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BA|Undergraduate

Spanish

Entry year
Academic Year 2025/26
Entry requirements
ABB
Duration
4 years (Full-time)
UCAS code
R410

Spanish at Queen’s introduces students to the literatures, histories, cultures and language of the Spanish-speaking world. We are proud to offer students the opportunity to learn more about Spain and Latin America and to study different periods from early modern (Golden Age) Spain and colonial Latin America to twentieth-first century Spain and contemporary Latin America.
Students can start to learn Spanish as beginners if they do not have an A or AS level in Spanish.
All students follow core modules in Spanish language which enable students to develop skills in written and spoken Spanish and translation from Spanish to English. The degree takes four years to complete and includes a study abroad year which many of our students say is a highlight of their degree. All our classes are taught in small groups by a dedicated team of staff, giving students the opportunity to be part of a close-knit community, participate fully in discussions and receive detailed, personalised feedback on their work.

Excellence of research and teaching consistently recognised in league tables. Iberian Languages at Queen’s are 2nd for Research Quality, and 5th for Research Intensity.

Spanish highlights

Global Opportunities

After stage 2, you will spend an academic year working or studying in a Spanish-speaking country. Students have the possibility of acquiring valuable professional experience by teaching in a school, undertaking a work placement, or doing voluntary work; they may also elect to study at a Spanish university. Queen's University Belfast is committed to providing a range of international opportunities to its students during their degree programme.

Industry Links

Graduates in Spanish have risen to the top in a number of fields, including media, print journalism, translating, marketing, local government, fast-stream Civil Service, and a very wide range of local, national and international companies.

World Class Facilities

Queen’s Library has an outstanding collection of resources relating to Spain and Latin America. The Language Centre has state-of-the-art facilities for language learning, and the IT provision more generally is excellent.

Internationally Renowned Experts

Spanish at QUB has world leading experts in Spanish and Latin American literatures and cultures. Thanks to the breadth of staff expertise we are able to offer students the opportunity to study countries across the Spanish speaking world and different time periods. Research in Languages at Queen’s was ranked 3rd in the UK in REF 2014 for Research Intensity and 5th for Grade Point Average.

Student Experience

Students run a lively Spanish and Portuguese Society, and staff offer support through a personal tutoring system, skills development programme and a structured framework for feedback.
• Spanish and Portuguese Society: Students can get involved in a vibrant student network that organizes activities throughout the year (e.g. tapas nights, language intercambios) and includes many ERASMUS students at Queen’s as well.

Further Study Opportunities

Students can continue to study for an MRes with a specialism in Spanish, which will be tailored to a student’s particular interests, and will involve a combination of guided study and independent research. The MRes allows students to explore their chosen topic in depth and provides an ideal preparation for careers which require research skills or for continuing postgraduate study. Other PG courses of possible interest for graduates of Spanish include the MA in Arts Management and the MA in Translation
http://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-taught/arts-humanities-mres/

Student Experience

In the 2023 National Student Survey, Iberian Studies was 4th in the UK for assessment and feedback and 3rd in the UK for mental wellbeing services. 97% of our students said that staff are good at explaining things. 92% said that “the course challenges me to achieve my best work”, 94% thought that the course “introduces subjects and skills well in a way that builds on what I have already learned”.
discoveruni.gov.uk
The student experience is enhanced by a number of ad hoc activities organized around individual modules, such as workshops with artists, discussion groups and practical workshops with visiting scholars, special screenings of films and documentaries, or question and answer sessions where we host visiting cultural figures such as film directors. Students can also get involved in a vibrant student network that organizes activities throughout the year (e.g. tapas nights, language intercambios, information sessions for students about to go on their Year Abroad) and includes many ERASMUS students at Queen's as well.
Staff offer support through a personal tutoring system, skills development programme and a structured framework for feedback.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ael/Study/EnrichingOurStudentExperience/

Student Testimonials

Course Structure

Stage 1

In year 1, students undertake 4 core modules, and can choose a further two from a wide range available on this programme. These introduce key concepts in Spanish language, literature and culture. They will also develop critical and writing skills necessary in order to make the transition to studying at university level.

Stage 2

In their second year, students build on the learning and skills gained in year 1, developing fluency and sophistication in their use of the language, and deepening their knowledge of Hispanic cultures.

Stage 3 - Year Abroad

In Year 3 students spend around 8 months in a Spanish speaking country, undertaking a work placement and gaining skills that support employability.

Stage 4

In the final year of the programme, students continue to develop their knowledge of Spanish, and select from a wide range of modules which are rooted in staff research expertise.

