University of York

What you'll study

The programme blends core liberal arts modules with progressive Spanish language tuition and area studies in Spanish-speaking cultures. You will take interdisciplinary modules in fields such as history, politics, philosophy, literature and cultural studies alongside structured language classes that take you from intermediate to advanced levels depending on prior knowledge.

• Core liberal arts themes: critical thinking, research methods, ethics, cultural analysis and multidisciplinary debate.
• Spanish language: systematic language development in speaking, listening, reading and writing; grammar and pronunciation workshops; and tailored classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced students.
• Literature and film: study of Spanish and Latin American literature, film and media, including author and genre studies, literary theory and cultural context.
• History and society: modules on modern Spanish history, politics, colonial and post‑colonial Latin America, migration and identity.
• Translation and applied language skills: practical translation, interpreting, professional writing and language for specific purposes (business, law, diplomacy).
• Independent project: a dissertation or substantial final-year project combining liberal arts research with Spanish-language sources or creative practice.

Teaching typically combines small-group seminars, language workshops, lectures and one-to-one supervision. Assessment is by a mix of essays, language exams, oral presentations, project work and a final dissertation or capstone project. Students can usually choose to take a year abroad or a shorter period of study/placement in a Spanish-speaking country as part of a four-year variant or exchange arrangements, subject to meeting language and progression requirements.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a strong academic background in secondary education. Typical offers take account of performance across relevant qualifications; successful applicants normally demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills and an aptitude for interdisciplinary study.

• A-levels or equivalent: good passes in three A-levels or an equivalent secondary qualification. Prior study of Spanish is advantageous but not always essential; beginners can be admitted to designated entry routes.
• International qualifications: accepted international equivalents to A-levels are welcome; applicants from different systems should consult the admissions guidance for required documentation.
• English language: applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of proficiency. Standard accepted tests (for example IELTS or equivalent) at a level suitable for degree-level study are required; check the admissions pages for current thresholds.
• Other routes: mature students, access course holders and those with relevant work or life experience are encouraged to apply; interviews or short written tasks may be used for selection in some cases.

Career prospects

Graduates combine interdisciplinary analytical skills with high-level Spanish language competence, making them attractive to a wide range of employers. Career paths commonly taken by alumni include:

• international business and trade
• diplomacy, international development and NGOs
• publishing, journalism and media
• translation, interpreting and language services
• teaching and education (often with subsequent teacher training qualifications)
• policy, research and the civil service
• graduate study in the humanities, social sciences or professional fields such as law and international relations

The University of York offers careers support, placement services and employer links to help translate interdisciplinary study and language skills into professional opportunities.

Why study at University of York

York offers a collegiate campus environment with strong teaching in languages and humanities, a supportive tutorial system and a research-active community. Spanish teaching draws on staff expertise across literature, linguistics, history and cultural studies, and students benefit from dedicated language facilities and conversation practice opportunities.

The university maintains international exchange links and placement options that allow students to gain immersive language experience, and central services provide guidance on employability, internships and postgraduate progression. Combined with a flexible liberal arts curriculum, the York programme is designed to develop both breadth of knowledge and depth in Spanish language and culture.