Course overview

Students of this course study Spanish language and aspects of the histories, cultures, cinemas and literatures of Spain and Spanish America. You have the option to continue with Portuguese language beyond the first year and to study aspects of the histories and cultures of the Portuguese-speaking world, including Portugal, Brazil and Lusophone Africa. You also have the opportunity to study English language, literature and drama from old English to the present day.

Year one

In English Studies, you have a choice of three core modules from the areas of English language, modern English literature, medieval studies and drama. In Hispanic Studies, you begin a structured course in Spanish to take you from A level to degree level and also begin the study of Portuguese. You are also introduced to aspects of modern Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American literature, culture and history.

Year two

In English, you will choose core modules to develop your studies in at least two areas of the discipline. You will also have the opportunity to choose one literary period option, to explore how and why literature can be read in terms of an historical 'age' or 'epoch'. In Hispanic Studies, you develop knowledge of both Spanish and Portuguese to prepare for the year abroad and deepen your knowledge of more specialist aspects of modern Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American literature, culture and history.

Year three

Usually spent in Spain or Spanish America or (if you decide to carry on with Portuguese into your final year) divided between Portugal or Brazil and Spain or Spanish America, either studying in a higher education institution, or working as an English language assistant in a school, or on a work placement.

Year four

You choose from a wide range of modules enabling you to specialise in key areas of English Studies. Joint honours students enjoy the same range of final year options in English Studies as single honours. In Hispanic Studies, you build on your language acquisition to develop language skills to degree level and select specialist options from a range of research-based topics in the literature, culture and history of Spain, Portugal and Latin America.

By the end of the course

You will have a broad knowledge of English literature, culture and linguistics, and of the literatures, cultures and histories of Spain and Spanish America. You will also have acquired international experience and developed your language skills to a high level of competence. Your transferable skills will include the ability to communicate effectively and study and think independently.

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Hispanic and Latin American Studies
English Studies