Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies
BA Honours
- UCAS code: RT47
- Full time
- 4 years
- Next start date: September 2022
Explore and study the languages, histories and societies of Spain, Portugal and Latin America and immerse yourself in these vibrant cultures.
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £20400
Entry requirements
- A Level: ABB
- IB: 32 points
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
This four-year Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies 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 include: social customs, art, music and the survival of indigenous people. You'll also have the opportunity to study Catalan and Italian.
You will achieve a high level of Spanish, both written and spoken, and your Portuguese will be built from a beginners' level.
You'll become a confident multilinguist, ready to embark on your career journey as a global citizen.
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Your course during COVID-19
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.
Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to guidelines that may be in place from time to time.
View our COVID-19 Study page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2021-22.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information
Quality and ranking
- 20th in the UK - The Complete University Guide 2022 (Iberian Languages category)
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 build on your current language skills, studying Spanish and Portuguese.
You also have opportunities to study a range of optional modules, giving you the chance to explore the culture of Latin America, Portugal and Spain.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Level A (HE Entry Level) Portuguese I | 20 |
| Level A (HE Entry Level) Portuguese II | 20 |
| Level B (HE Intermediate) Spanish | 20 |
You continue to build on your language skills, advancing your level of both Spanish and Portuguese.
Your optional modules dig deeper into the history of the countries you're studying, as well as having the opportunity to study Catalan and Italian.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Level B (HE Intermediate) Portuguese | 20 |
| Level C (HE Advanced) Spanish | 20 |
You will spend Stage 3 working or studying abroad. This year abroad exposes you to the life and cultures of the countries you're studying, further developing your language skills.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Year Abroad ePortfolio (YAeP) | 100 |
In Stage 4, you will continue with advanced study of Spanish.
You'll also have a wide range of cultural and language modules to choose from, exploring the culture and politics of Colombia, popular culture in Latin America and further Catalan study.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Level C (HE Advanced) Portuguese | 20 |
| Level D (HE Further Advanced) Spanish: Advanced Writing Skills | 10 |
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
The majority of language modules are taught by native speakers. You also work in language laboratories and undertake self-study in our award-winning Language Resource Centre.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assessments
-
Assignments – written or fieldwork
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Coursework
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Dossier
-
Essays
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Group work
-
Portfolio submission
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Practical sessions
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Presentations
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Reports
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
Year abroad
This Modern Languages degree includes a compulsory year abroad.
Students studying a European language can:
- study at one of our partner universities
- undertake a work or voluntary placement
- 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, visas and student safety
- 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 language assistants
There are also events in your second year where you can meet students who have already done their year abroad, students from our partner universities in Europe, and exchange students from universities in Latin America.
You'll be in contact with our Year Abroad team during your time abroad, and communicate with your personal tutor. You'll also write blog posts, reflecting on your linguistic, personal and professional development.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
As a Modern Languages student, you'll be based at our city-centre campus, in the School of Modern Languages. We've been teaching modern languages in Newcastle for more than 100 years.
You will have access to language laboratories 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
- dictionaries
- films
- live foreign-language TV channels
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 skills and cultural awareness of graduates.
With ever more European and international connections, language skills are important and give you a real advantage in applying for a wide range of graduate jobs.
For some graduates teaching is a popular career choice, undertaking primary and secondary Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) or teaching English abroad. Others go into jobs where their language skills are desirable, such as the media, sales, e-commerce, and areas of finance.
Make a difference
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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
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2022 entry.
A Level
ABB
International Baccalaureate
32 points
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Contextual offers
Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University, including Newcastle University London. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2022 entry (per year)
Home Fee Students
£9250
International Fee Students
£20400
The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students is set by the UK government.
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Read more about fees and funding
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Find out more about:
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year at our on-campus and virtual open days.
You'll be able to:
• explore our beautiful campus
• find out about our vibrant city
• discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:
- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Apply through UCASApply through an agent
International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.
Get in touch
By phone
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