European Studies and Spanish, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

A Joint Honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each Single Honours course, but you'll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You'll study one of our Cornerstone modules in Year 1 to draw your two subjects together, and apply your knowledge and skills to a major research project in either subject in your final year.

European Studies 

In your first year you'll study core modules introducing you to political ideas and systems of government around the world. You'll build on this knowledge in the following year, when you'll study central government in the UK and policymaking in the EU, as well as choosing optional modules which span beyond European borders to the US, Asia and Africa. You'll broaden your reach in the final year, studying not just the relationship between Britain and the EU, but the EU's interactions with the rest of the world.

Spanish 

In your first year you'll improve your language skills and explore the history or culture of Spain and Latin America. Following this you'll develop your knowledge as you choose from optional modules on topics such as translation or Spanish literature. You'll also continue with language study to prepare for studying or working in a Spanish-speaking country. When you return you'll take advanced language classes and choose further optional modules on topics that span Hispanic and Latin American politics, history and culture.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: ABB including A in Spanish.

  • Career opportunities

    Studying for a Joint Honours degree allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of two subjects, including proficiency in a major world language. As well as demonstrating that you're intellectually versatile, your degree will equip you with a wide range of skills across different disciplines that employers actively seek.

    You'll have good research skills, and you'll be able to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions. You'll then be able to communicate and defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing. In addition, you'll have strong research and organisational skills and be confident working independently or in a team. You will also have a strong understanding of cultural diversity, allowing you to work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from yours.

    All of these qualities are very attractive to employers, and graduates have pursued careers across the globe that reflect the diversity of their degrees. They've gone on to be successful in education, the media, law, publishing, the civil service, business and finance and the charity sector to name a few. Many others have also pursued postgraduate study, including further training in language-based careers such as translating and interpreting.

    To find out more about graduate destinations in your subjects, please see the relevant Single Honours pages.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    Residence abroad

    You'll spend your third year in Spain or another Spanish-speaking country, immersing yourself in local culture and cultivating your language skills.

    We have partnerships with a number of universities in Spain and Latin America where you could study, or you could apply for a work placement either with our partner companies or with an organisation of your choice. You could even work as a language assistant in a school under the British Council's programme.

    Whatever you choose to do, you'll gain a new insight into a Spanish-speaking society as well as valuable experience of adapting to another culture. If you choose to work during your time there, you'll also return with work experience to increase your appeal to employers. For many of our students, it's the real highlight of their course.

    Read more about Residence Abroad in Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies