Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies BA

Course overview

On this course you will gain a detailed understanding of the cultures and histories of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries in Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia. These include countries like Portugal, Spain, Mexico, Brazil and Mozambique. You’ll become highly competent in Spanish and Portuguese, and you can study the latter even if you’re an absolute beginner.

Core language modules will help you improve your spoken and written languages, while core research modules introduce you to study skills and major issues. Optional modules allow you to explore literature, cinema and history, as well as topics like race, ethnicity, translation and using Spanish for business.

Your third year will be spent in a Spanish- or Portuguese-speaking country. This will allow you to practise your language skills and get first-hand experience of local cultures.

Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies at Leeds is an exciting place for your undergraduate experience. Our friendly community of students and staff, student-led societies and outstanding pastoral support creates a friendly and dynamic atmosphere for all our students. This course will equip you with the knowledge, skills and intercultural awareness necessary to achieve your true potential and pursue a wide range of exciting global careers.

We strongly believe that the best way to build your vocabulary and refine your grammar is through the study of culture and history, and that language classes offer an excellent opportunity to acquire greater knowledge of the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking worlds. Our teaching across our modules therefore is a unique blend of language and content, and many of your modules will contain classes and/or assessment in Spanish or Portuguese.

Studying at Leeds means you will learn from world-leading experts in fields as diverse as Spanish popular music, translation, Brazilian cinema, gender in the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking worlds, electronic art and writing, Angolan dance, and nationalism and empire. Much of our teaching derives from our research activities and language scholarship in Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies. Click on the links below to see more about the research centres which we lead and the organisations of which we form part:

• Association for the Teaching of Spanish in Higher Education in the United Kingdom

• Association of Teachers and Researchers of Portuguese

• Centre for the History of Ibero-America

• Centre of World Cinemas and Digital Cultures

• European Popular Musics Research Group

• Centre for Endangered Languages, Cultures and Ecosystems

• Centre for World Literatures

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB including A in Spanish.

Other course specific tests:

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be ABC at A Level including A in Spanish and grade A in the EPQ.

We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.

International Baccalaureate

Career opportunities

A degree in Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies gives you proficiency in two global languages that are spoken in many major economies across four continents. Through your training in analytical and communication skills and your expertise in two important world languages, you’ll be a clear communicator with strong presentation skills, as well as being a critical thinker who draws your own conclusions from the information available to you.

Your experience of living in a Spanish/Portuguese-speaking country will demonstrate that you are independent and adaptable, while you’ll have skills in teamwork, research and time management, which will allow you to fulfil your career ambitions.

What can I do with a SPLAS degree?

Graduates have gone into a wide range of careers across the globe. They include:

• Diplomacy
• Tourism
• Business and finance
• Marketing and retail
• Education
• Journalism
• Government departments and the civil service
• Law

Others have studied for a postgraduate qualification in translating or interpreting in one or both languages to pursue language-based careers or continued to study language or culture to Masters level, either for a PhD and career in academia or to further their knowledge.

What careers support will I have?

We are committed to helping you achieve your career ambitions. You’ll benefit from bespoke support and opportunities in the School and the University.

Our experts in the award-winning University Careers Centre will support you to make informed decisions about your career path, understand the opportunities available and the steps you need to take to pursue your choices. You’ll be encouraged to attend on-campus events including graduate recruitment fairs, employer networking and information sessions, and meetings with our alumni.

The Union provides career-related support through the part-time job hub, student societies and other activities throughout the year. Clubs and societies are a great way to get involved in lots of activities and explore your interests. They’re also a great way to develop your skills such as team working and leadership. For example, you could be a key player in an award-winning sports team, or become a committee member and chair society meetings, or you could even project manage a volunteering trip overseas. The Union is home to School Reps who are appointed by students to represent the views and be the voice of students in your School.

At Leeds, you can access support to help you start your own business. Whether you want to learn about enterprise or become an entrepreneur, we offer award-winning specialist support.