Course overview

Spain has changed beyond recognition in the space of a single generation. After World War II, the country was politically and economically isolated and it remained a dictatorship until 1975. Today Spain is a modern, democratic country and the eighth largest economy in the world.

Our Spanish Studies programme aims to provide you with an understanding of these changes in Spanish society while at the same time developing a high command of the language. Thus, in addition to the language, you will study a wide range of subjects to develop an understanding of the history, politics, literature, culture, economy and society of Spain. As a result, our graduates are able to operate confidently in a wide range of professions when they graduate.

The programme includes a year abroad, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Spanish way of life and providing you with invaluable opportunities for personal, professional and academic growth. You can study as an Erasmus student at some of the most prestigious Spanish universities, work as an English language assistant at a Spanish school or opt for a work placement in a Spanish company. View these videos to give you an idea of what you can expect on your period abroad.

On this course you will be taught by members of the University's internationally-recognised Centre for European and International Studies Research, which is the largest centre of its kind in the UK.

You can also study Spanish in these degree programmes: Spanish and Latin American Studies, Latin American Development Studies, Combined Modern Languages, Applied Languages, Languages and European Studies, International Relations and Languages, Languages and International Property Development, Languages and Film Studies, Languages and American Studies, Languages and International Relations, International Development Studies, Law and Languages and Languages and International Trade.

The Spanish programme at Portsmouth is varied as it offers a wide range of opportunities including:

• a sound understanding of political, social and economic developments in Spain
• specialisms in a number of fields including art, economics, business studies, history, cultural studies, sociology, politics and literature and cinema
• degree level language skills in Spanish, with the possibility of studying a second foreign language
• a year studying at our partner institutions in Spain (Salamanca, Saragossa, Seville, Granada, Murcia) or combine study with a work placement in the country
• the development of key skills that allied with intellectual and academic development will provide a solid preparation for the world of work or further study

Placements

This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option, which lets you earn credits toward your degree for work / research placements, volunteer roles or internships undertaken alongside your studies. The option gives you the opportunity to enhance your employability skills, to reflect on the ways in which you've done so, and to learn to express this to potential employers.

One of the UK's top universities for Languages and European Studies

In 2011's National Student Survey results for European Languages and Area Studies, Portsmouth came joint top nationally. Students’ responses show that they particularly appreciate staff availability and the pastoral support provided by staff in the School of Languages and Area Studies.

For further details on all language courses offered, visit the website of the School of Languages and Area Studies (SLAS). If you are interested in this course and would like further information please contact us (details below). You can also view a virtual tour of the School.

Course content

You will follow compulsory language units throughout the course and have a wide range of specialist units and options to choose from. Compulsory units in Spanish area studies will give you a solid foundation to understand and analyse the historical development and core issues in contemporary Spain. The research and assessments for the majority of the optional units you follow will focus on Spain.

Year one

You will follow a number of foundation units in year one relating to your region of study including the historical, economic and social development of the region, alongside language units.

• EITHER Spanish General Language Grade 1 & 2
  OR Spanish General Language Grade 3 & Language Project
• Introduction to Spanish Studies
• The Making of Modern Europe 1500-1990
• Studying At University
• Developing Research Skills

Year two

You will follow units that will prepare you for your year abroad, as well as for the submission of your dissertation in the final year.

• EITHER Spanish General Language Grade 3 & 4
  OR Spanish General Language Grade 4 & Language for Professional Communication 1
• Golden Age Spain 1469-1700 
• Options including:
  • Revolution, Repression & Resistance
  • Text & Translation
  • Business & Markets in Global Environment 
  • Nation, Language & Identity
  • Culture and Ideas in Europe
  • Managing Across Cultures 

You may also take a beginner's course in a third language as part of your course if you so wish: we offer Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese and British Sign Language in this format.

Year abroad

Most students take up a placement in one of our partner universities following courses side-by-side with Spanish students, but you do have the option to take up a work placement or become an English language assistant in a secondary school.

