Spanish Studies with Latin American Studies

Description

Our BA Spanish Studies with Latin American Studies enables you to study two or three languages and thematic modules per year.

Our courses in this area are run in collaboration with our Departments of History, Sociology, Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies, and Language and Linguistics, and School of Philosophy and Art History, which offer an attractive choice of options. Each component challenges you with a variety of material in English, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese. Your first-year module on Latin America consists of a broad survey of the area from the pre-Conquest to the present day and each component is taught by an expert in that discipline. You spend a period of study in Latin America with many of our students going to Mexico, Columbia, Brazil or Argentina. Some also spend their second semester gaining practical work experience as interns, although there are a limited number of internships and what is available is subject to change.

Detailed Course Facts

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

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our course are flexibility and choice. In your first, second and final years you take a compulsory module and three optional modules, one must be a Spanish-related module and another one must be a Latin American module. During your final year all your modules are optional, two must be philosophy modules, one must be a language module and one can be a social science module. You will spend your third year abroad. There is a great deal of choice for these optional modules due to the extensive range of modules offered by our departments.
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

Spanish Language;
Spanish Language or one Spanish thematic option;
one Latin American option; and
one option (may be a language)

Year 2

Spanish Language;
one Spanish thematic option;
one language option;
one Latin American option; and
one option (may be a language)

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

Spanish Language;
one Spanish thematic option;
one language option;
one Latin American option; and
one option (may be a language)

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.

The Spanish Studies with Latin American Studies program at the University of Essex offers students an extensive and comprehensive education in the languages, cultures, history, and societies of Spain and Latin America. This interdisciplinary program is designed to develop students' linguistic competence in Spanish, alongside a deep understanding of the diverse cultural, political, and social contexts of the Spanish-speaking world. Students will gain advanced language skills through classroom instruction, conversational practice, and study abroad opportunities, enabling them to communicate effectively and confidently in real-world situations.

The curriculum typically includes core modules in Spanish language, literature, and culture, as well as specialized courses focusing on Latin American history, politics, and contemporary issues. The program emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural awareness, and research skills, preparing graduates for careers in international relations, diplomacy, translation, media, education, or further academic research. Students also have the opportunity to participate in optional placements and internships, gaining practical experience and professional contacts within relevant industries.

The university provides excellent support resources, including language labs, cultural events, and access to relevant academic databases. Study abroad exchanges with partner institutions in Spain and Latin America are integral components, allowing students to immerse themselves in native environments, improve language proficiency, and build international networks. Assessment methods typically include essays, presentations, exams, and project work, reinforcing both individual knowledge and collaborative skills.

Graduates of this program are equipped with bicultural competencies and a global outlook, making them highly competitive in a rapidly interconnected world. The program encourages engagement with current affairs, literary analysis, and social debates, ensuring students are well-informed and critically aware of issues affecting the Spanish-speaking regions and their diaspora communities. Overall, the Spanish Studies with Latin American Studies at Essex aims to produce culturally competent, multilingual professionals ready to contribute to cultural exchange, international development, or further academic pursuits.