Spanish, Portuguese and Brazilian Studies

The BA Portuguese and Spanish Studies programme at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and immersive experience in the languages, cultures, and histories of Portugal, Spain, Brazil, and other Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries. Designed for those passionate about linguistic diversity, intercultural exchange, and global perspectives, this programme allows students to develop advanced language skills while gaining a deep understanding of the social, political, and historical contexts that shape the Iberian and Latin American worlds. Throughout the course, students engage in rigorous language training in both Portuguese and Spanish, fostering fluency and linguistic confidence suitable for professional and academic pursuits. The programme combines core language modules with optional courses covering literature, culture, film, politics, and economic issues, enabling students to tailor their studies according to their interests. Students will explore topics such as Latin American identity and social movements, colonial history, contemporary issues in Lusophone and Hispanic countries, and intercultural communication. The programme also emphasizes practical skills development, including translation, interpretation, and intercultural negotiation, preparing graduates for careers in international relations, diplomacy, business, journalism, or education. Additionally, students benefit from opportunities for study abroad, internships, and cultural activities that enrich their understanding of Portuguese and Spanish-speaking societies. The teaching staff consists of experts in Iberian Studies, Latin American Studies, linguistics, and related fields, providing students with high-quality academic guidance and mentorship. Graduates of this programme will possess not only bilingual proficiency but also a nuanced understanding of the cultural dynamics across the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America, making them highly competitive in the global job market. Whether students aim to work in multinational organizations, NGOs, or pursue postgraduate research, this degree offers a solid foundation in the languages, cultures, and social issues of some of the world's most vibrant and diverse regions.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

For our BA Spanish, Portuguese and Brazilian Studies all your modules will be compulsory for first, second and final years. You will spend your third year abroad. The structure of your course will depend on whether you took A level Spanish and A level Portuguese, only A level Spanish or only A level Portuguese.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

If you possess A-levels in both Spanish and Portuguese: Advanced Portuguese;
Brazil in Focus: Business, Culture and Society;
Advanced Spanish; and
From the Caves to Modern Graffiti: a Visual History of the Spanish Language
If you possess A-level Spanish: Spanish to Portuguese Conversion;
Brazil in Focus: Business, Culture and Society;
Advanced Spanish; and
From the Caves to Modern Graffiti: a Visual History of the Spanish Language
If you possess A-level Portuguese: Advanced Portuguese;
Brazil in Focus: Business, Culture and Society; and
Intensive Initial Spanish (double module)

Year 2

If you possess A-levels in both Spanish and Portuguese: Proficiency Portuguese;
Portguese Project;
Proficiency Spanish; and
Spanish and Latin American Art, Film and Music; or Spanish Project
If you possess A-level Spanish: Advanced Portuguese;
Proficiency Spanish;
Spanish and Latin American Art, Film and Music; or Spanish Project
If you possess A-level Portuguese: Proficiency Portuguese;
Portuguese Project; Advanced Spanish; and
From the Caves to Modern Graffiti: a Visual History of the Spanish Language

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

If you possess A-levels in both Spanish and Portuguese: Mastery Portuguese;
Portuguese Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling Skills;
Mastery Spanish; and
Contemporary Spanish Language and Culture or Spanish Dissertation
If you possess A-level Spanish: Proficiency Portuguese;
Portuguese Project;
Mastery Spanish; and
Contemporary Spanish Language and Culture or Spanish Dissertation
If you possess A-level Portuguese: Mastery Portuguese;
Portuguese Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling Skills;
Proficiency Spanish; and
Spanish and Latin American Art, Film and Music or Spanish Project

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

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

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).
• If French or Portuguese is taken as the major language, A-level French or Portuguese/Spanish (or equivalent) is required. German, Italian and Spanish can be studied as the major language either from scratch, via our intensive route, or via our post A-level route. All languages can be studied from scratch as the minor language.
• If you are interested in studying a language for which you consider yourself to be a native speaker, please contact our Undergraduate Admissions Office.

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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 Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.