Hispanic Studies and History, BA (Hons)

Course summary

If you’re passionate about history but also dream of spending time in a Spanish speaking country and becoming fluent in the language – how do you choose which degree to study: We say, choose both!This joint honours course allows you to combine your curiosity for human experience with your love of communicating in another language.Modules cover language, business, culture, history and politics so you’re able to truly personalise this intercultural degree around your personal interests or career aspirations.

Hispanic Studies In years one, two and three you will take 60 credits in each of History and Hispanic Studies modules. In year one Hispanic Studies you take Spanish language at beginners or post-A level. Post-A level students may also take beginners Portuguese. Beginners will reach the same degree standard as non-beginners. You will also choose non-language modules to introduce you to the cultures, history and societies of the Spanish-speaking and Portuguese-speaking worlds. These modules are taught in English and give you an overview of Hispanic Studies. Your core history module is Learning History. This module will show you how to reflect on the nature of history as a discipline and develop skills required for the writing and debating of history by practising skills and exploring methodology. In year two your language classes in Spanish (and Portuguese if you continue with it) are dedicated to giving you the fluency and confidence for work or study during the year abroad. Your optional Hispanics modules expand your knowledge of these cultures and societies. You will also take optional history modules which will allow you to expand your understanding of different regions and time periods. 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. If you intend to carry on with Portuguese after year two you may also spend the year in Portugal and/or Brazil. In your final year you will develop the language skills you built up on the Year Abroad. In history you will select a Special Subject (which involves in-depth study of a particular topic taught in seminars) and one optional module. In addition, you can take specialist modules based on the research we are currently doing both in History and in Hispanic Studies.