From the regions of Spain to the diverse countries of Latin America, Hispanic Studies covers the history, politics, sport, literature and film of several nations. As the second most widely spoken language in the world, Spanish is an important tool for intercultural communication. No prior knowledge of Spanish is required. You may also be able to learn the Catalan language as part of your degree, thereby widening your access to other rich cultures. You could find yourself recording dialect speakers, working out the rules of an endangered language or learning how to write down a sneeze. You’ll spend your third year studying or working in a Spanish-speaking country, immersing yourself in its language and society. Spanish is the second-most widely spoken language in the world, with 400 million native speakers across South, Central and North America, as well as Africa and Europe. Fluency is this major world language is an advantage in the job market, whether in the UK or internationally. Studying linguistics will give you a highly desirable collection of skills: analytical ability, research skills, precision and numeracy. A knowledge of linguistics is also particularly useful for teaching languages. Some graduates apply their degree knowledge directly, entering careers such as journalism, interpreting and education. Others transfer skills gained during study into the arts, finance, business or IT.