, and student loans. Scholarships are available for both domestic and international students and are often awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to the student’s background or area of study. For example, the UCL Global Scholarships provide financial support to outstanding students from various countries, including those studying Latin American or Spanish-related disciplines. Additionally, UCL offers departmental scholarships that may be specifically targeted toward students entering the Spanish and Latin American Studies programmes.

International students are encouraged to explore additional funding sources available through government-sponsored programs, such as the UK government’s Chevening Scholarships or Commonwealth scholarships, which can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. UCL’s Student Funding Office provides comprehensive guidance and assistance in applying for these opportunities. Furthermore, students can consider taking out government or private student loans to finance their studies, with options for repayment that are often flexible and tailored to international students’ circumstances.

Part-time work opportunities are also available on campus, allowing students to support themselves financially while pursuing their studies. UCL’s Careers Service provides resources and support for securing part-time employment both during the academic year and over the summer. Some programmes may also offer funding through teaching or research assistantships, although these tend to be more common in postgraduate research or doctoral studies rather than undergraduate programmes.

In summary, students enrolling in the Spanish and Latin American Studies courses at UCL have access to a robust array of financial support mechanisms. From merit-based scholarships to government grants and loans, students are encouraged to actively seek out and apply for multiple funding sources to help reduce financial burdens and make their academic pursuits in these specialized fields more accessible.

The Global Latin American Studies MA program at University College London offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding Latin America from a global perspective. This program is designed for students who are interested in exploring the cultural, political, social, and economic aspects of Latin America, with an emphasis on contemporary issues and historical contexts. The curriculum integrates diverse disciplines such as history, politics, anthropology, literature, and economics, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the region's complexities.

Students enrolled in this program benefit from UCL's strong links with academic institutions, research centers, and cultural organizations across Latin America. They have opportunities to engage in original research, participate in seminars, and attend conferences related to Latin American studies. The program also emphasizes developing analytical and language skills, with proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese often a requirement or a recommended skill, enabling students to access primary sources and communicate effectively with scholars and communities across Latin America.

The program's structure typically includes core modules on Latin American history, politics, and culture, alongside options tailored to students' specific interests such as indigenous studies, migration, or economic development. A significant component of the program involves a dissertation based on independent research, allowing students to specialize in an area of their choice within Latin American studies. UCL's vibrant academic environment, combined with its diverse student body from across the globe, fosters a rich learning experience that prepares graduates for careers in academia, international organizations, NGOs, journalism, and diplomatic service related to Latin America.

This master's program is ideal for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Latin America's place in the world and its internal and external dynamics. It also aims to promote critical thinking about development issues, regional identity, and global connectivity. The program often attracts students with backgrounds in social sciences, humanities, or language studies, and it encourages a multidisciplinary outlook. Graduates of the program typically go on to work in research, policy advising, cultural exchange, or further academic study, contributing to greater understanding and cooperation between their home countries and Latin America.

Overall, the University College London MA in Latin American Studies is a rigorous and flexible program designed to equip students with critical analytical tools, language proficiency, and regional knowledge necessary for professional and academic success in Latin American contexts and beyond.