People teaching you

Subject Lead

Arts, English & Languages
Before joining Queen’s in 2015, Dr Lawless worked as a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde and the University of Sheffield. She is one of the founders of the International Network for Nineteenth-Century Hispanists. She teaches language classes at all levels, as well as optional modules on Spanish literature and culture from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Senior Lecturer in Brazilian Studies


Dr Holmes is one of the founders of REBRAC, the European Network of Brazilianists Working in Cultural Analysis, and a member of the Interdisciplinary Research Advisory Panel for the Research Excellence Framework 2021. In 2016 Dr Holmes was awarded an AHRC Cultural Engagement Fellowship

Professor of Spanish and Portuguese Studies

Arts, English and Languages

Professor of Latin American Studies

Arts, English and Languages

Contact Teaching Hours

Medium Group Teaching

11 (hours maximum)
hours

Personal Study

25 (hours maximum)
hours preparing and revising

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable our students to achieve their full academic potential.

On the BA in Spanish we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. We create a supportive environment in which we get to know each of our students individually. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

  • E-Learning technologies

    Information associated with lectures and assignments is communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Canvas. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example: computer-based grammar learning packages; interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes in project- based work and for presentations etc.

  • Lectures

    These introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in larger groups of approximately 40 students). Only a few of our modules are delivered in this way, e.g. Introduction to Latin American Studies both at Level 1.

  • Oral classes

    Students will have opportunities to develop oral skills and apply grammar and vocabulary in real-life, practical contexts. All these classes are taught in very small groups (typically 6-12 students) and are facilitated by a native speaker (from Spain or Latin America). Students will be expected to attend 1 oral class per week as part of your core language module.

  • Personal Tutor

    Students are allocated a Personal Tutor who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development. This gives students one identified contact to discuss any difficulties they might encounter and who can answer any queries they might have.

  • Self-directed study

    This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.

  • Seminars/tutorials

    Almost all of the teaching in Spanish and Portuguese Studies is carried out in small groups (typically 10-20 students) in both English and Spanish. These provide significant opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess your own progress and understanding with the support of peers. Students should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups. All of our language teaching and the vast majority of our other modules are delivered through small-group seminars.

  • Year Abroad

    Students taking a BA in Spanish undertake a year abroad in a Spanish-speaking country after Level 2. This is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity during which students can study in a Spanish University, work as an English-Language Teacher, undertake a paid work placement etc. This feature of our degree programme gives students the opportunity for personal development, gives them a job placement, further develops communication and language skills, and the challenges of living abroad come to be a unique (and unforgettable) stage in their own personal development.

Assessment

Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

  • The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of the year examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are provided in the course materials which are made available online at the beginning of the semester, shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction. All assessment, apart from home language assignments, year abroad portfolio, and oral exams, is marked and returned anonymously.

Feedback

As students progress through this course they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module convenors, personal tutors, advisers of study and their peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

  • Formal written comments and marks relating to work that students, as individuals or as part of a group, have submitted. The vast majority of our written feedback is provided electronically to your personal online account.
  • General comments or question and answer opportunities during or at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
  • Immediate, on-the-spot feedback from your teacher during language classes.
  • Individual consultations addressing specific queries with lecturers during designated consultation hours.
  • Online or emailed comment to specific queries.
  • Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which students can review in their own time.
  • Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.
  • Once students have reviewed their feedback, they are encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of their work.

Facilities

Queen’s has an excellent library with an outstanding range of resources in Peninsular Spanish and Hispanic cultures. The Language Centre has state-of-the-art facilities for language learning, and IT provision more generally is excellent.

What our academics say

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Spanish 1 (40 credits)
  • Year 2

    Core Modules

    Spanish 2 (40 credits)

    Optional Modules

    Protecting Paradise (20 credits)
  • Year 3

    Core Modules

  • Year 4

    Core Modules

    Spanish 3 (40 credits)

    Optional Modules

Entrance requirements

A level requirements

Post A-level Spanish
ABB including A-level Spanish.
Note: for applicants who have not studied A-level Spanish then AS-level Spanish grade B would be acceptable in lieu of A-level Spanish.

Beginners Spanish
ABB + GCSE Spanish grade B or evidence of linguistic ability in another language.
Note: the Beginners' option is not available to those who have studied A-level or AS-level Spanish.

A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to a grade A at A-level and a Distinction being equated to a grade B at A-level.

Irish leaving certificate requirements

H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Spanish

International Baccalaureate Diploma

33 points overall, including 6(Spanish),5,5 at Higher Level

Graduate

A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirement is also met

Note

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

How we choose our students

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by individual University Schools. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

For last year's intake, applicants for this BA programme offering A-level/BTEC Level 3 qualifications must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better (to include English Language). Performance in any AS or A-level examinations already completed would also have been taken into account and the Selector checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.

For applicants offering Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Irish Junior Certificate (IJC) is taken into account. For last year’s entry applicants for this degree must have had, a minimum of 5 IJC grades C/Merit. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied.