Final year

All students do a dissertation on a Spanish subject.

You will also study:

• Dissertation/Major Project
• Spanish General Language Grade 6
• Language for Professional Communication 2
• Options including:
  • Spanish Civil War & Franco Regime
  • Translation Theory & Practice
  • Political & Economic Development in C20 Spain
  • Interpreting

How will I be taught and assessed?

Learning takes place within a varied environment and includes lectures, seminars, project and group-based activities. In addition to the scheduled language classes, you will have the opportunity to access a wide range of open access materials and meet and talk with exchange students from our partner institutions.

Assessment is designed to measure your understanding and develop your skills in oral and written communication. Most assessment takes the form of continuous assessment through the submission of essays and other pieces of written work, as well as seminar presentations and practical assignments. Some language-based assessment takes the form of in-class tests.

In your first year you will be assigned a personal tutor who will be able to provide you with advice and support right through your academic career. Through a system of regular office hours, personal tutors, year tutors and other academic staff, there is always someone on hand to discuss your academic, personal and professional development in an open and friendly atmosphere. On your placement abroad you will be in contact with your tutors via email and will have a named link person in the host university. A member of staff from Portsmouth will also visit you during your stay.

Career prospects

Your time at University of Portsmouth will help you to develop a wide range of skills in analysis, criticism and argument. Students on our degree programmes often have a worldview and study experience abroad, which makes them flexible and adaptable and highly employable. During your course, you will have the opportunity to develop a range of capabilities that are valued by prospective employers. You will have many opportunities to develop transferable key skills such as:

• communication
• research
• time management
• team working
• problem solving

These transferable skills are used in many careers across the private, public and voluntary sectors. Allied with intellectual and academic development, they will provide a sound preparation for the world of work or further study.

Year abroad

Students who choose to study at one of our partner universities within the EU will do so as part of the EU Erasmus ‘student mobility’ programme. This means that you will not have to pay fees (they are waived) and that you will receive a grant from the EU (covering living costs). In addition you will benefit from an intensive language course at the beginning of your stay, which is in many cases provided free of charge as part of the Erasmus programme.

The period spent abroad enhances students’ intercultural awareness, which is a quality increasingly appreciated by employers in a globalised economy.

Career paths

This programme aims to prepare you for a wide range of employment possibilities both at home and abroad.

The course is structured to develop a range of skills and competencies throughout the four years of study and you will thereby gain the analytical and practical skills sought by employers. These include language skills, good communication skills in written and oral forms and transferable key skills. An interdisciplinary approach to study is fostered throughout the course.

A degree in Spanish Studies from Portsmouth means that you will have a range of job opportunities open to you. Past students have gone on to working for government, both national and local, in the transport sector for Eurostar, as teachers, both home and abroad, as graduate management trainees in the retail sector or data analysts or web editors.

Several have gone on to follow postgraduate courses in journalism, personnel management or undertaken doctoral degrees. Whatever you want to do, the Spanish Studies degree will provide you with a range of skills that will help you find your place in the world of work.

Facilities and features

The School is located in Park Building, just behind Portsmouth Guildhall in the centre of the city. Park Building houses two large, high-tech lecture theatres, a number of smaller but equally modern lecture theatres, four computer suites, multimedia digital classrooms and editing suites. The Learning Resource Centre provides facilities for independent study, including listening booths, video/DVD/CD players and satellite TV monitors. You are encouraged to make effective use of information from a wide variety of sources, including audio-visual materials, satellite television, interactive video, CD-ROM and web searches.

You will also have access to the University Library. Open from 8am until midnight every day during term-time, it provides an abundance of information to help with study and research. It has also invested heavily in the purchase of electronic resources. There are thousands of journals and ebooks, which can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Entry requirements

View all the entry requirements for BA (Hons) Spanish Studies for the academic year 2013/14 (opens in new window).