Course overview
This Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies BA Honours degree focuses on developing your language skills in Spanish and Portuguese. You’re encouraged to explore the rich linguistic, social and cultural diversity of the Iberian Peninsula, Latin America and the Spanish Caribbean.
You will study a range of research-informed modules which cover topics such as social customs, art, music and the survival of indigenous people. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to study Catalan from Stage 2.
You will achieve a high level of Spanish, both written and spoken. You will also build your Portuguese from a beginners’ level.
You will have the option of spending the third year of your degree abroad, so you can develop your language skills among native speakers and experience a different culture.
Alternatively, you’ll have the options to undertake a Careers Placement Year in the UK or to complete your degree in 3 years without either a Year Abroad or a Careers Placement Year.
Regardless of what you choose to do, you will confirm this with us in Stage 2.
You’ll become a confident linguist, ready to embark on your career journey as a global citizen.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
- 11th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2025 (French category)
- 10th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2025 (German category)
- 14th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2025 (Iberian Languages category)
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Top 90 for Arts and Humanities – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 200 for Modern Languages – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 9th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 (French category)
- 9th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 (Iberian Languages category)
- 11th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 (German category)
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Top 125 for Arts and Humanities – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you’ll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions
You will continue to build on your language skills. You will build on the foundations laid in your first year and will be able to explore new topics
Your optional modules dig deeper into the history and cultures of the countries you’re studying. You will also have the opportunity to study Catalan.
Year abroad
Studying abroad is a great way to immerse yourself in local cultures, meet new people and improve your language skills.
Our year abroad is optional, meaning you can choose to study abroad in your third year (making your degree four years) or you can opt out (which will make your degree three years). You do not have to choose right away and you can talk through your options with your Degree Programme Director once you arrive at Newcastle.
The way you spend your year abroad is up to you. You can:
- work as a British Council teaching assistant in a school (UK nationals only)
- study at a partner university
- undertake an approved work placement
The year abroad is highly flexible and students can choose to either spend their year abroad in one country or divide it between two countries. You can also study at a partner university in one semester and undertake a work placement in another.
Careers placement year
Work experience can enhance your career prospects beyond university. All modern language students not taking a year abroad have the opportunity to undertake a Careers Placement Year in the UK. This will be in the third year of your study and will make your degree four years long in total.
With a placement year you can choose to do:
- one placement lasting 9-12 months
- two placements which last at least 4.5 months each
Again, you don’t need to decide now if you’d like to choose a Placement Year and you’ll have the chance to talk to staff about your options.
As in Stages 1 and 2, you choose optional modules to further develop your knowledge of the cultures and histories of the countries where your languages are spoken.
Modules
Additional compulsory module information
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
The majority of language modules are taught in small groups by native speakers. You also work in standard or PC-equipped seminar rooms and undertake self-study in our award-winning Language Resource Centre. Our cultural modules are informed by the latest research.
Skills and experience
Research skills
You have the option of writing a dissertation in your final year, which allows you to explore and discuss a topic of interest in great detail, while developing your research skills.
Opportunities
Optional Year Abroad
This Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies degree includes an optional Year Abroad, meaning the degree can be 3- or 4-years.
Students can:
- study at one of our partner universities
- undertake a work or voluntary placement
- undertake a combination of both (ensuring they do not overlap)
You usually divide the year between the countries relating to your chosen languages, although it may be possible to spend the entire year in one country.
Support for Year Abroad
You will receive lots of help to prepare for your Year Abroad, including:
- briefings covering practicalities like insurance, student safety and country-specific information
- support in finding a work placement
- a Tandem Learning Scheme, to practise conversation in your foreign language and make in-country contacts, before you travel
- a training course for British Council language assistants
There are also events in your second year where you can meet students who have already done their year abroad and students from our partner universities in Europe and Latin America.
You’ll be in contact with our Year Abroad team during your time abroad, and will communicate with your personal tutor. You’ll also write compulsory blog posts, reflecting on your linguistic, personal and professional development.
Optional Careers Placement Year
Work experience can enhance your career prospects beyond university. If you choose not to take a year abroad, you can undertake a Careers Placement Year in the UK. This will be in the third year of your study and will make your degree four years long in total.
With a placement year you can choose to do:
- one placement lasting 9-12 months
- two placements which last at least 4.5 months each
You don’t need to decide right away if you’d like to choose a Placement Year and you’ll have the chance to talk to staff about your options once you arrive.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
As a Modern Languages student, you’ll be based at our city centre campus. We’ve been teaching languages in Newcastle for more than 100 years.
You will have access to PC-equipped rooms and the award-winning Language Resource Centre, with self-study resources for over 50 languages.
You’ll also have access to:
- specialist language learning software
- films
- live foreign-language TV channels
- online or on-campus tandem schemes
Support
You’ll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.
Your future
Ability in languages is highly regarded by employers across all sectors, including industry and business. Employers value the linguistic, interpersonal, intercultural and skills of language graduates.
International businesses need employees who not only speak another language but also understand the history, politics and culture of the region.
The international outlook and knowledge our students develop alongside advanced language skills will allow you to consider career options in a range of fields.Our graduates find employment in sectors such as business services, marketing, advertising, management, banking and communications.
Some work as researchers, internet consultants, United Nations translators, in local government, with community groups or in refugee support.
Many work in the digital industries or the arts. Teaching is also a popular choice, undertaking primary or secondary Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) or teaching English abroad.
Careers support
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| ABB including Spanish. | |
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
| 32 points with Spanish grade 6 or above at Higher Level. | |