Offers are normally be made on the basis of three A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS would also be considered. The offer for repeat candidates is set in terms of three A-levels and may be one grade higher than that asked from first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.

Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification), or one A-level and a BTEC Diploma/National Diploma (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.

Access courses, BTEC Extended Diplomas, Higher National Certificates, and Higher National Diplomas can be considered, provided the subject requirements for entry to Spanish are also fulfilled.

The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of BA degrees, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking four A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

Candidates are not normally asked to attend for interview.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes

INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.

These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

Studying for a Spanish degree at Queen’s will assist students in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions.

Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline.

The First Destination Survey showed that none of our language graduates were unemployed six months after graduating in 2010. A Higher Education Funding Council report for 2008 also showed that 3.5 years after graduation, languages students have the fourth highest mean salary (after graduates in Medicine, Pharmacy and
Architecture).

Although the majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in law, business, banking and translation, significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors. Typical careers pursued by graduates in Spanish can include publishing, education/teaching, translation/interpreting, PR, fast stream Civil Service, and banking.
http://www.prospects.ac.uk

Employment after the Course

Spanish graduates go on to work in a very wide range of sectors, including media and communications, finance, advertising, journalism, tourism, teaching and translation. They are particularly in demand in careers requiring a high level of communication and presentation skills, as well as strong critical and analytical thinking. 90% of students are in work or further study 6 months after graduation. International companies in which our past students are now employed include: PwC, Ernst and Young, Micro Focus Latin America, Santander, Jameson, Barclays, and Scotiabank.
https://padlet.com/ael14/wi1aefw7780pp3wl

Employment Links

We regularly consult and develop links with a large number of employers including, for example, Santander and the British Council who provide sponsorship for our year abroad placements as well as Rolls Royce, PwC, and Moy Park / MARFRIG who are members of the employer liaison panel for the course. Placement Employers. Our past students have also gained work placement with organisations such as the British Council Assistantships Program, Santander Bank, and PwC Graduate Careers and Achievements Many of our former graduates have risen to the top of their fields and include many famous figures; for example:
Hilary Oliver, Managing Director, Cameo Productions
Carla Leonard, Business Performance Manager, Barclay
Nuala McKeever, Comedian
Niall Donnelly, Reporter, UTV

Alumni Success

Michael, a 2016 Spanish graduate remarked: ‘Studying Spanish at QUB was a very rewarding experience for me personally and one that I would recommend to anyone considering it. The truth is that the 4 years passed in what seemed the blink of an eye, but it is clear to me that I really developed not just in terms of my language, but also my critical thinking, my ability to research independently and work as part of a team, my public speaking and many more valuable skills for entering into the world of employment. I am currently working at an educational technology start-up in Madrid where Spanish is the lingua franca. I know for a fact that being a native English speaker with a degree in Spanish from a renowned institution helped me to get my foot in the door here and I am putting into practice many of the skills I learned studying Spanish at Queen’s on a daily basis.’
https://padlet.com/ael14/ofrm6epdvk9l997

What employers say

Prizes and Awards

Certificates of Distinction in Spoken Spanish: A Certificate of Distinction in spoken Spanish is awarded to students whose performance is 1st class in their final year oral examinations.

Queen’s Foundation Scholarship: Awarded by the School for the best overall performance in Spanish at Level 1

The O’Rawe Prize for Academic Progress: This award recognises the achievements of the student at level 2 who has demonstrated the most significant academic improvement..

The total sum of £500 will be awarded to the student or divided between students who, according to the established criteria shows the most academic improvement between

Xavier Giralt Prize: This prize, which is derived from funds bequeathed by the late Xavier Giralt, will be awarded each year to one or more Final Year candidates in Spanish language, whose exceptional academic performance merits recognition

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £4,750
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £4,750
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £9,250
EU Other 3 £20,800
International £20,800

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

The tuition fees quoted above for NI and ROI are the 2024/25 fees and will be updated when the new fees are known. In addition, all tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase in each year of the course. Fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

Additional course costs

Students have a compulsory year abroad in Year 3. Students who undertake a period of study or work abroad are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placement.

A limited amount of funding may be available to contribute towards these additional costs, if the placement takes place through a government student mobility scheme.

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.

Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/.

Scholarships

Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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Apply

How to Apply

Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.

When to Apply

UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2025 from early September 2024.

The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2025 is still to be confirmed by UCAS but is normally in late January (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.

Applications from UK and EU (Republic of Ireland) students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2025) subject to the availability of places. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen's for entry to this course until 30 June 2025. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Further information on applying to study at Queen's is available at: www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/

Apply via UCAS

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

  1. Applying through UCAS
    Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2025.
  2. Applying direct
    The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.
  3. Applying through agents and partners
    The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.

Download Undergraduate Prospectus