This four-year programme combines the study of Spanish language and its varieties with modules in the literature, film, history and cultures of Spain and Latin America, from the early modern period to the present day. Year three is spent abroad in a Spanish-speaking country. If you are interested in Portuguese, you may study it ab initio along with Spanish on this programme, or look into the various combinations on our Modern Languages BA.

Degree benefits

• UCL is a leading, exceptionally well-connected centre for Hispanic and Latin American studies, with a wealth of expertise in all areas and periods. Portuguese and Brazilian studies are a recent and thriving addition, with expertise ranging from Renaissance Portugal to Modernist Brazil and Lusophone Africa.

• You will have high-quality language instruction combined with innovative, research-led cultural teaching. Literature: Cervantes through Borges to contemporary fiction; film: Buñuel to current Latin American trends; and history: Cortés through Andean cultures to 20th century dictatorships.

• Your third year is spent in a Spanish-speaking country - an experience which benefits your linguistic and cultural understanding. We have links with leading universities in Spain and Latin America.

Your learning

Language teaching takes place in small classes. There is an emphasis on the interaction between teacher and student to ensure the scope and pace of learning meets your needs. You will also attend lectures and small-group seminars in which the literary, historical and cultural elements of your studies will be discussed. Extra resources including conversation groups, personal tutorials and other activities are available.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of written and oral examinations, essays, language work, projects and other coursework. Additional weight will be given to your achievements in the later years of your programme.

Careers

In addition to your language competence you will develop skills in close and critical reading, research and writing methods, the analysis and communication of complex materials and the ability to organise your time. These skills will be of value in your future employment.

Fluency in Spanish or Portuguese opens up exciting career possibilities around the world with graduates having understanding of literature, culture, media, politics and business across the continents. Beyond the Americas and the Iberian Peninsula, Spanish and Portuguese are fast-growing languages in many other parts of the world, including the UK.

Career pathways include teaching, finance, journalism, law, education, commerce, arts administration, the civil service, the media, or translation and interpreting. The pursuit of further study is also an option open to you.