“Becoming fluent in Spanish has always been a dream of mine – my family speaks Spanish, and I am now able to hold a conversation! St Andrews offered a pathway not only towards speaking the language, but also an introduction to a whole world of literature previously inaccessible to me. It has been challenging but my lectures and tutors are wonderfully supportive and make it well worth it!”
- Texas, USA
Entry requirements
The University offers different entry requirements, depending on your background. Find out more about Standard, Minimum and Gateway entry requirements using academic entry explained and see which entry requirements you need to look at using the entry requirements indicator.
For degrees combining more than one subject, the subject with the higher entry requirements determines the grades you need. You will also need to meet any further subject-specific entry requirements as outlined on their pages.
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- Standard entry grades:
- AAAB
- Minimum entry grades:
- AABB
- Gateway entry grades:
- Applicants who have narrowly missed the minimum entry grades, but meet the University's contextual criteria, may be interested in one of the University’s Gateway programmes.
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- Standard entry grades:
- AAB
- Minimum entry grades:
- ABB
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- Standard entry grades:
- 36 (HL 6,6,5)
- Minimum entry grades:
- 36 (HL 6,5,5)
General entry requirements
All applicants must have attained the following qualifications, or equivalent, in addition to the specific entry requirements for individual programmes.
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SQA National 5 (B) in English and one SQA National 5 (B) from the following:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computing science
- Geography
- Lifeskills Mathematics (A grade)
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology.
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GCSE (5) in English language or English literature, and one GCSE (5) from the following:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computing Science
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology.
Other qualifications
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry on to our programmes. Please see our entry requirements for more information.
More information on how to apply via other entry routes or accreditation of prior learning and experience can be found on the University’s entry requirements web page.
Do I need to have studied this subject before?
No prior knowledge of Spanish is necessary. Modules are not designed for native speakers.
Alternative study options
Students interested in this course may also be interested in the following:
Integrated year abroad
Students may choose to spend an additional year working or studying in a Spanish-speaking country, making their degree a 5-year programme. Find out more about the integrated year abroad for this course.
Study abroad
Students studying Spanish can apply to participate in the University-wide St Andrews Abroad programme. You may also have the opportunity to participate in the School Abroad exchange programme. For information about study abroad options, please see the study abroad site.
Working abroad
Completing a work placement abroad is a good opportunity to gain work experience in another culture or language and to enhance valuable skill sets. As part of specific degree programmes in modern languages, you may apply to undertake a work placement abroad for credit.
International applicants
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. Find out more about approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Course details
The MA (Hons) in Spanish is a four-year course run by the School of Modern Languages. The course is available to both students who are beginners in Spanish and to more advanced students who have studied Spanish to A-Level or SQA Higher.
In the first two years, students will take modules which complement their level of Spanish entering the degree. Students of all levels will develop a deeper understanding and control of Spanish and are offered a broad view of Spanish and Latin American literature, civilisation and culture.
Alongside Spanish, in the first year of your studies, you will be required to study an additional two subjects. In the second year, you will usually carry on at least one of these subjects, sometimes two. Find out more about how academic years are organised.
You have the opportunity to apply to study at one of the University’s partner institutions in a Spanish-speaking country or at the University of Montevideo (Uruguay) during your third year. If you are successful, study undertaken at one of these institutions replaces equivalent study in St Andrews. Studying abroad is optional.
In your fourth year you will take the final language modules to establish a sound knowledge of the Spanish language. Additional modules are focused on research, writing and discussion in a number of areas such as Spanish and Latin American literature, translation and history.
Graduates in modern languages from St Andrews can expect to have not only a high level of competency in language skills, but a highly developed appreciation for other cultures and peoples. Other transferable skills, including analysis, synthesis and communication skills, will prepare you for a career in almost any industry.
The University of St Andrews operates on a flexible modular degree system by which degrees are obtained through the accumulation of credits. More information on the structure of the modules system can be found on the flexible degree structure web page.
Modules
In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours), you will take the required modules in Spanish along with modules in at least one additional subject.
Typically, you will take one Spanish module per semester during your first two years, with the option of an additional Spanish module in Spanish Language and Film in the second semester of your second year.
During your third and fourth years (known as Honours), you will take four modules per semester.
Two different types of modules are offered in first year:
- intensive foundation courses for beginners or students with an SQA National 5 or GCSE in Spanish
- advanced language and literature courses for those with higher entrance qualifications such as an SQA Higher or GCE A-level.
Students who are beginners or who have studied Spanish to National 5 or GCSE-level are required to take the following compulsory modules in their first year:
- Spanish for Beginners 1: initiates Spanish language acquisition with a firm grounding in the syntax, morphology and vocabulary of the language.
- Spanish for Beginners 2: builds on 'Spanish for Beginners 1' and further develops the understanding of Spanish grammar and language. It also adds lectures and seminars (taught in English) on Hispanic film and literature.
