Spanish and Portuguese is an integrated degree which enables students to gain an in-depth knowledge of two major world languages, and the modules on offer reflect the diversity of cultures in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries across the globe. All students follow modules in Spanish and in Portuguese language which
are of a broadly communicative nature, focusing on contemporary Spanish/Hispanic and Lusophone social and cultural issues and drawing on authentic materials. The degree takes four years to complete (which includes the study abroad year).
Iberian Languages at QUB was ranked 8h in the UK by the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017. In the most recent Research Assessment (REF 2014), Languages at Queen’s were ranked third in the UK.
"For me, studying Spanish and Portuguese at Queen’s has been a very enriching experience. The course is extremely well organised and lecturers are always willing to help. As part of the core language modules, I have enjoyed being exposed to not only the European but also, the Latin American variants of each language. In addition, to core language modules, Queen’s offer such a wide variety of optional modules, including Postcolonial Cinema in Lusophone Africa, and Spanish Memoirs and Autobiographies in 20th Century Spain. Also, outside of lectures, there is a well-established Spanish and Portuguese student society, which is great to get involved with."
Erin McCombe (Final Year 2016-17)
Information on the implications of Brexit for prospective students.
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Course content
| Course Content | Level 1 Students are required to take 1 core language module in each subject area, the Introduction to Lusophone Studies optional module, and Introduction to Iberian Studies or Introduction to Latin American Studies optional module in the relevant semester. Core Modules • Spanish 1 or Intermediate Spanish or Spanish for Beginners • Portuguese 1 • Introduction to Lusophone Studies Optional Modules • Introduction to Iberian Studies • Introduction to Latin American Studies Level 2 Students are required to take 1 core language module in each subject area + 2 optional modules in the relevant semesters. The Portuguese modules are specially designed for students studying Portuguese and the level has been ‘pitched’ linguistically to reflect the ab initio access point of entry. Students on this pathway are, therefore, strongly advised to take the Portuguese optional module. Core Modules • Spanish 2 • Portuguese 2 Optional Modules • Issues and Cultures of the US-Mexico borderlands • Afterlives: Rogues and Mystics of the Spanish Golden Age • Representations of Lusophone Africa in Postcolonial Cinema • Spanish Memoires and Autobiographies • The Fantastic in Latin America Year Abroad Modules • Working and Studying Abroad • International Placement Level 3 Students are required to take 1 core language module in each subject area + 2 optional modules in the relevant semesters. The Portuguese modules are specially designed for students studying Portuguese. Students on this pathway are, therefore, strongly advised to take the Portuguese optional module. Core Modules • Spanish 3 • Portuguese 3 Optional modules • Rewriting Love in the Renaissance • Brazilian digital culture: Trends and Topics • Failed Romances of Latin American Literature • Imperfect Heroines: Spanish fiction in the 19th and 20th centuries * The Spanish Enlightenment * Gender & Society in Contemporary Mexican Cinema |
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Arts, English and Languages
Dr Sánchez Espinosa is Head of Spanish and Portuguese Studies and teaches Spanish language, and 18th-century Spanish literature and culture.
| Medium Group Teaching | 13 (hours maximum) hours |
|---|---|
| Personal Study | 24 (hours maximum) 20-24 hours preparing and revising |
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 and Portuguese 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:
Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:
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 your 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:
Queen’s has an excellent library with an outstanding range of resources in Spanish and Lusophone cultures. The Language Centre has state-of-the-art facilities for language learning, and IT provision more generally is excellent.
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Overview
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Entry Requirements
In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.
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, which is considered by the Selector for that particular subject or degree programme along with a member of administrative staff from the Admissions Service. 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 must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C 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.
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 performance in individual BTEC units rather than 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.
Applicants offering other qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate or an Access course will also be considered.
Candidates offering Access/Certificate in Foundation Studies courses will be considered individually on their own merits, provided the subject requirements for entry to Spanish can also be met. Where offers are made, these are conditional on both achieving an average of 70% in the Access course and meeting the entry criteria for Spanish.
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, though there are some exceptions and specific information is provided with the relevant subject areas.
If you are made an offer then you may be invited to an Open 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.
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.
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.
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.
INTO - English Language Course(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
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Course content
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Careers
Introduction
Studying for a Spanish and Portuguese 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 and Portuguese 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, 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.
Employment Links
Graduate Careers and Achievements:
Many of our former graduates have risen to the top of their fields and include many famous figures; for example:
Stephen Wilkinson, Relationship Director Global Financial Instutions - Americas, Barclays Corporate
Clodagh Shortt, Entrepreneur, Founder of Honey Boutique
Kaniah Cusack, Press Officer at Dáil Éireann
Professional Opportunities
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, Price Waterhouse Coopers 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 Price Waterhouse Coopers.
‘We are looking for graduates who can be our future leaders who demonstrate qualities of courage, judgement and breadth. Where do we find such qualities? Linguists or arts graduates.’
Miles Cowdry, Director of Global Corporate Development, Rolls Royce PLC
Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
their second year of study on the BA Spanish programme at joint honours level or above.
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 examination.
Queen’s Foundation Scholarship: Awarded by the School for the best overall performance in Portuguese at Level 1.
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.
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. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
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Entry requirements
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Fees and Funding
| Northern Ireland (NI) | £4,275 |
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) | £9,250 |
| Other (non-UK) EU * | £4,275 |
| International | £16,400 |
Tuition fees for 2020-21 have not been set. Those quoted above are for students commencing study in 2019-20. These will be subject to an increase for students commencing study in 2020-21.
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.
* The tuition fees that EU students starting courses at UK universities following the agreed transition period are required to pay will depend on what is agreed as part of the UK's exit negotiations. Please refer to www.qub.ac.uk/brexit
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. A programme may have up to 6 modules per year, each with a recommended text.
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 final year 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.
Spanish and Portuguese 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.
Students should be aware that placement and internship modules do not normally involve payment or financial support from either Queen’s or the placement/internship provider.
Placement options include:
Erasmus Work with British Council as Teaching Assistant: Students currently receive approximately €780 net per month and an Erasmus monthly grant of approximately €300 .
Erasmus Study Placement: Students currently receive an Erasmus monthly grant of €300. Students have a compulsory year abroad in year 3 of their degree and the costs involved will depend on which type of placement the student opts for.
All Placements are split i.e. one semester in a Spanish speaking country and one in a Portuguese speaking country. Students can have one semester as a Work placement and one as a Study Placement.
A limited number of Erasmus grants are available.
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 http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/.
Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.
Information on scholarships for international students, is available at http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/International-scholarships/.
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/apply.
When to Apply
UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2020 from 1 September 2019.
Advisory closing date: 15 January 2020 (18:00).
Late applications are, in practice, accepted by UCAS throughout the remainder of the application cycle, but you should understand that they are considered by institutions at their discretion, and there can be no guarantee that they will be given the same full level of consideration as applications received by the advisory closing date.
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: http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/
After an offer is made this will be notified to applicants through UCAS. Confirmation will be emailed by the Admissions and Access Service and this communication will also include Terms and Conditions (www.qub.ac.uk/Study/TermsandConditions) which applicants should read carefully in advance of replying to their offer(s) on UCAS Track.
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Fees and Funding
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For more information please read our Equality and Diversity Policy.
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