English and Hispanic Studies, BA (Hons)

This joint honours course in English and Hispanic Studies offers an immersive exploration of language, literature, and culture for those passionate about global communication. Students divide their time equally between the subjects, studying English modules on drama, performance, linguistics, and literature from 1500 to the present, while ranked in the top 20 for English in the UK. In Hispanic Studies, core language training covers Spanish and Portuguese, with beginners accelerating to degree level and advanced students adding Portuguese. Cultural and historical modules enhance expertise in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking worlds.The programme includes a year abroad in Spain, Spanish America, Portugal, or Brazil, offering options for university study, teaching, or work placements to refine language skills. In later years, students select specialised modules, culminating in advanced proficiency in English and Spanish, plus Portuguese for eligible students, and strong abilities in text analysis and communication.

You will normally divide your study time equally between the two subjects, taking 120 credits worth of modules each year. Your year one language modules will depend on your entry level language abilities in Spanish. If you start at post-A level Spanish you will study three core modules in Spanish. Beginners will study an intensive Spanish language module and a module on Spanish literature. In English, you will choose three wide-ranging modules from four areas, giving you a thorough grounding in the relevant areas and influence your studies in years two and four. In year two you will take a core Spanish language module appropriate to your level, which will develop your skills in preparation for your year abroad. If you have already studied Portuguese in year one you can choose to continue with this language alongside your Spanish. The remaining modules you take will be optional modules focusing on Spanish and Portuguese cultures, histories and literatures. In English, depending on your module choices in your first year, you will choose three modules in your second year in English that cover at least two areas of study, allowing you to begin to focus your studies while still spanning the rich range of topics encompassed in the discipline. Your third academic year is spent in Spain and/or Spanish America either studying at a university, working as a language teaching assistant or doing a work placement. Students who began the course on the post-A level track and intend to carry on with Portuguese after year two may also spend part of the year in Portugal and/or Brazil. In year four you will continue to develop your Spanish language skills to degree level, with students who started the degree as beginners now studying the same core language module as other students. If you studied Portuguese in years one and two and spent time in a Portuguese-speaking country during your year abroad you may continue to degree level. Alongside language, you will also take specialist modules drawing on our research expertise, including the option of writing a dissertation. In English you will choose optional modules across at least two of the main areas of the discipline.