History 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 optional and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.

In your first year core modules will improve your written and spoken Spanish and introduce you to key aspects of historical study, such as historiography. You'll also study one of our Cornerstone modules, which helps to draw the two subjects together.

The following year will allow you to build on that knowledge base, as you choose from optional modules in each subject. You could study history topics reaching from the fall of Rome to the 20th century and spanning the globe. At the same time, you'll choose from Hispanic cinema, regional identities in Spain, translation and more. But you'll work on your language skills too to prepare for your third year, when you'll work or study in a Spanish-speaking country.

By the time you return to Leeds for your final year, you'll have gained valuable cultural awareness and sharper language skills. You'll build on these in advanced language classes and choose from an even broader range of optional modules in both subjects. You'll also have the chance to demonstrate the skills you've acquired, when you undertake a dissertation or extended essay on a topic of your choice.

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: AAB including A in History and A in Spanish excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.

  • Career opportunities

    A Joint Honours degree in History and Spanish equips you with an impressive range of skills.

    Fluency in a major world language can open many doors on its own, leading to language-specific careers and working abroad. But you'll also have strong research skills and be able to think critically about information from a wide range of sources and present your conclusions clearly. You'll be independent and comfortable within a team and you'll have good organisational skills. Spending a year abroad will show that you are adaptable and resilient. In addition, studying for a Joint Honours degree allows you to become intellectually versatile as you switch between different disciplines.

    Graduates have gone into a wide range of careers in the creative industries, business and finance, education, law, journalism, publishing and the charity sector. Others have pursued postgraduate study in one or both of their subjects, or specialised training in fields such as translation or interpreting.

    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

    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 undertake a work placement. 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