Students who have an SQA Higher or a GCE A-Level in Spanish are required to take the following compulsory modules in first year:
- Spanish Language and Texts 1: provides grammar and language instruction alongside reading Spanish texts to provide language in context.
- Spanish Language and Texts 2: builds upon 'Spanish Language and Texts 1' through Hispanic film and literature and increased linguistic difficulty in the study of spoken Spanish.
Students who are ex-beginners in Spanish and wish to move into mainstream studies of Spanish language and literature are required to take the following compulsory modules in their second year:
- Spanish Language and Texts: ex-Beginners: involves revision and further developing an understanding of the language and intensive practice in oral, spoken and written skills. In the literature component, study is planned so that thorough vocabulary acquisition, analysis of syntax and understanding of extended texts can be realistically achieved.
- Spanish Language and Critical Approaches to Texts 2: language material will reflect cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world and a variety of texts are studied across time and regions, ranging from the Renaissance in Spain to modern Spanish America.
Advanced students must take the following compulsory modules in their second year:
- Spanish Language and Critical Approaches to Texts 1: skills in reading, listening, speaking and writing Spanish are developed through prepared work and class activities. Language material will reflect cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world, and major critical approaches in texts are studied with reference to the genres of poetry, prose and drama.
- Spanish Language and Critical Approaches to Texts 2: language material will reflect cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world and a variety of texts are studied across time and regions, ranging from the Renaissance in Spain to modern Spanish America.
All students (both advanced and ex-beginners) also have the option of taking the following module, recommended in particular for students wishing to continue their Spanish studies at Honours level:
- Spanish Language and Critical Approaches to Cinema: enhances the language skills of the student, with intensive practice in oral, spoken and written skills. The syllabus is based on a selection of films from Spain and Latin America, which are used as sources for thematic discussion and linguistic development. Weekly film viewings in advance of scheduled classes are part of the programme. This module is taken in Semester 2 of the second year.
If you take Spanish in third and fourth years, you will choose from a variety of advanced options which incorporate literary, historical and cultural studies into language learning. Students of all language levels take the same core modules in Spanish language, including advanced oral, writing and communication skills.
Modules at Honours level in previous years have included (but are not limited to):
- Action Heroes and Anti-heroes in Early-Modern Spain
- Autobiographical Writing in Twentieth-Century Spain
- Guerreras: Women and Emancipation(s) in Colombian Cinema
- Literary Translation
- Love and Loss
- Mexico in the Nineteenth Century
- Post-1975 Writing in Spain 1
- (R)evolutions in Early Modern Love Lyric: Perilous, Provocative, Parodic
- Tales of the Nation
- The Argentine and Chilean Avant-Garde (1920s-1930s)
- The Art of Subversion in Post-War Spain (1939-1975)
- Women in motion: Gender and mobilities in Latin American contemporary literature.
In fourth year, students have the option of undertaking a dissertation of up to 5,000 words or 10,000 words, written in English, on a topic agreed with a supervisor. This independent project develops key research skills which are desired by both prospective employers and by graduate schools offering postgraduate degrees.
The compulsory modules listed here must be taken in order to graduate in this subject. However, most students at St Andrews take additional modules, either in their primary subject or from other subjects they are interested in. For Honours level, students choose from a range of Honours modules, some of which are listed above. A full list of all modules appropriate to the programme for the current academic year can be found in the programme requirements.
Teaching
All modern language modules involve a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical languages classes. Lectures provide information, stimulate thought, and suggest directions for further reading and personal study. Small language tutorials allow you to actively work together with your tutors to practice language skills, present papers, and discuss texts and issues relevant to the course.
Sub-honours Spanish modules are delivered through lectures (50 to 100 students), seminars (12 to 15 students) and language classes (12 to 15 students).
At Honours level, you will attend lectures and seminars (10 to 20 students) and language classes (10 to 12 students).
When not attending lectures, tutorials and practical language classes, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study.
Typically, this will involve:
- practicing Spanish grammar and pronunciation
- working on individual and group projects
- undertaking research in the library
- preparing coursework assignments and presentations
- preparing for examinations.
Currently, most modules in first and second year are assessed by 40% coursework and 60% exam, and, third and fourth years are mostly assessed through 100% coursework.
Examinations are held at the end of each semester during a dedicated exam diet with revision time provided beforehand. Examinations are either entirely in written format or comprise both written and oral components.
Tutors advise you closely on the preparation of written work and give individual assessments of your performance. The Department aims to provide feedback on every assessment within three weeks to help you improve on future assessments.
Undergraduates at the University of St Andrews must achieve at least 7.0 on the St Andrews 20-point grade scale to pass a module. To gain access to Honours-level modules, students must achieve the relevant requisites as specified in the policy on entry to Honours and in the relevant programme requirements. To find out the classification equivalent of points, please see the common reporting scale.
You will be taught by a research-led teaching team with expertise and knowledge of Spanish language and the varied cultures of the Hispanic world. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of tutorials under the supervision of the module leader.
