Linguistics 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.

In your first year you'll work on your written and spoken Spanish, as well as taking introductory modules on the key concepts and approaches in linguistics and the history and culture of Spain and Hispanic America. You'll also take one of our Cornerstone modules to help you draw the two subjects together.

You'll build on this foundation in your second year, when core modules will cover phonetics and syntax but you'll also have a choice of optional modules, on topics from Spanish literature and theatre to language and gender and language acquisition. However, you'll also improve your language skills to prepare for the following year, which you'll spend studying or working in a Spanish-speaking country.

When you return to Leeds, you'll start your final year with a new perspective and sharper language skills to refine in advanced language classes. But you'll also have an even broader selection of optional modules to choose from in both subjects, meaning you really can follow your interests. You'll apply the skills you've gained to an independently researched dissertation in either subject.

Course structure

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

Year 1

You'll choose from a wide range of optional modules while maintaining a balance across your subjects. Follow the links to the Programme Catalogue for more examples of optional modules and the full course structure.

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAB including A in Spanish

  • Career opportunities

    A Joint Honours degree in Linguistics and Spanish equips you with a wide range of skills. You'll be fluent in an important world language, which can lead into diverse careers in the UK and beyond.

    However, you'll also have valuable transferable skills that are very attractive to employers. You'll have good research skills, and because linguistics spans arts and sciences you'll be confident using quantitative and qualitative methods. You'll be able to solve problems and analyse information from different sources - and you'll have advanced communication skills allowing you to present your views clearly.

    Spending time abroad will show that you are adaptable and resilient, and you'll be capable or working independently or in a team. Because you've handled two different subjects, you'll also have great organisational skills.

    Graduates have gone into varying careers in journalism, law, advertising and marketing, education and publishing both within and outside of the UK. Others have pursued specialised training or postgraduate study to launch careers in translation, interpreting or speech and language therapy.

    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