You can find contact information for all staff in the Department of Spanish on the School of Modern Languages website.
The University’s Student Services team can help students with additional needs resulting from disabilities, long-term medical conditions or learning disabilities. More information can be found on the students with disabilities web page.
Fees
Scotland
£1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
£9,250
Channel Islands, Isle of Man
£9,250
EU and overseas
£30,160
More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page.
Accommodation fees
Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation.
Funding and scholarships
The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to undergraduate students each year.
Joint Honours degrees
You can also take Spanish as part of a joint Honours degree in which you will take core modules of your chosen subjects.
| Course name | UCAS code |
|---|---|
| Master of Arts (Honours) Ancient History and Spanish | VR14 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Ancient History and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RVL1 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Arabic and Spanish | RT46 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Arabic and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RTK6 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Art History and Spanish | RV43 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Art History and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RVK3 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Chinese Studies and Spanish | CH14 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Chinese Studies and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | CW14 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Classics and Spanish | QR84 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Classics and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RQ48 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Comparative Literature and Spanish | RQF4 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Comparative Literature and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RQ4F |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Economics and Spanish | LR14 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Economics and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | LRC4 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) English and Spanish | QR34 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) English and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | QRH4 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Film Studies and Spanish | PR34 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Film Studies and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | PR3K |
| Master of Arts (Honours) French and Spanish | RR14 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) French and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RRC4 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Geography and Spanish | LR74 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Geography and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | LRR4 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) German and Spanish | RR24 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) German and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RRF4 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Greek and Spanish | QR74 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Greek and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | Q7R4 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) International Relations and Spanish | LR24 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) International Relations and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | LRF4 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Italian and Spanish | RR43 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Italian and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RR34 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Latin and Spanish | QR64 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Latin and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | QRP4 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Management and Spanish | NR24 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Management and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | NRF4 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Mathematics and Spanish | GR14 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Mathematics and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | GRC4 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Medieval History and Spanish | RV4C |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Medieval History and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RVLC |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Middle East Studies and Spanish | TRP4 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Middle East Studies and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | TR64 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Modern History and Spanish | RV41 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Modern History and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RVK1 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Persian and Spanish | T6R4 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Persian and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | T64R |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Philosophy and Spanish | RV45 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Philosophy and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RVK5 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Russian and Spanish | RR47 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Russian and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RRK7 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Scottish History and Spanish | RVD3 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Scottish History and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | VR24 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Social Anthropology and Spanish | LR64 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Social Anthropology and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | LRP4 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Spanish and Sustainable Development | F885 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Spanish and Sustainable Development (With Integrated Year Abroad) | F881 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Spanish and Theological Studies | RV46 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Spanish and Theological Studies (With Integrated Year Abroad) | VR64 |
Triple subject degree options
It is also possible to take Spanish as part of a Modern Languages Honours degree including either three modern languages or two modern languages and one additional subject. Find out more about the Spanish MA triple subject combinations,
"With" degrees
You can take Spanish as part of a "with" Honours degree in which the majority of the course deals with the first name subject. St Andrews offers the following "with" degrees in Spanish:
- Master of Arts (Honours) Economics with Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) - UCAS code L1RL
- Master of Arts (Honours) Economics with Spanish - UCAS code L1RK
- Master of Arts (Honours) Geography with Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) - UCAS code L7RK
- Master of Arts (Honours) Geography with Spanish - UCAS code L7R4
- Master of Arts (Honours) Mathematics with Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) - UCAS code G1RX
- Master of Arts (Honours) Mathematics with Spanish - UCAS code G1RL
- Master of Arts (Honours) Spanish with Geography (With Integrated Year Abroad) - UCAS code R4LR
- Master of Arts (Honours) Spanish with Geography - UCAS code R4L7
"With" degrees taken with Spanish are also available 'With Integrated Year Abroad'.
Careers
Modern languages graduates have an extremely good record of employment after graduating, not only in all sectors that require advanced language skills but also in professional environments that demand good communication and analytical skills.
Employers value language graduates because they demonstrate excellent communication, interpersonal and intercultural skills.
Many graduates go on to:
- specialise in translation and interpreting services, in language teaching or other sector-specific careers
- join international institutions and enterprises, working in international development departments, human resources, administration, media and communication jobs
- start a career in the banking and financial sector
- join the civil service, particularly in positions within the Foreign Office.
In addition, many graduates pursue postgraduate study in languages and literatures, translation studies and teaching. Others study law or information technology.
The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.
What to do next
Online information events
Join us for one of our information events where you can find out about different levels of study and specific courses we run. There are also sessions available for parents and college counsellors.
Undergraduate visiting days
We encourage all students who are thinking of applying to the University to attend one of our online or in-person visiting days.
Contact us
- Phone
- +44 (0)1334 46 2954
- spanishhod@st-andrews.ac.uk
- Address
- Department of Spanish
Buchanan Building
Union Street
St Andrews
KY16 9PH
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